Hacienda La Danesa
A genteel rural farmstay offering luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining, and immersive activities like chocolate making and horseback riding.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the city for a day
Hacienda La Danesa
Best Time
Escape the city for a day
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A genteel rural farmstay offering luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining, and immersive activities like chocolate making and horseback riding.
"One of the loveliest haciendas on the planet, with architecture and appointments that are sheer perfection."
🎯 Book Excursions Early
Popular activities like chocolate making and beekeeping fill up quickly. Book in advance! :ticket:
🍽️ Savor the Cuisine
The food is a highlight! Consider the meal plan for an exceptional culinary journey. :knifeforkplate:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chocolate Making Workshop
On-site
Learn the bean-to-bar process and craft your own delicious chocolate. A truly immersive and tasty experience.
Horseback Riding
Plantation grounds
Explore the scenic plantation on horseback, guided by patient and knowledgeable staff.
Beekeeping Experience
On-site
An incredible opportunity to learn about bees and their vital role in the ecosystem.
Architectural Charm
Main house and cottages
Admire the sheer perfection of the architecture and interior design, creating a peaceful, luxurious ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Activities in Advance
Consider the Meal Plan
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Excursions Early
Popular activities like chocolate making and beekeeping fill up quickly. Book in advance! :ticket:
🍽️ Savor the Cuisine
The food is a highlight! Consider the meal plan for an exceptional culinary journey. :knifeforkplate:
🐎 Enjoy the Rides
Horseback riding through the plantation is a must-do for many visitors. :horse:
📸 Capture the Beauty
The hacienda's architecture and surroundings are incredibly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Excursions Early
Popular activities like chocolate making and beekeeping fill up quickly. Book in advance! :ticket:
🍽️ Savor the Cuisine
The food is a highlight! Consider the meal plan for an exceptional culinary journey. :knifeforkplate:
🐎 Enjoy the Rides
Horseback riding through the plantation is a must-do for many visitors. :horse:
📸 Capture the Beauty
The hacienda's architecture and surroundings are incredibly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
💧 Don't Miss Waterfalls
Guided hikes to stunning waterfalls offer a refreshing natural escape. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hacienda La Danesa is widely celebrated for its impeccable architecture, luxurious accommodations, and outstanding cuisine, offering a truly peaceful escape. While the price point is high, guests find the experiences, particularly the chocolate making and beekeeping, to be incredibly memorable and worthwhile. Some visitors wish for more seamless translation of meal preferences, but the overall quality of food and service is exceptional.
"One of the loveliest haciendas on the planet. The architecture and appointments in the rooms and common area are sheer perfection. Whoever designed the buildings and the interior must be at the top of their respective industries. That being said, the price is steep for the location. We booked the Garden Cottage along with the meal plan and two extra excursions (beekeeping--incredible!) and (cloud forest waterfall hike--stunning!) and the cost added up to over $1,000 a day. Service is excellent, and though meal preferences don't always translate well, the quality and presentation of the food is outstanding. Try Myra's empanadas! And the hot chocolate was the best I ever had.
If you are looking for peaceful luxury, this is the place! So beautiful."
rebecca jaech
"Loved Hacienda La Danesa! The service was excellent, the food was excellent, and we really enjoyed the activities! The property is beautiful and it is such a peaceful setting to escape the city and just enjoy the sights and sounds of the plantation. The staff were above and beyond helpful. We only did a day trip and I wish we had time to spend a few nights."
Alexis Alloway
"What an excellent surprise beautifully presented in the low lands of a forest and plantation. Down a long drive you come to a modern ranch style home. Every detail is cared for everyone has your enjoyment at forefront. We are sole amazing food all freshly cooked, made chocolate from. Picking the pod to the end result, wonderful. The rooms are beautiful, you lay in bed looking out of the plantation. Highly recommended and very privileged thank you all."
Martin Kulin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hacienda La Danesa is a popular day trip or stopover from Guayaquil. Many visitors arrange private transport or taxis for the approximately 1.5-hour drive. Some also incorporate it into their journey to other destinations.
Public transport options are limited and would likely involve multiple transfers and a significant walk. Private transportation is highly recommended for ease and convenience.
The drive from Guayaquil to Hacienda La Danesa is roughly 70-80 kilometers (43-50 miles), taking about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to contact Hacienda La Danesa directly to inquire about any transportation services they might offer or recommend.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy Hacienda La Danesa as a day trip from Guayaquil, experiencing its charm, activities, and food. However, some wish they had stayed longer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your visit, especially if you plan to participate in specific activities like the chocolate making workshop or beekeeping. This ensures availability.
Hacienda La Danesa typically welcomes visitors for day trips and overnight stays. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current operating hours and availability.
Costs can vary depending on whether you opt for a day visit, overnight stay, or include specific excursions and the meal plan. Some reviews mention significant costs for extended stays with activities.
Yes, Hacienda La Danesa offers various experiences, from day visits to overnight stays with meal plans and a selection of engaging activities like chocolate making and beekeeping.
While walk-ins might be accommodated for general visits, pre-booking is strongly advised, especially for activities and to guarantee your spot, particularly during peak seasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Hacienda La Danesa offers a range of activities including chocolate making workshops, beekeeping tours, horseback riding, tubing, and guided hikes to waterfalls.
Yes, families with children often have a wonderful time. Activities like chocolate making and tubing are particularly enjoyable for younger visitors.
Accommodation is described as peaceful luxury, with beautifully decorated rooms and cottages offering comfort and relaxation amidst the plantation setting.
Yes, horseback riding is a popular activity offered at Hacienda La Danesa, with guides who are patient and accommodating.
Expect to see lush plantation landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and potentially visit stunning waterfalls on guided hikes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The food is consistently praised as outstanding, freshly cooked, and beautifully presented. Many consider it the most memorable part of their visit.
Yes, a meal plan is available and highly recommended by many guests for its exceptional quality and variety.
The hacienda offers delicious meals that often incorporate local flavors and ingredients, providing an authentic taste of Ecuador.
Myra's empanadas and the hot chocolate are frequently mentioned as exceptional treats.
While meal preferences may not always translate perfectly, the staff is generally accommodating. It's best to communicate any specific dietary needs in advance.
📸 📸 Photography
The hacienda's charming architecture, lush plantation grounds, and scenic waterfalls offer numerous picturesque opportunities.
There is no specific information available regarding drone usage. It's advisable to inquire with the hacienda management before flying a drone.
Cinematic shots, landscape photography, and capturing the details of the architecture and activities are popular.
Yes, you can generally take photos during most activities, but it's always good to be mindful of other participants and the guides.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but respecting the privacy of other guests and the operational flow of activities is always appreciated.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The spacious grounds provide plenty of room to explore, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming and safe. Many families have made day trips here and found it to be a great spot to break up travel or enjoy a unique outing from Guayaquil.
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Delights of Hacienda La Danesa
Visitors frequently rave about specific dishes, with Myra's empanadas and the rich hot chocolate being standout mentions. The hacienda also offers unique food-related activities, such as the immersive chocolate-making workshop where you can learn the entire process from bean to bar and even create your own chocolate.
While the price point for the meal plan and excursions can be considered steep by some, the consensus is that the quality, presentation, and overall dining experience justify the cost for those seeking a luxurious and memorable culinary adventure.
Immersive Activities and Experiences
For those interested in nature and agriculture, the beekeeping experience provides an insightful look into the world of bees and their importance.
Many visitors recommend booking these activities in advance, as they are popular and can fill up quickly.
Architectural Elegance and Tranquil Ambiance
This attention to detail extends to the common areas, which are designed to be both elegant and inviting. Waking up in a room with views overlooking the plantation is a recurring highlight for guests, contributing to the overall serene and idyllic setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit