If you'd like to get under the skin of traditional rural life in Ecuador, Hacienda La Danesa offers a fascinating countryside experience to day visitors and resident guests. Located close to the railway track around 90 minutes' drive from Guayaquil, this hacienda, established in 1870, has been managed for over 20 years by a Danish family which has established one of the most successful dairy farms in the region, and has now expanded operations to welcoming visitors, quickly establishing a reputation for their farm-to-table gastronomy.

There are just a handful of cosy, rustic-chic guest rooms in the grounds. The stylish rooms, designed using wooden beams, stone and brick are beautifully appointed with an abundance of Ecuadorian nick-knacks The team at the hacienda (most staff are recruited from the local village and trained on site) are keen to interact with guests, speaking a little English and offering various experiences around the farm such as milking the cows and chocolate making. To spice up you adventure you can go tubing, horse riding and cycling in the vicinity.