Andean Mountain Ride

Introduction
Haciendas Ecuador

The country lies astride the Equator as the name indicates, but the climate is temperate because the ride is on a hacienda at about 9,000 ft. Upon stepping through the gates of the hacienda, one enters into a historical legacy dating back thousands of years.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Andes Mountains, the fertile valley still bountifully supports its inhabitants and is sited as a model for farming and land use in Ecuador and all of the Andes.  The main house was built in the 17th century and is a fine example of Spanish colonial architecture.
 
Today it is owned by the Plaza family (Galo Plaza was President of Ecuador from 1948 to 1952).   The food and service are excellent and the owners of this beautiful estate are particularly  proud of their fine Andalusian horses. Every day's ride has its particular beauty and charm, including rides in valleys surrounded by mountains, bathed in green lakes on mountain tops, snowcapped Cayambe, ancient Inca pyramids, waterfalls, dramatic views in or above the clouds. There are also encounters with friendly local Indian people in their colorful clothing.

The hacienda is famous for it horses and riding program. Here you can ride the Zuleteño horse.

Accomodation

This beautiful estate, owned by the descendents of former Ecuadorian president, Galo Plaza.Antiques and family photographs give every room its personal flavor. Some have access to a private hidden garden others to a patio where hummingbirds fly around the sun chairs. Cozy living rooms with big fireplaces and comfortable sofas invite to relax at your leisure. It is also a self-sufficient farm, producing its own rainbow trout, organic vegetables, cheese, etc... Though not open to the general public for lodging, the hacienda offers all the comforts of a well-establish hotel. There are 7 rooms with queen size and 3 rooms with two twin beds each. All rooms have a private bath tub. Here you are a guest of the Plaza family and you are welcomed as such. All guests receive a private room with hand-embroidered linens and beautiful garden views. You will be invited to relax at your leisure in the cozy reading and living rooms, which have entertained their own entourage of famous visitors including past presidents and dignitaries.

The Cuisine: Fine Country Dining
As your dining experience unfolds; you will be impressed by the Hacienda’s sustainability. Delicious snacks like banana cake, farm made cheeses, fresh juice or anything else you could think of are served in the living rooms all day long.
The meals will be typical Ecuadorian "family" cuisine.
Virtually everything gracing the table comes fresh from Zuleta’s rich earth and is carefully prepared by hand. Fresh milk and cream from Zuleta’s dairy cows are offered daily.
Handmade cheeses are produced from the farm’s fresh milk and carefully crafted in the small factory near the guest house.
Rainbow trout are caught moments before melting in your mouth.
Freshly churned butter melts over warm bread baked from wheat harvested on the Hacienda.
Fresh organic fruit and vegetables are picked from the expansive garden to make unforgettable salads and freshly squeezed juices.
In addition, gourmet picnic lunches with fine wine and cheeses are provided for all-day excursions.
Vegetarian menus are available upon request.

Wireless internet in all rooms will keep you connected to the outside world, if you wish to.
 

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Zuleta is as famous for its horses and riding program as it is for its history and hospitality. Riding has been a Plaza family tradition for over one hundred years, and today Zuleta reflects this equestrian affinity by boasting one of the most exclusive stables in Ecuador. Zuleta is also known for its Zuleteño horse which is a unique mixture of Spanish-Andalusian, English and Quarter horses. The outcome of this cross-breeding is a robust Andean horse with a good disposition for riding.
The South American tack utilized is very similar to western. The saddle has a pommel and a deep seat.

Riders will have numerous opportunities to explore the Andean countryside along high altitude trails (between 9.000 and 13.000 feet) that wind through ‘páramo’ grasslands and cloud forest, along cobblestone trails and through local villages.

All excursions are accompanied by a local guide, although an english speaking guide is also available.  All-day excursions include a luxurious country picnic with 3 course meal, Zuleta cheeses, fruit and wine.

Itinerary

Sample Itineraries
Depending on your stay, your riding abilities and the weather conditions you can choose between these tour options:

1. Hacienda Ride
Ride inside the hacienda so riders can become accustomed to their horses. We go up to a viewpoint where you can oversee the whole Hacienda and maybe see a spectacle bear.

2. Paramo
This is a full day of riding to above the tree line “paramo”, to 11,000 feet. Enjoy the special landscape with spectacular views of grassland, wild bulls & condors. We will have a picnic lunch at a view point. There is an option to just have look into the paramo, or follow a hidden trail to a place called “Ventanas” with spectacular rock formations. The Hidden Trail ride is a very special experience, but can be exhausting due to the altitude and the climate with strong winds. There are parts were emergency pick up by car is not possible.

3. Condor Huasi
A soft ride with many grassy trails for long soft canters within the hacienda. We will see ancient pyramids and mounds constructed by the pre-Incan Caranqui culture and visit our Condor project and aviary.

4. San Pablo
Day Tour to San Pablo village with lunch at famous Hacienda Cusin or Cabañas del Lago on the shore of the lake. On the way back we climb to a high pine forest with beautiful view of San Pablo Lake. This is an easy ride though farm land and villages.

5. Community
Explore Zuleta village and the surrounding communities with views of snow capped volcano Cayambe. From the Cunro hill we will oversee the whole valley and the city of Ibarra at a distance of 13 miles!

7. San Marco
A full day ride to the mystical lagoon of San Marco in the Cayambe national park. We ride through lush pasture land, pass by snow capped Cayambe volcano and enter the national park with its amazing flora and fauna. To cover so much ground (32km one way) we need to jog and canter for quite a while. After picnic lunch we take a different trail home and arrive just before sunset at Zuleta. This is a long trail with special experience due to the natural settings, but not very difficult.

8. Cusin
This is your ride if you want to be on the top of the most ancient volcano in the area. We quickly cross Zuleta valley with its different farms and then start to climb Cusin volcano through eucalyptus forests to the above tree line and up to the top. After enjoying the 360° view including Quito valley & Cotopaxi we descend to our picnic spot and come home in the afternoon. The ride goes up to the above tree line “paramo”, it might be cold and foggy up there and there are parts were emergency pick up by car is not possible.

9. La Rinconada
A day tour with many grassy trails for long soft canters through various indigenous communities and into a remote and quiete agricultural valley. We cross a river, see farm animals, pass by rural schools and see indigenous people working on their land. This is an easy ride, the distance can be adapted to your abilities (4-8 hours in the saddle)

            Subject to change

Rates and Dates for Andean Mountain Ride

Dates Note: arrival can be any day of the week

Other Info
Meeting: Zuleta
Airport: Quito
Transfer: Quito

Climate:

The hacienda is located in the highlands of Ecuador and the Sierra enjoys a temperate Andean climate with temperatures ranging from the mid 50°F to the low 70°F.  Generally speaking, the drier months are from June to September, the wettest from January to May, also October.  During the rainy season rain usually comes in the late afternoon while the mornings are dry.  June to September is the hottest, driest months with the clearest skies in the northern part of the Sierra. Important to Bring: Lightweight fleece jacket or wool jumper, thermals, gloves and hat are useful for high altitudes and colder temperatures. A rain jacket and sturdy boots are also recommended especially if undertaking hiking and trekking.

 In most parts of the Andes, you can experience all four seasons in one day. Be prepared for cold nights and cold rain if you're caught outside. Warm, fast drying clothes are recommended (synthetics and wool are good, but avoid cotton, especially directly against the skin).

Since you will be riding at elevations between 9.000 and 13.000 feet, light warm clothing worn in layers is highly recommended. Ponchos in case of rain will be provided.

Ponchos in case of rain will be provided