Horseback Riding in Ecuador
HACIENDA TO HACIENDA RIDE |
High in the Andean Cordillera, tucked into lush valleys surrounded by snow-capped volcanic peaks, are a handful of gracious haciendas reminiscent of a former era. Ecuador's stunning scenery, colorful culture, friendly local people and temperate climate combine to make it one of the most rewarding destinations in South America.
The Hacienda to Hacienda Ride follows a stunning route through the Andean highlands along ancient Inca trails at elevations between 8,000 and 14,000 feet. The ride winds past ruins and local people working in the fields. There are ever changing views of the towering mountains including the Avenue of Volcanoes. Two sets of horses in different locations make it possible to see a larger part of the area and there are opportunities to shop for a wide range of ethnic handicrafts.
The horses get an A+ for being nice, solid, nontemperamental mounts that were fantastically physically fit. I didn't see a single horse I would not have willingly ridden and been happy with. The entourage of helpers, both horse helpers and people helpers, were also super. Courtesy and attentiveness were the norm. The guide did a great job of communicating the information we needed without overwhelming us with too much at once. I really liked going from one hacienda to the next, and this allowed us to experience a part of Ecuador that would have been unavailable in regular international type hotels. Overall, it was a great tour, and a wonderful vacation.
- Laura Exum (USA)
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Meet at the Quito airport or hotel by a bilingual guide. Drive north to the famous Otavalo market where the local Indians, dressed in their distinctive traditional costume, sell their crafts and local foods. It is a short drive on to our destination hacienda once frequented by the great South American liberator Simon Bolivar. With its terraces and gardens graced with citrus, palm and pine trees it is an ideal location to leisurely drift into the relaxing Andean surroundings. An introductory ride (2-3 hrs.) will be along the tracks and through the fields on the slopes of the Imbabura Volcano. Guests will first try their horses in an enclosed area to get used to the tack. The guides and grooms are available to assist and give instruction. Overnight at the hacienda. |
| Day 2: | Leave this historical hacienda on horseback and ride to another colonial hacienda built in 1606 (5 hrs.). Ride through tiny hamlets and wind around the patchwork fields. Magnificent views of the San Pablo lake as we ride across the slopes of the sacred Imbabura Volcano (extinct). The focus will be on the many Inca legends. As well as seeing an array of exotic fruits and local crops, we pass the locals in vibrant traditional dress going about their daily tasks of plowing, planting and harvesting while the children herd pigs and sheep. It is a fascinating insight into Andean country life. In the afternoon, visit local weavers where the ancient pre-Inca backstrap loom is still used. Overnight at this early 17th Century hacienda adorned with local crafts and antiques.
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| Day 3: | Start the day with a stunning ride into the pastoral Zuleta Valley (5 hrs.). Ride along country lanes then through eucalyptus forests, rising out of San Pablo Valley and onto the plains beyond for some fast-pace riding. Views of Zuleta valley, the verdant gorges and the 'paramo' (the unique Andean habitat of high grasslands) as we pass dew ponds and hedges of aloe vera and agave atop mud walls. Descend into the Zuleta meadows and ride on to a working farm in the middle of this sleepy valley. There is a chance of seeing the mighty Andean Condor as well as other species such as hummingbirds and bright scarlet flycatchers. Andalusian horses, fighting bulls and a dairy herd are among the farm inhabitants. In the afternoon, see the hand embroidery that has made the valley famous. Overnight at this working hacienda. |
| Day 4: | A route is taken through two distinct vegetation zones (5-7 hrs.) Ride out of the hacienda along tree-lined trails between the meadows and passing the traditional adobe and thatch cottages. Canter along dirt tracks then take to the steep paths following the gorges and climb high into the open, wild grasslands. Crossing the gently undulating highlands following barely visible tracks made by the 'chagras' (Andean cowhands) while rounding up the cattle, we enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding valleys below. Descend into the Cayambe Valley dominated by the snow-capped Cayambe Volcano, which straddles the Equator Line and say 'goodbye' to these horses. Cross the Equator Line and overnight in one of the oldest haciendas in Ecuador which still boasts fine examples of early colonial architecture. Guests can relax in the gardens and courtyards as well as use the covered swimming pool. |
| Day 5: | The day starts with an early morning drive bypassing Quito and heading south down through the 'Avenue of Volcanoes'. The views are stunning as we leave snow-capped Cayambe behind. Riders have a chance to get the feel of their new trusty steeds before riding south out of the Machachi valley to the foothills of the twin Iliniza peaks – very different scenery to the previous days' rides. The wide sandy tracks and grassy paths are ideal for some more fast-pace riding. We often pass the locals, the ladies wearing full, brightly colored, pleated skirts. The children are often marching along behind their llamas, donkeys or pigs, taking them to the open pastureland. Arrive at our hacienda by way of a very impressive avenue of eucalyptus trees. This magnificent hacienda holds a very special place in history: the scene of several independence battles and used a s a base by many explorers and scientists such as Condamine and Humboldt during their expeditions to the "new world". |
| Day 6: | Start the day with an early morning visit by vehicle to the rural Saquisili Indian market. Guests can amble through the squares and streets buying some local crafts or simply watching the locals trading on this important market day. Drive back to the park entrance to meet the horses, then head for the hills around Cotopaxi on horseback. Canter along flat, barren plains at hte base of the Cotopaxi Volcano (the highest active volcano in the world). Several herds of wild horses inhabit the park and to ride along side these long-maned horses galloping freely across the rugged terrain is an exhilarating experience. Part of this ride follows the main Inca highway which linked Quito with Cusco, Peru. Passing a shallow lake on the high plains we ride across a very surprising luna landscape with huge boulders and hard baked ocre-coloured mud then onto rolling grassy hills. |
| Day 7: | Guests ride out of the beautiful hosteria and head over a mountain pass to enjoy the stunning high Andean scenery in this wilderness. In these remote Andean paramo areas the local chagras are the only people to venture far. A local horseman will accompany our group , guiding us through a sea of grass, along mountain tracks, across streams of snowmelt passing native scrubland. Riders experience the remoteness of the magnificent high Andes with wonderful views of the surrounding peaks: Cotopaxi, Ruminahui, Sincholagua, Pasachooa. to name a few. Deer, condor, Andean foxes have been spotted on this route, high altitude hummingbirds (hillstars) are often sighted zooming between the native wildflowers as well as swifts. Once over the high pass and across the scree slopes guests descend into the valley. Transfer back to Quito to overnight. |
| Day 8: | Following breakfast, guests are accompanied to the airport in time for flights.
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| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Quito |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 7 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-10 |
| Riding Per Day | 4-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate, with long canters and gallops |
| Tack | South American |
| Horses | Criollo cross |
| Weight Limit | 180 lbs |
| 2009 Dates | Jan 3-10, Jan 18-25, Feb 22-March 1, June 20-27, June 27-July 4, July 11-18, July 18-25, July 25-Aug 1, Aug 1-8, Aug 15-22, Aug 22-29, Sept 5-12, Sept 19-26, Oct 3-10, Nov 28-Dec 5, Dec 5-12, Dec 12-19, Dec 19-26, Jan 9-16, 2010
Custom rides can be arranged upon request. |
| 2009 Price | $3,750 for 2-3 riders
$2,595 for 4-10 riders
*Additional fee for Holiday, and Christmas Specials.
**Riders up to 200 lbs. will be accepted with a $295 additional fee. |
| Single Supplement | $495 |
| Additional Information | Call for optional itineraries. |
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