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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Ecuador
Intro to Ecuador
 HaciendasHighlands Riding Tours
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Volcano Avenue and Haciendas Ride
Highlands Riding Tours
Ecuador
Ride through volcanoes, valleys, forest, and pre-Inca sites with comfortable overnights 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 includes rides by Corazon, Illinizas, and Quilotoa volcanoes. It 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.
The first part of the ride includes acclimatization at the Hacienda and the cloud forest. 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.
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Rates and Dates for 2019
Rates include*:
8 overnights at different haciendas, 8 days quality horseback riding in the Ecuadorian Andes with all the necessary equipment (wool ponchos, rain ponchos and chaps, horse bag, helmets), bilingual guide (English/ Spanish), all meals and wine/ beer with dinner on some nights.
| A | 2019 | 9 day trip, AP | 9d / 8n | $2400 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2019
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Transfer from Quito w/ return (1 - 4 passengers) per car
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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$100
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2019
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Extra day with meals and riding at the hacienda, dbl, pp
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$220
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2019
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Extra night (B&B- no riding)
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$75
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2019
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Small group supplement (2 pax only), pp
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$150
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2019
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Single supplement, where applicable
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$150
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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.
Tour Dates for 2019
Hacienda closed from Dec 23 to Jan 2
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Rates do not include:
Flights, departure tax, transfers, insurance, personal expenses, gratuities
Sample Itinerary (subject to changes)
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive to the Hacienda early morning (around 9:30am if you want to get in 3-4 hours of riding) and ride to get acquainted with the horses and tack that we will use during the ride. Our first contact with the heights starts this first day. Then we ride around the neighboring Haciendas. Lunch in the Hacienda house, and enjoy the hot tub and fireplace.
Accommodations: Hacienda Alegria
Riding: 3-4 hours
Day 2: Hacienda Alegria
For those who arrived later, ride in the arena and try horses to get acquainted with the horse, tack that we will be using the next days, we ride around the neighboring Haciendas at the west Andes. Lunch at the Hacienda, visit the milking barn, the aging cheese cave, and at the end of this interesting day enjoy the hot tub and fireplace.
Accommodations: Hacienda la Alegria
Riding hours: 4 hours
Day 3: Bomboli
Crossing extensive pastures and eucalyptus forests, we will have a nice view of the “Volcano Avenue”. From there, we can appreciate the green and fertile Machachi Valley and we can also see the routes we will take the next day at the east mountain chain. We will ascend the Corazon volcano up to 4,000 meters and descend through the Cloud forest reserve. 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. In the afternoon we arrive to Hacienda Bomboli at 3,000 m and relax by the fireplace, enjoying the sunset and see the lights of the villages near the coast. We will arrive at tea time, then enjoy a delicious dinner.
Accommodations: Hacienda Bomboli
Riding hours: 4 hours
Day 4: Hacienda La Alegria
In the morning we will walk the Hacienda’s gardens and learn and see an incredible variety of the most beautiful orchids and cloud forest plants. We ride up hill admiring the forest and the hundreds of flowers and plants. We will use the old road that was built in 1873 to connect Quito with the coast. Arrive to Hacienda la Alegria for lunch, relax, and enjoy the hot tub and the fireplace.
Accommodation: Hacienda la Alegria
Riding hours: 6 hours
Day 5: Sigchos
Today will be a long journey on the saddle. We will be transferred by car one hour south of Hacienda la Alegria to start our 4 day adventure at the southern Andes. We will ride by the Inca trail and dirt roads and paths that takes us to Sigchos, the village that was known as the “last home” of the Inca general Ruminahui. 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 mountain chains to get there. This area is a combination of forest, rock peaks, and eroded land from the last centuries. We will arrive at the Hacienda San Jose, a working dairy farm and guest house, in time for a good meal, Jacuzzi, sauna, and a comfortable night. Our horses will have lush fields of fresh grass.
Accommodations: Hacienda San Jose
Riding hours: 8 hours
Day 6: Quilotoa
After breakfast we head south to the Quilotoa crater lake. The trail goes by the highest mountain heading west. As we descend to the canyon, the environment becomes arid. The soil is composed by pumice from the Quilotoa volcano that erupted 1,280 years ago. In the afternoon we will arrive to the Quilotoa volcano summit at 3,800 meters above sea level, where our hostel is awaiting. At the edge of the volcano we will enjoy and amazing view of the breathtaking Quilotoa crater lake. 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 eruption.
Accommodations: Quilotoa hostel, next to the crater lake
Riding hours: 8 hours
Day 7: Insilivi
In the morning, we will take a small walk to take the last photos of the incredible view of the crater lake. We will then start our ride downhill the volcano by a beautiful old path. It will take us half a day to descend the Canyon, crossing a few villages that make us remind old pictures as The Good the Bad and Ugly. Volcano pumice and dry soil makes hard and poor area for agriculture, thus, only a few people lives in 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: Hostal at Insilivi
Riding hours: 4 hours
Day 8: Planchaloma
The last day riding in the region is by several narrow old paths ascending to the high Andes paramo. From here, it is possible to admire the nice scenery from one valley to another. The transition from paramo to eroded land offers a change in mountain scenery and colors. At a distance, we will see the Eastern Mountain Chain. We will make our way back to Hacienda Alegria.
Accommodations: Hacienda la Alegria
Riding hours: 6 hours
Day 9: Departure
Breakfast and finish our services
Transfer to airport
Meeting:
Quito Airport or Hotel
Airport:
Quito
Train station:
--
Transfer:
Quito (airport, hotel, or bus stop)
Distance:
53km
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.
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Tack:
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North American style, English style, McClellan 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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4-7 hours of riding daily, moderate trots and canters
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
11
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Max
70
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Weight:
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Max
190 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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Rider requirements
Riders should have a good fitness level to be able to handle the long hours in the saddle (up to 8 hours some days). Your help in cleaning and saddling the horses is required.
Horses
Our horses are very important to us! 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.
Tack
We have 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.
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
Aloag area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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66
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66
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66
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66
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66
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67
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67
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67
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68
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67
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67
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66
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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49
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49
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49
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49
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49
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48
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47
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48
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47
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48
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48
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48
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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19
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19
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19
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19
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19
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19
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19
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20
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20
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20
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19
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19
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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9
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10
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9
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10
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9
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9
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8
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9
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9
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9
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9
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9
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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 50’s.
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, 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).
Accessories
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.
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
Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.
Description
Hacienda Alegria has very nice and comfortable accommodations. The ranches along the way are more basic, but all authentic and comfortable. There are 2 people per room with private showers.
Night 1: Hacienda La Alegria
Night 2: Hacienda La Alegria
Night 3: Hacienda Bomboli
Night 4: Hacienda La Alegria
Night 5: Hacienda San Jose
Night 6: Quilotoa Lodge, next to the crater lake
Night 7: Lodge at Insilivi
Night 8: Hacienda La Alegria
Meals
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9. 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.
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Tack:
|
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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:
|
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Min
11
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Max
70
|
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Weight:
|
|
Max
190 lbs
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Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
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Rider requirements
Riders should have a good fitness level to be able to handle the long hours in the saddle (up to 8 hours some days). Your help in cleaning and saddling the horses is required.
Horses
Our horses are very important to us! 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.
Tack
We have 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.
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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Volcano Avenue and Haciendas Ride
Tour Code:
IT-ECRT06
9 days /
8 nights
~$2,400.00
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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