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Hot Springs Ride on
Pasos
While you’re in Ecuador we want to share with you one of the
smoothest rides in the world. We offer a luxury two day ride through Ecuador´s
most beautiful landscapes using prize-winning Peruvian Paso horses.
The Peruvian Paso is considered a unique breed. Its natural four-beat lateral
gait allows it to cover long distances in very short times. Our Peruvians are
ridden for pleasure and are bred for strength, smoothness, elegance and
endurance. Being close to Quito, this is the perfect short add on trip.
 IT-ECSR06
2006 Rates include lodging at the resort, meals, 2 riding days on
Peruvian Pasos
2 days/ 1 nights $495 Single: + $65
Dates: Any time during the year.
Meeting: Quito
Airport: Quito
Transfer: Transfer from Quito $130 for 2-3 people) return - to pay
locally
Level:
Good novice
to Intermediate
Horses:
Peruvian Paso
Tack:
Western
stayle
Pace: Slow, some trots and canters
Min/Max Riders: 2-8
Note: Only available in combination with other Hidden Trails trips
in Ecuador.
Itinerary
Day 1: We pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 am and take you to our ranch
located just 30 minutes from the city in the foothills of Ilalo Volcano. We
begin with a short tour of the premises to show you the breeding studs and the
work horses. A horse show is given to demonstrate the unique characteristics of
the Paso horse. We begin the ride inside the ranch property in order to become
comfortable in the saddle and understand the basic principles of riding a Paso
horse. Once everyone is accustomed to their mount we start our ride to the top
of Ilalo Volcano (a 600 meter climb), which takes us about 2-3 hours. On a clear
day from the top of Ilalo Volcano, we get a spectacular 360 degree views of the
entire region. This includes Quito, the Cumbaya and Tumbaco valleys, and all the
volcanoes and snow peaks surrounding the region including Cotopaxi, Illinizas,
Antisana, Sincholagua, Pasochoa, Pichincha and Cayambe Volcanoes. We eat lunch
at the top of Ilalo Volcano. After lunch, we descend back to the ranch where,
arriving by early afternoon. There is free time now, during which you can relax
and enjoy the premises. Later, we transfer you to Papallacta Spa and Resort to
enjoy the natural hot springs and the comforts of the resort, one of the best
spots in the Ecuadorian Highlands. We also include a 3 hourr aromatherapy
treatment. If you have enough time, Papallacta also offers the opportunity to
visit the Interpretative Center.
Day 2: The next morning we pick you up for another great riding day. We
travel to Antisana, the fourth highest mountain in Ecuador (18,710 feet). This
volcano represents one of the most beautiful pristine areas of Paramo in the
highlands of Ecuador. Its natural isolation, lack of access roads, and
declaration in 1993 as a Natural Preserve, have helped preserve this magnificent
Paramo full of wildlife and unmatched scenery. The Antisana Reserve sustains an
abundance of wildlife. Llamas, rabbits, caracaras, black faced ibis, falcons,
hawks, gulls, and hummingbirds are all common sights in the area. In addition,
arguably 50% of the Andean condors that live in Ecuador have chosen Antisana as
their home. For centuries, the beautiful landscapes around this volcano were
only within the reach of scientists, geographers, and the most intrepid
adventurers. Now, however, it is open and available to you. The ride begins at
Hacienda Antisana, a private Ecological Reserve, located in the foothills of the
volcano. We meet our horses and after a welcome drink, we begin a 4 to 5 hour
ride from the main house to the base of the volcano, across the foothills of
Antisana, before returning back to the main house for lunch. The open fields are
perfect for riding our Peruvians. The view is magnificent; on a clear day
Sincholagua can be spotted nearby, as well as the snow-capped cones of Cotopaxi
and Illinizas. With luck, even the massive Chimborazo can be viewed in the
distance. We will make frequent stops to appreciate the scenery, or to enjoy a
snack or drink. We return to the Hacienda at approximately 1:30 pm where lunch
is waiting for us. After lunch, we take some time to relax and enjoy a warm
drink before returning to Quito. We arrive in Quito at approximately 4:30 pm in
the afternoon. We say farewell to the new friends that we have made. From here,
you can continue your exploration of Ecuador, or catch your return flight home.
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