Galapagos

Water, essence of life and natural force sacred to the ancient Inca, was harnessed and controlled in a large man-made water temple in the late 15th century.

The enormous vulture has declined due to poisonings and land development, but rescue efforts are helping it slowly make a comeback.

These Andean plants are an important part of the local pharmacopeia and have many traditional uses that are supported by modern research. 

Fernando Polanco, of Hacienda Zuleta, tells us about what guests can experience at his property where nature, exco-tourism and community come first.

The Biodiversity Heritage Library works collaboratively to make biodiversity literature openly available to the world as part of a global biodiversity community.

From working farms to elegant boutique hotels, these glorious historic homes in spectacular rural settings have opened their doors to visitors.

Fieldwork affiliated with Institute for Field Research; directed by Will Pratt

After more than 20 years of hard work and perseverance, Hacienda Zuleta completed a dream in releasing a captive bred Andean condor into the wild.

Ekeko is an important figure for communities across the Andes, and has a special significance for Ayamara indigenous communities.

The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) faces an array of threats throughout its range.

Cóndores. Gabriela Arévalo nos presenta una mirada al presente y al futuro de la especie emblemática de Ecuador. 

Hacienda Zuleta in the northern sierra province of Imbabura, Ecuador is the location of the largest 'ramp-mound' site of the Caranqui culture dated to the Late Period in the highlands chronological sequence (c. AD 1250-1525) and also of a large 17th-century Colonial period hacienda of Jesuit foundation. The Late Period is characterised by the construction of very large hemispherical or quadrilateral 'pyramid tolos, sometimes with a ramp or a long 'walkway' and up to 22 of these ramp-tola sites have been identified in the northern sierra provinces of northern Pichincha and Imbabura (Gondard & L6pez 1983; Knapp 1992). They are thought to have been the political centres of the region's paramount chiefs and the ceremonial foci for their scattered communities (Salomon 1986). Studies suggest they are contemporary with one another, originating from about the 8th to loth centuries AD (Athens 1978; 1992; Oberem 1975), although the phases of occupation associated with the creation of the large quadrilateral ramp mounds seem to be later, linked to socio-economic and political trends of agricultural intensification and increasing population densities which are also taken to characterize the Late Period.

The Hacienda Zuleta is the epitome of what a hacienda short should be. lt combines a long family history with many amenities.

Hacienda Zuleta's Andean Condor Huasi Project is internationally known for their work in rehabilitating the Andean condors.