Volcano Avenue and Haciendas Ride Highlands Riding Tours Ecuador Ride through volcanoes, valleys, forest, and pre-Inca sites with comfortable overnights in traditional Highland Haciendas! This ride brings us new experiences and a chance to contemplate the beauty of the mountains and valleys of the Ecuadorian Highlands everyday.  As we ride, friendly chagras (cowboys of the Ecuadorian Andes) will guide our way and share with us their lifestyle, traditions, and impressive horsemanship skills. Our ride is the perfect combination for those looking for adventure, cultural immersion, and natural beauty.   One of the unique features of our ride is the variety of natural environments we will experience during the trip. The first part of the ride includes acclimatization at the Hacienda and the cloud forest. These subtropical Montagne Cloud forests used to cloak much of the steep western slopes of the Andes between 1,000 and 3,000 meters are now classified as threatened ecosystems. In the second part of the ride we will head towards a higher altitude and experience a more arid volcanic environment filled with canyons, rock peaks, and the Toachi River. We will climb mountain ridges and switch from the eastern to the western Andes Mountain Chain experiencing rolling hills of high altitude fauna typical of the Andes as we make our way to the spectacular Quilotoa Crater Lake. Your horse will be your partner throughout this adventure and our team, who will make you feel part of the family, will guide you all the way. We will thoroughly explore and experience the grandeur of the Andes, marveling at the diversity of flora, fauna, and landscape. At the cloud forest you will enter a completely different environment and see an exciting change in the surrounding vegetation; from a lush native tundra landscape of the high attitude to an impressive sub-tropical vegetation. The second part of our trip we will ride through the western Andean paramo, an Andean ecosystem that encompasses approximately 12,500 square kilometers. As we ride through the Andes Mountains, you will experience a diversity of geography and weather. Be prepared for a period of intense equatorial sun followed by chill Andes’ wind—all within the space of a few hours.  The locals say that the highlands experience all four seasons within the same day. Long after our return, our memories of this rugged but beautiful world will linger as a lifetime ride. Progressive Ride (no camping) Meeting: Quito Airport or Hotel Airport: Quito Transfer: Quito (airport, hotel, or bus stop) Riders: Min 4 riders Max 12 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating Travel Stories

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or any hotel or bus stop in Quito. Transfer times are available anytime on any day of the week.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival to Hacienda la Alegria and overnight.

Day 2: Alegria
In the morning, we try the horses and ride in a closed arena until you feel comfortable with your horse and tack.
We ride west through the dairy farms and up to 3,500 m behind the Viudita Mountain (3,800 mts). We will have a lunch box and come back to Hacienda La Alegria to enjoy the evening in front of the fireplace or in the hot tub.
From there, we can appreciate the green and fertile Machachi Valley and we can also see the routes we will take the next day along the east mountain chain.
Accommodation: Hacienda La Alegria. 
Riding time: 5 hours

Day 3: Cloud Forest
In the morning, we ride west towards the Corazon Mountain (4,000 m) and descend to the cloud forest. Today, we ride through 3 different ecosystems: the valley, paramo and the cloud forest.
In the cloud forest, we can observe a great biodiversity of plants and flowers, including giant guneras, orchids, and birds such as the turkey of the forest (guan). In the afternoon, we arrive for tea at Hacienda Bomboli (3,000 m), Relax by the fireplace, enjoying the sunset, and watch the lights of the villages near the coast following a great meal.
Accommodation: Hacienda Bomboli
Riding time: 6 hours

Day 4: Back to Alegria
We leave behind the cloud forest and ride the old road that until1960 connected Quito with the coast. Ride behind the valley on the old road that was built in 1873 to connect Quito with the coast. We cross extensive pastures and eucalyptus forests and arrive to the valley for lunch at the Hacienda.
Delicious lunch and dinner at the Hacienda.
Accommodation: Hacienda La Alegria
Riding time: 4+ hours

Day 5: Alegria to Cotopaxi Volcano
After breakfast, we prepare the horses for our first long journey from Hacienda La Alegria eastward in the Andes. We cross the Machachi valley and volcano Rumiñahui to arrive to our overnight refuge at Cotopaxi National Park where we will have a delicious dinner by the fire, with the Cotopaxi active volcano as our main decor. Night in mountain refuge at 3750 meters above sea level. 
Accommodations: Lodge Tambopaxi Cotopaxi National Park
Riding time: 8 hours

Day 6: Ride around Cotopaxi
Early morning you will have the extraordinary view of the active volcano. Today's challenge will be to cover the northern base of Cotopaxi, heading east on a long journey that ends in the skirts of the Morro mountain. We ride in close proximity to wild horse herds that live in the park and are descendants of the horses brought by the Spanish in the 16th century.
Accommodations: Hacienda Pansache, Camping 3500 mts high
Riding time: 8+ hours

Day 7: La Cienega
We leave the mountain and head west on trails across large wilderness areas populated with pine trees. We will continue along the warmer valley and stop for lunch, with a view of the giant volcano Cotopaxi from the south side. At the end of the afternoon, we will arrive to Hacienda La Cienega built in 1570. 
Accommodations: Hacienda La Cienega (3000 meters high)
Riding time: 6 hours

Day 8: Sigchos
Today will be a long journey in the saddle. We start the ride 30 minutes south of Hacienda la Cienega. We will be transfered by car to this point to start our adventure in the West Andes. Today we will ride on the Inca trail, dirt roads and paths that takes us to Sigchos, the village that was known as the “last home” of the Inca Atahualpa. From this day on we will ride through a dramatic landscape, including steep ravines and narrow passages.
Even though we can visualize where we are heading and it looks near, we will have to cross many mountains chains to get there.
This area is a combination of forest, rock peaks and eroded land from the last centuries. We arrive at the Hacienda San Jose, a working dairy farm and guest house, in time for a good meal, Jacuzzi, sauna, dinner and rest.
Accommodations: Hacienda San Jose
Riding time: 8 hours

Day 9: Sigchos to Quilotoa
After breakfast we head south to the Quilotoa crater lake. The trail goes up to the mountain and after lunch we will reach the bottom of the Toachi canyon. The challenge will be to get to the Quilotoa summit at 3,800 meters above sea level, where our hostal is awaiting. At the cliff of the volcano we will enjoy an amazing view of the breathtaking Quilotoa crater lake.
There are few agricultural villages and houses, and the land is very dry and the soil is composed by pumice from the Quilotoa volcano that erupted 1,280 years ago.
Quilotoa is a crater lake caldera and the most western volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. The 3 kilometer wide caldera was formed by the collapse of this dacite volcano following a catastrophic eruption.
Accommodations: Hostal at Quilotoa Crater
Riding time: 8+ hours

Day 10: Insilivi
In the morning, we will take a small walk to take the last photos at the viewpoint of the Quilotoa crater lake. We will then start our ride down hill via a beautiful old trail. It will take us half day to descend the Canyon, crossing a few villages that remind us of old images as those from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Volcano pumice and dry soil hinder agriculture thus, just a few people live on this region. The ride continues through several hills, arriving to a small village called Insilivi (founded in 1857). Here, we will find our Hostel for the night, which was started by an entrepreneur from the UK 16 years ago and is now owned by a Dutch couple.
Accommodations: Lodge at Insilivi   
Riding time: +4 hours

Day 11: Planchaloma
The last day riding at the region will pass through several narrow old paths ascending to the high Andes paramo. From here it is possible to admire the nice scenery form one valley to another. The colors and the mountains make the changes from paramo to eroded land full of different color patches. In the distance, we will see the Eastern Mountain Chain. We will make our way back to Hacienda La Alegria by car from the city of Planchaloma. 
Overnight at Hacienda La Alegria
Riding time 5+ hours

Day 12: Departure
Transfer back to the airport.

* this itinerary is subject to changes *

                                            Aloag‎‎ area  

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	66	66	66	66	66	67	67	67	68	67	67	66
Average Low Temperature (°F)	49	49	49	49	49	48	47	48	47	48	48	48
Average High Temperature (°C)	19	19	19	19	19	19	19	20	20	20	19	19
Average Low Temperature (°C)	9	10	9	10	9	9	8	9	9	9	9	9

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Day temperatures can vary considerably in the mountains (65º F during the daytime, 40º F at night). Average temperatures will range in the 50’s F.
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.

Our partner can supply: wool ponchos, rain ponchos, rubber boots, full chaps, horse bag, and helmets. For camping equipment they can supply sleeping mats and sleeping bags- although they highly recommend you bring your own as theirs are more worn out. Please let us know if you'd like to borrow any of these items.

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 or buff, and sunglasses
Jackets: Insulated or Gore-Tex mountain parka for rain and wind (important)
Glove & Scarf: Wool, leather, or polypropylene, recommended water proof
Socks: Wool or polypropylene
Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots or waterproof riding boots (if your shoe size is 9.5 US or less, rubber boots are available at Hacienda La Alegria).
Swimming Suit

Accessories
Sunglasses
Sunblock +30 and lipstick ointments (important)
Flashlight with extra batteries
Washcloth
Camera extra batteries
Binoculars

Average ratings from 10 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date pamela bates 2/18/2019 john petersen 6/24/2016 laura howenstine 3/20/2016 kimberly bienvenu 7/30/2014 paul olson 4/1/2014 melanie arndt 4/4/2011 pam drake 7/9/2009 paola albertazzi 12/23/2007 meike tewes 12/13/2007 karin schelldorfer 7/14/2007

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride where nights are spent in different locations. 

Description
Hacienda Alegria has very nice and comfortable accommodations. The accommodations along the way are more basic, but all authentic and comfortable. There are 2 people per room with private showers in every accommodation.

Nights 1, 2, 4 & 11: Hacienda La Alegria
The Hacienda was built in 1910 in Franco Italian Style and has been renovated and restored. It is made out of adobe and stones and its walls are over 80 cm thick! It is nestled amidst lush surroundings in the typical fertile and green farmland of the Ecuadorian inter Andean plain at an altitude of 2880m (9449 ft). The Hacienda sits on 135 hectares, nestled in the fertile valley of Machachi, near the small village of Aloag.
The Hacienda is a family-run organic farm and the hospitality of the Espinosa household is remarked upon by visitors who return year after year. You will be welcomed with a roaring log fire in the sitting room, and in your bedroom when the nights are cold. The Hacienda’s guestrooms are filled with antiques that have been in the Espinosa family for hundreds of years.
The farm can accommodate up to 24 people both in the farmhouse and a recently completed extension. The extension has been tastefully restored with solid cypress floors and beams and modern en-suite bathrooms with plenty of hot water and powerful showers. Split-level family rooms sleep five comfortably. Wi-fi internet is available at this property.

Night 3: Hacienda Bomboli
This property offers basic accommodation for up to 16 guests. It is set in a beautiful rainforest and each room has its own bathroom with hot water. Due to its remote location, cell phone service is very limited and there is no electricity. The house is kept warm and lit with fireplaces and candles and your hosts even puts a warm water bottle in your bed before you go to sleep.

Night 5: Lodge Tambopaxi in Cotopaxi National Park
This newly constructed mountain lodge recreates the traditional building style of the paramo houses in order to reduce their impact on the environment.
There are 6 bedrooms, each equipped with a private bathroom with hot water, an individual heating system an warm eiderdown.
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge. Laundry service is available for a surcharge.

Night 6: Camping ground of Hacienda Pansache in Cotopaxi National Park

Night 7: Hacienda La Cienega near Tanicuchi
This hacienda is over 400 years old, making it one of the oldest colonial haciendas in Ecuador. It has kept its original architecture and charm but the interior was renovated in order to accommodate guests. Each of the spacious bedroom comes with ensuite facilities and a heater. Free Wi-Fi access is available in common areas.

Night 8: Hacienda San Gabriel (part of Hacienda San Jose) in Sigchos
The accommodation features simple rooms with a variety of arrangements (single, double, twin, triple or quadruple). Facilities include free Wi-Fi access and an indoor swimming pool.

Night 9: Kamay Kirutoa Lodge at Quilotoa
This lodge offers comfortable accommodations with spectacular mountain views. There are only 7 rooms and each are simply decorated with respect to the surroundings. There is a garden where guests can relax and free Wi-Fi internet is also available.

Night 10: Llullullama Lodge at Insilivi
This Eco Lodge offers cozy accommodation in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. It is housed in an old farmhouse that has been renovated with respect to the environment. The Lodge offers a wide variety of rooms, each simply decorated with local artifacts. There are common areas with fireplaces as well as a terrace offering beautiful mountain views, where guests can relax and chat with fellow travelers.
There is no internet at this property.

There is access to free Wi-Fi almost everywhere and laundry services are available at Hacienda La Alegria for a small gratuity.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory is we cannot find another rider to share.


Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 12. Meals are featuring delicious, gourmet international and Ecuadorian food. You will never go hungry with 3-4 courses offered per meal. Soups are a specialty in the highlands that we will use to warm our bodies after a good ride. Main courses can be chicken, pork, beef, trout, tilapia, pasta and more. Don't forget to save room for dessert! This trip includes some wine/ beer with dinner.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

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

Tack:		North American style, English style, McClellan 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:		4-7 hours of riding daily, moderate trots and canters | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Good Intermediate
Age:		Min 10	Max 70
Weight:		Max 190 lbs
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 12 riders

Horses
Our horses are very important to us. We have more than 35 riding-horses as well as about 30 mares and foals. 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.
We are happy to follow the Natural Horsemanship principles when training our horses.
Riders will get to know the horses well and start a relationship with them, as they will be part of the team for the rest of the ride. Riders will have the opportunity to try a variety of horses with different temperaments and traits. Together, we will choose which group of horses will accompany us. We will have several spare horses on the ride.

Tack
There is a range of tack including North American style, English style, McClellan cavalry, Chilean and traditional Ecuadorian "Chagra" style with its intricate leatherwork and saddle horn.

Host
Your host Gabriel comes from a family steeped in equestrian tradition. His grandfather bred racing horses close to Quito and his father, was a keen polo player.
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. We are proud to share that Gabriel was recently nominated as MAESTRO GUIA ECUESTRE -- there are currently only 3 in the world with this title.

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.