Less than a half hour outside Quito is this fantastic hacienda, with an interesting host. We stayed at La Alegria on April 8, 2012, as part of an adventure tour. The rooms have sweeping views of the Andes and the rooms are posh by Ecuadorian standards. Gabriel, the owner, took us on a three hour horseback ride through the mountains... More

I recently spent three days at Hacienda La Alegria and loved every moment of the visit. The accommodations, the food, the hosts: Gabriel and Paty, the staff, the horses of course (!!), the dogs, the Llamas, the dairy cows..it was a fantastic way to experience a true Ecuadorian home and lifestyle among the gorgeous area of the Volcanoes. An easy... More

We visited Hacienda Alegria for a day excursion from Quito. We wanted to be away from the hustle and bustle of Quito and we were pleased to find ourselves on a beautiful farm just 45 minutes from the city. We were given a superb time by Gabriel and his wife. After meeting the llamas we enjoyed a demonstration of roping... More

I was teaching English in Ecuador for a year. The South American Explorers Club planned a trip to Hacienda La Alegria. On a whim, I decided to go. I don't have much horse experience, but this trip turned out to be one of my most memorable events! Gabriel and Patti made us all feel so welcome and the Hacienda is... More

My wife and I spent 3 days at the Hacienda with Gabriel and Patti. They are friends now. When we arrive Gabby sits down and talks to us .. never in a rush. Food is very nice( Patti's creations) and the room and ambiance is warm and rustic. In the morning Gabby gets us ready with horses, wonderful horses! and... More

I just returned from a day trip to La Alegria from Quito. I highly recommend this beautiful hacienda, only an hour from Quito. Gabriel picked me up at my hotel and was very gracious and welcoming. I ended up going out 3 times for a ride - the horses are well taken care of, well behaved and we were able... More

What a great place. Wish we could have spent a week here. Everything about the place says "comfort". The welcome from the owner Patti, tea in front of a fire, beautiful room with a great shower and lots of hot water. This is a working dairy farm and guests are encouraged to roam around and discover. Grounds are beautiful with... More

We spent two and a half days at La Alegria. (Half, because it was hard to leave and because you can check out almost any time you want!) The scenery there is beautiful, and equally important, the owners, Patti and Gabriel, are the most gracious of hosts. You feel like a guest, not a lodger passing thru. The hosts sit... More

La Alegria is more than a place to stay an more than an equestrian experience. It was a pleasure to be there. When we arrived, we were warmly greeted by Mauricio, a member of the Espinoza family, who showed us to our stunning room, and invited us to lunch in the main house. Mauricio gave us a grand tour, including... More