Transfer Option:

Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up anywhere in Quito, a three hour drive passing through the flower plantations of Cayambe, over the Andes Mountains and down to the valleys of the Imbabura province, passing the San Pablo lake and the Otavalo Indigenous Market into the city of Ibarra down by lake Yaguarcocha into the sugar cane valley of Salinas, along the Mira river and over the Guallupe bridge along Gualchan river to the wilderness Eco-lodge. Enjoy the surroundings of the beautiful cloud forest with full luxury and gourmet food for the rest of the day, lunch and dinner will be served.

Day 2: Horseback Ride. Breakfast is served starting at 7 am. Familiarize yourself with the cowboys and guides while preparing the horses for the day. Horses available for all types of riders: beginners to experts. The trail follows the Rio Blanco River to the neighboring town of El Carmen. You will see the typical daily activities of the neighborhood mountaineers, enjoy the lush vegetation along the trail, and spot the beautiful blue Morpho Eugenia butterfly and local birds. The trail lasts for around two hours. After lunch relax or walk around the hacienda visiting the many crops and fruits in production. Pick as many as you like, our staff will make delicious juice with them. (Papayas, pineapples, oranges, lemons, guayavas, guavas, bananas). Meet the friendly local people and visit a local school for some remedial Spanish/English lessons.

Day  3: Cloud Forest Train Ride: A two-hour train ride through the rural areas of Imbabura will take you over bridges and through tunnels to the city of Ibarra. The Hacienda vehicle will pick you up and drive you back to the Hacienda or vice versa. Return to hacienda in the afternoon for a great meal. Walk from the Hacienda down to the river for a swim under the foot bridge. Lie back and let the current hit your back for a true natural massage. If you like there is an afternoon trail ride available.

Day  4: All day riding on the farm or activities according to your wishes. Optional 'White Water' rafting expedition (a minimum of 4 participants is required and is not included in the rate) with our expert partner company Yacu Amu Rafting. There are two rivers to chose from, a great experience and a lot of action. This expedition lasts five hours. Come back for lunch and rest in our hammocks overlooking the forest. Afternoon offers an optional trail ride.

Day 5: Cloud Forest Combination Expedition Horseback/Hike
Ride the horses half way up the river trail and then the hike starts at the trout farm and goes along the river towards the water fall (rubber boots recommended). Keep an eye out for the giant bromeliad orchids and enjoy the mountain lemons while walking over the stream to the spectacular waterfall. Trip duration is around three hours. In the afternoon take a swim in our unique fresh water pool.

Day 6: Hacienda Trail with Magnificent Views of Andes Mountains Photography opportunities. Ride the hacienda trail with the cowboys towards the herd and see the west side of the Andes Mountains from the Hacienda. Experience a day of work milking the cows and maybe delivering babies from the female horses, llamas, or cows, it is a true experience. Trip duration is four hours. In the afternoon pay a visit to our cheese factory and taste the flavor of a freshly made cheese.

Day 7: Visit Otavalo Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays) and return to Quito
After breakfast, travel back to Quito and stop in San Antonio, the wood craft town, continue to the town of Otavalo and it's Indigenous craft market.
Optional lunch at Hacienda Cusin near the lake San Pablo and continue on in the afternoon to Quito.

     Subject to change

The ecolodge is located in the northwestern tropical montane forests of Ecuador. It lies northwest of Quito in El Choco national rainforest reserve. Daily low and high temperature readings are 18C / 68F and 24C / 80F. There are no significant seasonal temperature changes. The hacienda is at an elevation of 1,200 m (approximately 3,500 ft).

What to bring:

Dining
Everyday, Hacienda Primavera offers a different menu of gourmet specialties and traditional Ecuadorian favorites prepared from fresh daily produce most often just picked from our own or local organic crops. We pride ourselves on our excellent cuisine and exquisite selection of fine Chilean wines, a pampered delight after an adventure in the tropical Ecuadorian landscape.

Our at tentative staff and the creativity of our talented chefs offer personalized meals, accustomed to your needs. Whether it is a quick bite before heading off on an excursion, an elegant dinner with all the trimmings, or a late-night snack, each choice will be a tantalizing offer.

Rooms
We offer eight suites to our guests and each has a spectacular view of the luscious landscape. The intimate number of rooms allow us to demonstrate our commitment to quality and personalized care. Only in this way can we fulfill our ultimate goal; as ambitious as it is inspiring: to create for each guest, a perfect Ecuadorian experience.

While providing for the comfortable luxuries of a fabulous vacation, we also strive to keep an eco-friendly environment, offering solar-paneled heated water, biodegradable products, and organic recycling.

Each suite has Spanish-colonial decor and its own private bath and balcony. Suites equipped with a single king bed or double queen-sized beds are available for every type of traveler.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

The hacienda is a working cattle ranch with horses for all riding levels.
The riding is virtually unlimited - you can ride as much as you like each day on five riding days.

The hacienda owns a stable with over 10 horses and 2 donkeys. Riders from all levels of experience will be able to find their equestrian match. Horseback riding trails are along the lush valleys and riverbeds. Lessons are available for beginners.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Criollos
Pace:		Moderate with some trots and canters | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 to 3 out of 5)    Low Intermediate
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 16

The hacienda is a working cattle ranch with horses for all riding levels.
The riding is virtually unlimited - you can ride as much as you like each day on five riding days.

The hacienda owns a stable with over 10 horses and 2 donkeys. Riders from all levels of experience will be able to find their equestrian match. Horseback riding trails are along the lush valleys and riverbeds. Lessons are available for beginners.

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.