Hacienda to Hacienda Ride

The enchanting Andes

Heading northwards from Quito, after a quick stop on the equator line, you will meet the horses and, once everyone is comfortable, head out along the grassy lanes. Having admired the magnificent view atop a hill carpeted with wild flowers, descend to a family run Hacienda in a beautiful pastoral valley. This small working farm with a dairy herd and Andalusian (PRE) horses is the perfect location to leisurely drift into the relaxing Andean atmosphere. Once settled in at the Hacienda, guests can view the collection of Inca and pre-Inca ceramics discovered on site.
Overnight at a working Hacienda, six rooms.
PL, D (approx. 2hr drive, 4-5 hours riding)

Patchwork fields, exotic crops, San Pablo Lake

Today, ride past tiny hamlets of adobe huts, the ladies in their brightly colored full skirts herding sheep and pigs. Ride through woodlands, and wind your way around the patchwork fields of quinoa, potatoes, maize, lupins and tree tomato orchards. There will be magnificent views of the jagged Mojanda summit as you cross the slopes of the sacred Imbabura Volcano – the focus of many pre-Inca legends. Nearing the Hacienda, you pass avocadoes, papaya, passion fruit and, riding into the Hacienda courtyard, graced with bougainvillea, the hummingbirds zoom past en route to the agapanthus. A blast of dazzling Andean color is provided on a visit to the famous Otavalo market.

Overnight at a Hacienda founded in the early 17th century
BB, PL, D (approx. 5-6 hours riding)

Andean Condors & the beautiful, pastoral Zuleta Valley

After a fascinating demonstration by local master weavers and a chance to purchase top quality Andean handicrafts, ride out of the Hacienda. Climbing out the valley onto the plains, pick up the pace and, following agave-lined sandy tracks, ride through a landscape frequently described by guests as the most picturesque they have ever seen. Dramatic views of the hanging valleys and rocky ridges as we descend to lush meadows below passing ladies in traditional dress embroidering intricate blouses as they watch their flocks. Stop to see the pre-Inca earthworks dotted around this valley -one of the first highland areas settled, also often pausing in awe at the sight of a mighty Andean condor soaring overhead. Afternoon drive to a very comfortable country hotel located at the trail head of the next part of our ride. Jacuzzi & sauna, dinner & overnight at this very comfortable lodge.
Dinner & Overnight at hilltop country hotel; jacuzzi & sauna.
AB, PL, D (approx. 6 hours horse riding, 2.5hrs drive)

The wild Andes, four magnificent volcanoes

First riding along lanes between the meadows, riders get used to their new horses. Alongside the gurgling river, the abundance of lush vegetation is quite surprising: montane bamboo, ferns and native trees dripping with orchids and bromelias. The birds such as woodpeckers and hummingbirds are wonderful to see, the vultures a little unnerving! As you leave the micro-climate of the river valley, extensive views open up before you. Surrounded by four Andean peaks – part of the Avenue of Volcanoes, you ride towards the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano. Riding onto rough grasslands in the Sincholagua foothills there is a good chance of seeing more Andean Condors as well as eagles, hawks, falcons and harriers. At the northern border of the Cotopaxi National Park you arrive at a modern hacienda, often greeted by the llamas. This idyllic location, with remarkable views of the marvelous Andean landscape is dominated by the perfectly conical shape of the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano, will be your base for 2 nights.
Dinner & Overnight at a Hacienda
AB, PL, D (approx. 6 hours horse riding)

Open Plains & Wild Horses in Cotopaxi National Park

Ride into Cotopaxi national park on the adorable sure-footed criollo horses for some exhilarating canters across the wide, arid plains at the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano. The horses enjoy the open spaces but have such a calm temperament that they settle into a rhythm without trying to rush. Several herds of wild horses inhabit the park and to ride alongside these long-maned horses galloping freely across the rugged terrain is an unique experience. Part of this ride follows the main Inca highway which linked Quito with Cusco, Peru, then turn eastwards to follow the Inca route leading down to the Amazon. Pause to visit the remains of an Inca fort before continuing on through the gently undulating grassy hills, passing drumlins and moraine, crossing lahas and old lava flows before returning to the Hacienda via a canyon.
Dinner & 2nd Overnight at the Hacienda
AB, PL, D (approx. 6 hours horse riding)

Rugged peaks and incomparable views

Head up the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano (‘stoneface’) with an excellent chance of close encounters with the Andean condor, fox and deer. Pass polylepis trees (‘paperbark trees’), native shrubs such as chuquiragua and valeriana and a host of colorful wild flowers hugging the hillsides. Rising above 13,123 ft and experiencing one of the highest canters in the world, you’ll then ride on into a hidden valley, often seeing wild horses grazing close to the towering cliffs. The views are unforgettable and the picnic spot unmatchable. The trails, marked out by the wild horses, take you back down and on to a once important Jesuit Hacienda recently restored and now a delightful place to stay.
Dinner and Overnight at an old Jesuit Hacienda seeped in history
AB, PL, D (approx. 6-7 hours riding)

Andean high pass & Avenue of the Volcanoes

The final ride takes you on an exhilarating canter across the flat expanses of Cotopaxi National Park, close to the volcano where we traverse old lava, volcanic ash and lahas. Then veer westwards and start a long ascent with outstanding views. Riding up through the native grasslands in order to reach the scree slopes and cross over into the Avenue of the Volcanoes, you leave the national park and often meet local horsemen (‘chagras’) checking their cattle – quite a sight, with their colorful ponchos, thick goatskin chaps and intricately plaited bridles. Their stirrups are enclosed – like clogs, and often carved into an animal head. Their lassos seem impossibly long to do anything with – but very necessary when working with their very feisty bulls: they lasso the animal then get as far away as possible! We leave the horses and are driven to a historic hacienda close to Quito Airport for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at a historic Hacienda in large gardens, close to Quito Airport.
AB, PL, D (approx. 6-7 hours riding, 2hr drive).

Breakfast and Farewell

Following breakfast, you are transferred to the airport in time for your departing flights (transfer cost not included, but can be arranged by your host at extra cost).