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Highlands Cattle & Horse Round Up in Ecuador
Highlands Riding Tours
Ecuador
Come and encounter "fighting
bulls" close up, bring in some "wild horses" and enjoy local wildlife
that roam the ‘Paramo’ (high Andean
habitat), including the unforgettable sight of the magnificent
Andean condor soaring overhead. Stay at local haciendas in a stunning location with breathtaking views. Join dozens of local chagras on a true "cowboy" adventure in the highlands of Ecuador - not for the faint hearted.
This cattle and horse round up, called "El Rodeo", is one of the most important events that take place in the "haciendas" of the Ecuadorian Andes. It consists of a very old tradition when the "chagras" from the whole region take their horses into the mountains to round up a thousand of the fighting bulls and to corral wild horses. The excitement begins when a trench is formed in order to round up the brave animals and guide them to the corrals where they will be branded and classified. It is an incredibly exciting ride for experienced and adventurous riders and
gets the adrenalin flowing as you ride across steep and rough terrain
- surrounded by the most stunning scenery imaginable. The excitement is felt in the air. The attention of the horses is drawn to every movement in the field; the horsemen are ready to get up to the brave bulls, and the majestic Andes look down with joy at the participants of this heroic task.
If you are a lover of nature, culture and legend, if you like to reach the extreme limits of emotion while riding a horse, if you seek adventure, come and share with us one of the most important events in the haciendas: EL RODEO.... it takes place only two times a year. Evenings will be full of music and excitement with the local chagras - be part of an authentic Ecuadorian social event.
This ride offers a real insight into the local culture and tradition. Chagras show their horsemanship and "laso" (roping) skills. It is a great
experience to be part of the camaraderie among the dozens of chagras and
see them working together in close proximity to these very feisty fighting bulls and wild horses.
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Working Ranch
Cattle Drive, Round Up
Horse Drive
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Meeting:
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El Tambo/El Povenir
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Airport:
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Quito
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Transfer:
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Quito hotel
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations, most meals, 5 riding days, English speaking guide
A. 2 nights hotel in Quito and 6 nights at a hacienda, with 5 days of cattle and horse round up
| A | 2013 | 9 days - Round Up week, AP | 9d / 8n | $1695 |
| B | 2013 | 8 days - Ride & 8 Round Up, AP | 8d / 7n | $1095 |
| Single supplement in Quito (2 nights) | $85 |
| Extra B&B overnight in Quito pp (dbl) incl tax | $50 |
| Extra B&B overnight in Quito Single incl tax | $75 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from and to Quito B&B is included
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$0
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2013
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Quito airport to hotel transfers per car return
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$50
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This ride is at very high altitude and you must arrive to Quito at least two nights prior to the start of the round-up in order to acclimatise. We can reserve hotel nights for you in Quito.
Rates do not include:
Meals in Quito. Gratuities
Full Cattle and Horse Round Up Week
Day 1: Arrival in Quito. Check into your B&B, relax, get used to the altitude and visit the historical center. Overnight (meals are not included today).
Day 2: After breakfast we will pick you up from the B&B and a four hour drive will take us to a hacienda high in the Andes, arriving just in time for lunch. We use the afternoon to get acquainted with the chargas and the local hosts. After dinner you will get some first instructions on how to handle and deal with the "fighting" bulls and some of the wild horses that we are about to round up from the mountains. You will get to hear about the ‘Rodeo’ (so called as once the cattle are in the corral they circle, always in the same direction – ‘rodear’: to go round). Overnight at the hacienda.
-- Option B for Day 2: Early in the morning we will travel to the Hacienda El Porvenir. Here we will join the Chagras. On our first ride to get acquainted with the criollo horses, and to bring in the herd of horses that will be used during the round up at El Tambo. The ride will take around 7 hours, if none of the horses has tried to escape. When we get to Hacienda El Tambo, a delicious Andean dinner will be waiting for us.
Day 3: Today the round up "Rodeo" begins! We will head to the “El Ami” area in the foothills of the Quilindaña peak, where we will have the first encounter with the fighting bulls. The task will be to surround the bulls and herd them to the corrals, letting as few as possible escape back into the hills. This will normally take all morning. After lunch, at the hacienda, the rest of the afternoon will be dedicated to work in the corrals with some roping lessons.
Day 4: Early in the morning mount up and assemble in the corrals, where “la bomba” is formed (the long line of riders) to receive instructions from the hacienda owner. After a ritual drink out of a horn, the chagras will receive details of who is to ride to where and everyone will head to “El Ami grande” where the older and fiercest animals of the hacienda graze, these also have to be herded into the corrals. In the afternoon watch the chagras work in the corrals which usually provides superb photographic opportunities. Roping lessons are available.
Day 5: From the hacienda we ride to a different area ‘San Agustin’ for the day’s work. After forming ‘la bomba’ and receiving the corresponding instructions, chagras, guides and guests ride to an area of Quilindaña mountain where numerous herds of fighting bulls and wild horses graze. The chagras (hopefully with our help) will try to drive cattle and maybe horses. If successful, the animals will be branded and the horses’ manes cut. If there is time in the afternoon riders will head again to San Agustin in search of bulls that escaped in the morning.
Day 6: This morning we will ride in toruno - or place of the bulls. This is the area with the biggest amount of animals to drive to the corrals, and we will have a lot of opportunities to get close to the animals and work hand in hand with the Chagras in the epic challenge of driving the animals to the corrals. In the evening we will enjoy a delicious barbecue, with fresh organic stakes from the hacienda. And if the we succeed during the day in bringing the animals to the corrals there will be a party hacienda style where you will have the chance to sing the local songs and share some drinks with the locals.
Day 7: Today we will ride in Yanachiza, the biggest area of the hacienda. On a clear day we have extraordinary views of Cotopaxi. The ride goes trough the remains of ancient eruptions of Cotopaxi, towards the slopes of the king of the Andes. This is is the closest we will get to the Snow of Cotopaxi during the rodeo. Because it is the biggest area, your hard work in the round up will be crucial for the success of our task. At night we all get together to celebrate the beautiful riding days that we have enjoyed, and tell the most exiting experience that we have. Singing with the locals is encouraged.
Day 8: This day our work will be in the corrals, where the hacienda owners choose the best animals to be sold. If we missed some stays, there will be the opportunity to go and ride with the Chagras to look for the bulls that escaped the previous day. In the afternoon we will return to Quito for overnight at the B&B(dinner not included).
Day 9: Trip ends. Optional transfer to the airport or start of another Ecuador adventure ... maybe a trip into the Amazon basin or to the Galapagos islands.
Trail and Cattle Round Up
Day 1: Arrival in
Quito. Check into your B&B, relax, get used to the altitude and visit
the historical center. Overnight (meals are not included today).
Day 2: Hacienda Santa Rita
After breakfast we will pick you up from the hotel and a 1.5
hour drive will take us the Private Reserve of Hacienda Santa Rita at 3,300m. After a brief riding lesson, we ride off through native woods until we reach the páramo of Pasochoa. On the way, we can take in the magnificent scenery of the mountains and snowcapped peaks around us and spot local flora and fauna. Box lunch and transfer by vehicle to Hacienda El Porvenir. Dinner and overnight stay.
Approximate riding time: 3 hours.
Day 3: Rumiñahui Volcano
We head towards the slopes of the extinct volcano of Rumiñahui following exclusive paths, hearing local legends and tales. On the way we can see herds of wild bulls, Andean birds and wildlife, and feel the elation of the high Andean panoramas. We get close to the rocky peaks of Rumiñahui, from where 12 more volcanoes are visible on a clear day. We will also visit Chusigmachai, or the Owl Refuge, before riding back to the farm house.
Dinner and overnight stay at Hacienda El Porvenir.
Day 4:
Cotopaxi National Park - Hacienda El Tambo
We set off from Hacienda El Porvenir, riding towards Hacienda El Tambo, on the eastern mountain range. The ride takes 6 to 7 hours and covers roughly 43km. On the way, we visit the Pucará del Salitre, an ancient Inca fortress, feeling constantly shielded by the colossal Cotopaxi. The ride takes us through a pleasant variety of landscapes, passing by mountain rivers and small lakes. When we finally reach the farm house of El Tambo, we will be rewarded by a traditional dinner and can warm up before a real fire.
Day 5: From el Tambo we ride to San Agustin.
After forming the bomb and of receiving the corresponding instructions, we will leave toward the Quilindaña skirts, places where are numerous flocks of brave bulls and wild horses that for the first time will be tried to take to the corral. San Agustin offers one of the most breath taking rides in the area, trough a narrow high mountain pass named Ventanilla. This option will be available only to the most experienced riders.
Day 6: This morning we will ride in toruno, or place of the bulls. This is the area with the biggest amount of animals to drive to the corrals, and we will have a lot of opportunities to get close to the animals and work hand to hand with the Chagras in the epic challenge of taking the animals to the Corrals. At nigth we will enjoy a delicious barbecue, with fresh organic stakes from the hacienda. And if the we succeed during the day in bringing the animals to the corrals there will be a party hacienda style where you will have the chance to sing the local songs and share some drinks with the locals.
Day 7: Hacienda El Tambo – Hacienda El Porvenir
We ride out early in the morning, heading back to civilization. Following the course of the River Tambo towards the base of Cotopaxi, we take the high route used by the locals and ride towards Chirimachai. We cross
the Curipugyo Canyon (“place of gold” in Quichua), where we can see clear evidence of past volcanic eruptions. On the way back to Hacienda El Porvenir, we once again cross Cotopaxi National Park, taking a spectacular, panoramic route. We reach Hacienda El Porvenir, where we transfer to our vehicle for the drive back to Quito for our overnight at a local B&B (dinner not included).
Day 8:
Trip ends. Optional transfer to the airport or start of another Ecuador adventure ... maybe
a trip into the Amazon basin or to the Galapagos islands.
--The itinerary is subject to changes
Meeting:
El Tambo/El Povenir
Airport:
Quito
Transfer:
Quito hotel
This ride is at very high altitude and you must arrive to Quito at least two nights prior to the start of the round-up in order to acclimatise. We can reserve hotel nights for you in Quito.
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Tack:
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South American Tack
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Horses:
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Criollos
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Pace:
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All paces. Open and difficult terrain with steep slopes. High altitude requires good overall physical fitness as well as riding fitness for the long hours in the saddle.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate +
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
12 riders
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This is a challenging ride with sometimes hard outside conditions. It is an experience of a lifetime, but make sure you are up for it !
You should be a competent and confident rider in control of your horse
at all paces in open and difficult terrain and also prepared to ride on
steep slopes. The ride is at high altitude (9,000 to 11,000 feet) and so it is important that
you have good overall physical fitness as well as riding fitness for the
long hours in the saddle.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart.Passport NotePassports must be carried at all times. Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart ab. more
February is hard to predict. You can expect sunny mornings but there may be occasional afternoon rain.
Temperatures in Cotopaxi National Park and the surrounding region vary little throughout the year. The average daytime temperature is 45° F (7°C).
Seasonal variations and night-time temperatures range between freezing 32°F (90°C)
and 68°F (20° C). Visitors are recommended to bring several layers of
clothes including a warm sweater and protective rain-wind jacket, hat
and gloves.
The rainy seasons run between January and May and October and November.
The main dry season of June to September though the strong winds are
known to occur. December also has a short dry season and the time around
Christmas is normally considered the best weather of the year.
Clothing:
Shirt: Cotton or wool, long sleeved or turtleneck
Sweater: Heavy wool or fleece sweater or vest
Trousers: Full length, wool, blend, or pile or other warm pants
Underwear: Light-weight (polypropylene) thermal underwear, top and bottom
Headwear: Skycap, wool hat or wide brim felt hat, bandana, and sunglasses
Jackets: Insulated or Gore-Tex mountain parka for rain and wind (important)
Gloves: Wool, leather, or polypropylene, recommended water proof
Socks: Wool or polypropylene
Footwear: Tennis shoes, lightweight hiking boots, or runner boots (if
your shoe size is 9.5 US or less, boots are available at Hacienda La
Alegria).
Camping Equipment:
-10 degree C rated sleeping bag
At request we can provide the sleeping bag
Accessories:
Cosmetic kit (reduce to minimum)
Sunglasses
Sunblock +30 and lipstick ointments (important)
Flashlight with extra batteries
Washcloth
Camera extra batteries
Binoculars
Wool ponchos, rain ponchos, chaps, horsebag and helmets are provided.
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… this list is only a guideline for you
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Hidden Trails Travel Documents and TripVoucher (contains important local tour contact info.)
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
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Riding boots (short) + Minichaps
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
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Riding gloves
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Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection
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Lightweight Rain coat
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjama
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
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Swimsuit
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For Camping trips:
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Sleeping Bag
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Ground Mat (Thermarest or foam mattress)
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Towel and small bar of soap
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for an emergency)
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Sewing kit
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Torch/ Flashlight
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Adapter for electric appliances
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Camera and extra film or batteries
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Belt pack
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Address book and pen (for postcards!)
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun protection lotion and lip balm
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Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
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Tack:
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South American Tack
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Horses:
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Criollos
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Pace:
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All paces. Open and difficult terrain with steep slopes. High altitude requires good overall physical fitness as well as riding fitness for the long hours in the saddle.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate +
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
12 riders
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This is a challenging ride with sometimes hard outside conditions. It is an experience of a lifetime, but make sure you are up for it !
You should be a competent and confident rider in control of your horse
at all paces in open and difficult terrain and also prepared to ride on
steep slopes. The ride is at high altitude (9,000 to 11,000 feet) and so it is important that
you have good overall physical fitness as well as riding fitness for the
long hours in the saddle.
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Passports must be carried at all times.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: (a) A measles vaccination certificate is required by all nationals travelling from Germany and Italy and must be shown on arrival. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
Extensions of a further 90 days are available through the local immigration authorities.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Highlands Cattle & Horse Round Up in Ecuador
Tour Code:
IT-ECCD01
9 days /
8 nights
~$1,695.00
Dates :
Feb, May, Oct
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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