Hacienda La Danesa

Hacienda La Danesa is located just over an hour from Guayaquil in the direction of the Andes, but once you arrive, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve left all trace of city life behind.

This beautiful family-run property has just six rooms giving it a really intimate and personal feel. The emphasis is on making the guests feel truly welcome and providing the kind of service that lets you simply relax and unwind, knowing everything is taken care of.

Rooms are bright and airy and beautifully decorated in warm, earthy tones with local artwork and teak furniture reflecting the local customs and traditions. There are four rooms and two cottages, which are perfect for families. A farm-to-table philosophy makes eating here a real treat and guests are treated to delicious food made using produce grown on-site or bought from the local market. Meals are served on the open-sided Teca Terrace, or you can choose to dine privately. You’re also encouraged to try their jams, dulce de leche and handmade chocolate.

Although the hacienda is the perfect place to unwind, there are some wonderful excursions that allow you to explore the beautiful natural surroundings. You can head out to the cloud forest to discover waterfalls, or to the Manglares-Churute Ecological Reserve in search of monkeys and birds. Closer to the hacienda there’s plenty of opportunities for cycling, hiking and tubing or learning how to whip up delicious Ecuadorian dishes in the kitchen. You can even try your hand at milking the cows! And for the ultimate in relaxation, indulge in a massage in the comfort of your room.