Hacienda la Danesa

We stayed at Hacienda La Danesa outside of Naranjito, Ecuador to finish our family visit to the Galápagos Islands and it did not disappoint! The staff was friendly and helpful and the activities were well planned and enjoyable. We biked, hiked, learned about how the Hacienda makes chocolate and one of our highlights was the beekeeping experience. Guillermo, our beekeeping expert, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about bees and we learned about their importance to our world. We handled the bees in full bee-keeping suits and finished up our experience learning about and tasting honey. The entire experience at Hacienda La Danesa was outstanding.

This was our second stay at Hacienda La Danesa, our first stay was 3 years ago. However, this time we decided to bring the parents-in-law as well. We were pleased to find La Danesa to be just as charming as the first time. We had reserved the restored stables for us and the garden cottage for the in-laws, both rooms have their own charm. We prefer the restored stables because of the airy but rustic design, views, and the alfresco shower. However, the garden cottage has a beautiful pathway where you can set up a private and very romantic dinner. The team actually set up a beautiful dinner there for us and it was unforgettable. As for activities, we did beekeeping, horseriding, the cacao experience, and milking in the garden. We would recommend all of them! When we booked the beekeeping experience the beekeeper couldn't make it as he was ill but the team managed to provide a quick solution by having a local beekeeper give us the tour instead. The food at La Danesa is amazing. All meals are a la carte with only a few options but less is more and the quality and presentation are amazing. The only thing we missed during our stay was great coffee and we would recommend investing in barista training to take the experience to the next level. At La Danesa the attention to detail is outstanding, both when it comes to the design of the spaces and the experience as a whole. To conclude, La Danesa is a must and it can not be missed.

Hacienda La Danesa is truly a remarkable place. From the moment you turn into the long road leading up to the facility, the grounds spread over 500 hectares are quite beautiful and tranquil. The facilities, lodging, restaurant, and activities are all top notch. The staff also are courteous and very professional. Highly recommended and looking forward to my next return.

We could only stay one night stay but it well worth the nearly 2 hour drive from Guayaquil cruise port where our ship was docked overnight. We greatly enjoyed the horseback riding, cacao experience (which included a little bike riding on the ranch rounds and making custom chocolate bars), and the opportunity to milk a cow for the first time! Our accommodations were very comfortable. The staff and food were excellent. The internet was very speedy. The farm grounds, animals and ambiance were very peaceful and relaxing.

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.

From the very first minute we stepped on the immaculate property the staff were amazing. They met every need and were so pleasant and knowledgable. The accomodation was spotless and the home grown food was inventive, pretty and of course delicious! The scope of activities is amazing, but we also enjoyed the relaxing days where you can hear the horses and see vast amount of different birds stroll by your room. Overall an amazing and unique stay!

I was flying from Galápagos Islands back to the USA and had one day to spare in Guayaquil. The city was not the safest place to spend that day and I decided to go to the countryside. In the morning I texted on WhatsApp with Hacienda La Danesa contact person and a very welcoming coordinator arrange an afternoon airport pick up for me, booked a room and explained that cacao tour, river tubing, chocolate making experience and breakfast are included in the rate. The experience was beyond amazing, my stable room was a pure luxury and I was welcomed by a personal host Yvonne with deep care, she made my stay amazing beyond my expectations! The cacao plantation experience was so interesting, I’ve never seen anything like that before. If anyone wants to see true Ecuador, Hacienda La Danesa is a must-visit place!

We found a family atmosphere but also spontaneous, attentive, and diligent teamwork on the part of each person in charge of the services. They always accommodated our requests and took the initiative to keep an eye on our comfort. Our stay was full of details from the staff in who we noticed their desire to serve and please us as if we were part of their family. We remember all of them with gratitude and affection: Yesenia, Saray, Ivonne, Josue, Diego, and all the rest, who attended us during meals, as well as the cooks.

Idyllic and very special place