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

There is no set weight limit for your luggage as it will be transferred by car. 

Wool ponchos, rain ponchos, chaps, horsebag and helmets are provided.
 

Hacienda Alegria has very nice and comfortable accommodations. The ranches along the way are more basic, but all authentic and comfortable. The lodging in the Cloud Forest does not have electricity and one day is camping (camping gear is supplied).

Accommodations Schedule:

Day  1: Hacienda La Alegria - home base
Day  2: Hacienda La Alegria
Day  3: Hacienda La Alegria
Day  4: Hacienda La Alegria
Day  5: Bomboli
Day  6  Sierra Loma
Day  7: Hacienda La Cienega
Day  8: Hacienda Pansache, camping
Day  9: Hacienda Chalupas
Day 10: Refuge Tambopaxi
Day 11: Hacienda La Alegria
Day 12: Hotel in the historic Quito

Hacienda Alegria:

The home base hacienda is nestled amidst lush surroundings in the typical fertile lush green farmland of the Ecuadorian inter Andean plain at a fairly high altitude. You will be welcomed with a roaring log fire in the sitting room, and in your bedroom when the nights are cold. There is internet access available at La Alegria and in the Cotopaxi Lodge.

The Hacienda was build in 1910 in Franco Italian Style and has been renovated and restored and is surrounded by beautiful gardens awash with colorful flowers and native trees, including some species in danger of extinction such as the wax palm. Most rooms have private bathroom and fireplaces. There will be plenty of time to relax in front of the fire place after an incredible day in the saddle.

This is the family home of the Espinosas. 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.

While at Alegria: Gourmet meals provided by Hacienda La Alegria, lunch only in the Corazon mountain (day four) a snack, other days' lunch and dinner will be either chicken, meat, or pasta; vegetables served with rice or potatoes; always a typical Ecuadorian soup and desert with all meals.
Drinks: water, juices or coke. Breakfast: coffee, tea, cocoa or oat meal, eggs and/or french toast, natural fruit juice and fruit of the season.
Dinner will be served in a cozy dining room with a fire place and the food is freshly wholesome home cooking cooked from local crops.
The Hacienda is made of adobe and stone its walls are over 80 cm thick!! Lots of character. The Hacienda also has a large working cattle farm with nearly 250 head of cattle producing dairy products. So for those who want to give it a try you can help milking the cows or feeding the calves, or try lassoing a bull.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

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.