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Hacienda La Alegria

Hacienda La Alegria

Charming, family-run hacienda geared towards horse riders, offering personalised excursions in the dramatic environment of the Avenue of the Volcanoes.

Right in the heart of Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes, the family-run working farm Hacienda La Alegria brims with friendly charm. It is primarily geared towards riders, with a stable of well-trained horses, each cared for with obvious love and attention, and a wide range of personalised excursions in the dramatic Andean terrain of the surrounding countryside. Steeped in equestrian tradition, owner Gabriel is an excellent guide for these rewarding trips.

Set amidst atmospheric grounds dotted with fountains, antique ironwork and hydrangea, the house itself is colonial in style. Although parts have been restored, it has retained its former elegance, and the décor has the feel of a traditional South American country cottage. There are just ten individually decorated rooms with exposed wooden beams, cypress floors and en suite bathrooms. 

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Everyone was very concious of preserving water and not littering - it seems part of everyday life in Ecuador

    KK, Belfast Dec 2010
  • Most memorable experiences: Galapagos snorkeling at Devils Crown and the inland lagoon; walk on Fernandina; mountain bikes and trek at Cotopaxi.

    JG, Sevenoaks Aug 2015
  • Probably the Tren Crucero (was the top experience) but too many highlights to mention.

    SB, Cambourne Feb 2020
  • We had a wonderful time… we thought the guides we had were among the best we have known anywhere; we went for the Galápagos and would admit to mainland Ecuador…

    PW, Lambeth Jul 2026
  • Ecuador Highlights: Seeing hummingbirds & humpback whales, summiting the Pasochoa peak with Kristian, Quilotoa Volcano Lake, Quito cable car ride, the Las Cajas Park walks with Wilson. 

    PJR Aug 2011
  • Most memorable experience: "Where to start? Huge evening skies on the Napo river, pulling out of Chimbacalle station on the Tren Crucero in a cacophony of whistling and hooting; the…

    DH, Portsmouth Jun 2015
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Our Expert's Opinion

Kathryn
Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Finn Clennett
    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • Chris
    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

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