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Hacienda Alegria Riding Getaway
Haciendas
Ecuador
Join us for a few days or a whole week on this Ecuadorian hacienda - on a very special riding holiday. It is a family-run organic farm in the heart of Ecuador's "Avenue of the Volcanoes", just one hour south of the historic colonial city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The hacienda offers traditional hospitality and a touch of luxury. Above all, this hacienda specializes in horseback vacations in the beautiful surroundings of the high Andes of Ecuador. Your host Gabriel Espinosa comes from a family steeped in equestrian tradition, and his enthusiasm for riding and horses is at the core of everything they do at the farm. The riding programs can cater to experienced riders and total beginners in separate groups. We offer day rides for those new to riding, travellers with limited time, or those who just want a brief taste of the fresh mountain air! We also run a program of more adventurous multi-day trips travelling on horseback through the mountains, forests and paramo (high grasslands) of the Andes - see our Volcano Avenue rides. For groups of two or more we are also happy to organise itineraries customised to your requirements.
The horses are very important part of the day to day life at the hacienda. Most have been bred on the farm from mixed Criollo (native South American), English Thoroughbred and Arabian stock, resulting in a near perfect combination of toughness, agility, calm temperament and "mountain sense". Beginners and experienced riders alike have found them easy to ride, willing and good mannered. If you have previous riding experience you will be given plenty of opportunity to canter.
There is a range of tack including North American style, English style, Mclellan calvary, Chillean and traditional Ecuadorian "Chagra" style with its intricate leather-work and saddle horn.
You will be welcomed with a roaring log fire in the sitting room, and in your bedroom when the nights are cold. The ranch can accommodate up to 24 people both in the farmhouse and a recently completed extension.
Paty and her staff provide tasty meals that combine delicious Ecuadorian and international cuisine. Vegetarian / other special dietary requirements can be catered to on request. Your hosts speak good English making for some very interesting conversations on the trail or around the dinner table.
The hacienda ideally situated on the lower slopes of Volcan Corazon (4788m) in the heart of the "Avenue of the Volcanoes", a spectacular valley dividing the eastern and western ranges of the Andes. From the garden of the hacienda you can enjoy breathtaking views across the valley to the extinct volcanos: Ruminahui (4712m), Pasochoa (4250m), Atacazo (4463m) and in the distance the mighty cone of Cotopaxi, at 5897m the highest active volcano in the world.
Ecuador is a safe, democratic country and is widely regarded as one of the most hassle-free destinations in South America.
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Working Ranch
Short Getaway
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Aloag
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Airport:
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Quito
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Transfer:
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Aloag or Quito
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
24
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
3 nights hacienda accommodations, all meals and 3 days of guided horseback riding
| A | 2013 | Hacienda Getaway, AP | 4d / 3n | $540 |
| Extra night at hacienda | $180 |
Rates Note:
All taxes included.
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Quito w/ return (1 - 4 passengers)
This is a "Group Rate"
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$50
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2013
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Transfer from Aloag bus station w/ return is included
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$0
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If you take the local bus from Quito to Aloag (departures every ten minutes) we can arrange a free transfer for you!
Tour Dates for 2013
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| A |
2013
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01/01
- 12/31
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4d / 3n
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Hacienda Getaway, AP
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24
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Reserve
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You can arrive and depart any day as long as the dates are available!
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The hacienda is located an hour by car or bus from Quito, close enough for you to extend your Ecuador holiday with a few days of riding with an easy transfer from Quito, which we are happy to arrange for you.
You can also combine a few days of riding with the adventure of travelling to the hacienda on the roof of the old narrow-gauge train, which runs past the garden. The train runs at the weekend and it is advisable to make bookings in advance.
Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced rider, a day out at the hacienda will introduce you to a side of Ecuador that few on the "tourist trail" get to see. The hacienda is surrounded by fabulous riding country, with cobbled tracks winding through lush farmland up to the rolling paramo (high grassland) and the rocky summit cones of the many extinct volcanoes that line both sides of the Machachi valley.
Our one day programs include a gentle ride around the local farms or for the more adventurous an ascent of La Viudita ("The Widow", 3760m), our "local" peak from which you can enjoy fine views of the "Avenue of the Volcanoes". Two day programmes allow for riding further afield. Options range from a ride through the spectacular Pasochoa Natural Reserve, to a visit to the famed cloud forest of Ecuador, where luxuriant vegetation thrives in the high humidity of the rising air from the coast.
The ride can often be combined with a visit to one of the many beautiful haciendas which we are lucky to count as neighbours. We can usually tailor the itinerary to your requirements. We have horses suitable for both first-time and experienced riders. We are careful to match all riders with a horse suitable for their level of riding ability and experience. Before setting off you will be given time to get used to your horse and tack in the safety of our paddock and "round". The hacienda offers a quality riding experience - you will ride well-behaved, willing and fit horses.
Cloud Forest
One of the unique features of the environment around the hacienda is the endangered habitat of the Ecuadorian cloud forest. These subtropical mountain rain forests used to cloak much of the steep western slopes of the Andes between 1,000 and 2,500 meters, but are now classified as threatened.
We are extremely fortunate to have an area of unspoilt primary forest close by for our clients to explore. These luxuriant forests rank among some of the most bio-diverse habitats on the planet, with an astonishingly profusion of plant life, including orchids, epiphytes ("air plants"), tree ferns, bamboo, wax palms, podocarpus and aliso. Bird-watching is popular, with hummingbirds, nightjars, and other exotic species present in the forest (Ecuador boasts more bird species than any other country).
We can either drive to the edge of the forest slopes and hike from there, or ride through the forest on horseback (within easy reach for a day ride.
Other activities:
The farm is also ideally located for a hiking trip into the mountains. The hacienda is situated on the lower slopes of Volcan Corazon in the heart of the "Avenue of the Volcanoes", a spectacular valley dividing the eastern and western ranges of the Andes.
We can arrange accredited mountain guides if required, and can supply maps and directions for local peaks: Viudita (3760m), Corazon (4788m), Ruminahui (4712m) and Pasochoa (4250m). Viudita is a three hour round trip and is ideal for a morning or afternoon acclimatzation hike. Corazon is a long day hike from the farm for fit and acclimatized hikers. Because the physical distances between the mountains are much greater than in the European Alps or the Rockies, you might like to consider the option of combining hiking and riding.
We can also ride to Corazon, Ruminahui and Pasochoa, taking the horses up onto the paramo (high grassland) from where spectacular hiking is possible with the option of returning to the hacienda for a hot shower at the end of the day. Ascents of Illiniza Sur (5263m) and the classic cone of Cotopaxi (at 5897m the highest active volcano in the world) offer the possibility of some adventurous riding combined with more serious mixed terrain climbing. Previous mountaineering experience is not necessary, but acclimatization on the smaller peaks mentioned above is essential (we speak from personal experience!) We work closely with accredited mountain guides for these trips and can arrange a riding / climbing itinerary to tackle these summits.
Meeting:
Aloag
Airport:
Quito
Train station:
Aloag bus station
Transfer:
Aloag or Quito
If you take the local bus from Quito to Aloag (departures every ten minutes) we can arrange a free transfer for you!
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Tack:
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North American style, English style, Mclellan calvary, Chillean and traditional Ecuadorian "Chagra" style with its intricate leather-work and saddle horn.
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Horses:
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mixed Criollo (native South American), English Thoroughbred and Arabian stock
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Pace:
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Full day rides from the hacienda. Moderate with trots and canters. We ride on rough terrain and up and down steep slopes.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(2
to
4
out of 5) Novice to Advanced
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
24
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Host:
Your host Gabriel comes from a long tradition of equestrian sports. His grandfather bred racing horses close to Quito and his father, Renato Espinosa was a keen polo player. Gabriel followed in the same footsteps as a young man, horse-jumping and playing competitive polo. The hacienda is full of fascinating equestrian heirlooms, including antique side-saddles, cattle brands and traditional "Chagra" (Andean cowboy) tack. Gabriel and Paty's three daughters are all keen riders, and the enthusiasm of the whole family is reflected in the quality of the horses at the farm.
Tack:
There is a range of tack including North American style, English style, McClellan cavalry, Chilean and traditional Ecuadorian "Chagra" style with its intricate leather-work and saddle horn.
Horses:
Most have been bred here on the farm from mixed Criollo (native South American), English Thoroughbred and Arabian stock, resulting in a near perfect combination of toughness, agility, calm temperament and "mountain sense".
Beginners and experienced riders alike have found them easy to ride, willing and good mannered. If you have previous riding experience you will be given plenty of opportunity to canter.
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
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.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Hidden Trails Travel Documents and TripVoucher (contains important local tour contact info.) |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
| Riding boots (short) + Minichaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Torch/ Flashlight |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and extra film or batteries |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun protection lotion and lip balm |
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.
..view other reports for different trips
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Tack:
|
|
North American style, English style, Mclellan calvary, Chillean and traditional Ecuadorian "Chagra" style with its intricate leather-work and saddle horn.
|
|
Horses:
|
|
mixed Criollo (native South American), English Thoroughbred and Arabian stock
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Full day rides from the hacienda. Moderate with trots and canters. We ride on rough terrain and up and down steep slopes.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
4
out of 5) Novice to Advanced
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
1 riders
|
Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
24
|
Host:
Your host Gabriel comes from a long tradition of equestrian sports. His grandfather bred racing horses close to Quito and his father, Renato Espinosa was a keen polo player. Gabriel followed in the same footsteps as a young man, horse-jumping and playing competitive polo. The hacienda is full of fascinating equestrian heirlooms, including antique side-saddles, cattle brands and traditional "Chagra" (Andean cowboy) tack. Gabriel and Paty's three daughters are all keen riders, and the enthusiasm of the whole family is reflected in the quality of the horses at the farm.
Tack:
There is a range of tack including North American style, English style, McClellan cavalry, Chilean and traditional Ecuadorian "Chagra" style with its intricate leather-work and saddle horn.
Horses:
Most have been bred here on the farm from mixed Criollo (native South American), English Thoroughbred and Arabian stock, resulting in a near perfect combination of toughness, agility, calm temperament and "mountain sense".
Beginners and experienced riders alike have found them easy to ride, willing and good mannered. If you have previous riding experience you will be given plenty of opportunity to canter.
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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Hacienda Alegria Riding Getaway
Tour Code:
IT-ECSRAL
4 days /
3 nights
~$540.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
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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