Colonial Hacienda and Inca Trail Highlands Riding Tours Ecuador A journey on horseback through landscapes made for riding, including routes and lodgings exclusive to Ride Andes. Guests canter along ancient Inca highways and Spanish colonial routes, between the best preserved ‘haciendas’ (grand colonial farming estates) of South America, in two stunningly beautiful, yet very distinct areas of the Andean highlands. Breath-taking views as we cross vast plains and ride through pastoral valleys in a fascinating region dramatically sculptured by both glacial and volcanic activity. A picture postcard as we turn every corner: hanging valleys, perfectly conical hills, wild flower covered grassy slopes, crater lakes and rocky summits. We follow the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’, skirting the towering, snowcapped peaks of Cayambe and Cotopaxi (the highest active volcano in the world) and wandering through the maze of patchwork fields below. The days are packed with rides varied in both pace and scenery and with visits along the way to local indigenous markets and craft villages where the customs and rhythm of life have changed little over the centuries. Nights are spent in haciendas – historic country houses & working farms, some dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Warmly greeted by the owners, guests can relax in front of open fireplaces and enjoy the fine period detail, atmospheric courtyards and flowering gardens. The colonial haciendas that open their doors to us are unique and hold an important place in the history of Ecuador. Hundreds of years after they were first built, the haciendas continue to welcome visitors to Ecuador as they once did to such famous guests as Simon Bolivar! Progressive Ride (no camping) Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Quito Hotel Airport: Quito Transfer: Quito hotel Sebastian on Day 1 Riders: Min 4 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating Travel Stories

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

Please Note: If there are LESS than 4 riders signed up for a date at 1 MONTH prior to departure, we will adjust the itinerary to better distribute costs or opt to pay group supplement to keep original.

Transfer and Other Charges:

Please Note:On day 1, guests need to make their own way to Hotel Sebastien, usually for 7.30am. Transfers can be arranged at an addtiional cost.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Note: This sample itinerary is subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion due to unforeseen reasons such as weather, track conditions...

Day 1 (Saturday): Otavalo Market & Introductory Ride
Guests are met in Quito by their bilingual riding guide and driven into the northern highlands of Ecuador. We drive northward through an arid valley with avocado orchards then into the very picturesque Imbabura province: ‘the land of the lakes’. Visit to the famous, very colourful Otavalo craft market. Then a short drive to meet the horses and ride to a historic hacienda frequented by the great South American liberator, Simon Bolivar.
We ride along tracks passing woodlands, tiny fields and hamlets takes us to the Hacienda. We often see the very friendly but dignified locals in their immaculate traditional dress working in the fields using hand tools or cattle to plough the land. These tiny fields are surrounded by stone walls and earth banks topped with sisal plants and an array of wild flowers. The bilingual guide assisted by a ‘chagra’ (expert local horseman) are on hand to help guests.
Members of the charming family (horse fanatics themselves!) that have owned the hacienda for many generations greet us warmly. With its courtyards, ornate fountains, terraces and gardens graced with citrus, palm and monkey puzzle trees it is an ideal location to leisurely drift into the relaxing Andean atmosphere. After a welcome drink in the cozy bar accompanied by the music of an excellent Andean band and a delicious, traditional dinner. 
Riding approx. 3-4 hours
Meals included: Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda in Ilumán (fireplaces in most rooms)

Day 2 (Sunday): Fields & San Pablo Lake 
We leave the historic hacienda on horseback and ride on to another colonial hacienda built in 1602.
Today, we ride past tiny hamlets of adobe huts, the ladies in their brightly coloured full skirts herding sheep and pigs, out to graze. We follow them through woodlands, across rocky gorges and wind our way around the patchwork fields of quinoa, potatoes, maize, lupines and tree tomato orchards. We enjoy magnificent views of the San Pablo lake and the jagged Mojanda summit as we ride across the slopes of the sacred Imbabura Volcano - the focus of many pre-Inca legends. Nearing our overnight Hacienda, we pass avocadoes, papaya, passion fruit and, riding into the Hacienda courtyard, graced with bougainvillea, the hummingbirds zoom past us. The hacienda is adorned with local crafts and antiques.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda in San Pablo (fireplaces in most rooms)

Day 3 (Monday): Pastoral Zuleta Valley
A stunning ride into the beautiful pastoral Zuleta Valley.
Climbing into the hills we pick up the pace and, following sandy tracks, ride through a landscape frequently described by guests as the most picturesque they have ever seen. We have dramatic views of the hanging valleys and rocky ridges as we descend to lush meadows. Below, ladies in traditional dress embroider intricate blouses as they watch their flocks. We ride on to a working dairy and Andalusian stud farm in the middle of this tranquil setting, stopping to see the pre-Inca earthworks dotted around this valley (one of the first highland areas ever settled) and often pausing in awe at the sight of a mighty Andean condor overhead. Once settled in at the Hacienda, guests can take a tour with our gracious hosts and view the collection of Inca and pre-Inca ceramics discovered on site.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Tea & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda in Zuleta Valley (fireplaces in most rooms)

Day 4 (Tuesday): Cayambe Volcano & Equator Line 
This morning, when opening the curtains, there is a wonderful sight of the cows being milked and the Andalusian stallions being taken from their stables to the pastures. After breakfast, (with the Hacienda milk, cream and also homemade jam) we ride out of this verdant valley southwards. Emerging from the forests, after some canters through the eucalyptus, the snow-capped Cayambe Volcano straddling the equator line comes into view. We leave the horses and are driven a short way for lunch at a very important old Jesuit Hacienda. The Cayambe Valley is recognised as producing the best quality roses in the world and guests can judge for themselves - the hacienda is adorned with hundreds of magnificent roses.
We then cross the Equator Line with time to stop for photos, and travel by vehicle (2hrs), bypassing Quito, to our accommodation for the night: a country hotel with spectacular views of Cotopaxi Volcano and other major Andean peaks. A quick trip to the hot tub and sauna then a delicious dinner.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda in Rumipamba

Day 5 (Wednesday): Volcanoes of the Wild Andes
Leaving the farmlands behind, a spectacular ride awaits: across the Sincholagua foothills to the northern edge of the Cotopaxi national park. River crossings, canters through dramatic Andean scenery and riding across the remote ‘paramo’ wilderness amidst fascinating volcanic and glacial features await. There are few places in the world providing such perfect terrain for long canters coupled with a stunning backdrop, not a fence in sight. A very good chance of seeing the massive Andean condors and also the hummingbirds! Avoiding the feisty fighting bulls, we arrive at an idyllic location surrounded by five breathtaking Andean peaks. From this modern Hacienda, remarkable views of the marvelous Andean landscape encircle us, dominated by the perfectly conical shape of the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda or a Mountain Inn (decision will be based on the number of participants - one has too few rooms for larger groups. Both lodgings are situated in idyllic locations with stunning views, cozy rooms and excellent food) in Cotopaxi National Park

Day 6 (Thursday): Cotopaxi National Park & Wild Horses
We ride into Cotopaxi national park on our adorable sure-footed criollo horses for some exhilarating canters across the wide, arid plains at the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano. The horses enjoy the open spaces but have such a calm temperament that they settle into a rhythm without trying to rush. Several herds of wild horses inhabit the park and to ride alongside these long-manned horses galloping freely across the rugged terrain is a unique experience. Part of this ride follows the main Inca highway which linked Quito with Cusco, Peru, then we turn eastwards to follow the Inca route leading down to the Amazon. We pause to visit the remains of an Inca fort before continuing on through the gently undulating grassy hills, passing drumlins and moraine, crossing lahas and old lava flows. Tonight is spent at another old Jesuit Hacienda, converted into small, very comfortable accommodation for our last night in the heart of the Andes.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Old Jesuit Hacienda in Pedregal

Day 7 (Friday): Rugged Peaks & Amazing Views
We head up the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano (‘stoneface’) with an excellent chance of close encounters with the Andean condor, fox and deer. We pass polylepis trees (‘paperbark trees’) and alisos and other native plants such as chuquiragua and valeriana and a host of colourful native flowers hugging the hillsides. Often meeting local horsemen (‘chagras’) checking their cattle (quite a sight, with their colourful ponchos, thick goatskin chaps and intricately plaited bridles), we climb above 4000 metres (13 123 ft). The views are unforgettable: deep valleys and towering peaks as far as the eye can see – looking down into the Avenue of Volcanoes, yet more indelible memories to take home on this the last day of riding.
Meeting the cobbled roads guests say goodbye to the horses and are driven back into Quito (75 minutes).
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast & Picnic Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Quito

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Following breakfast, guests are accompanied to the airport in time for their outward flights, or are picked up at their hotel to continue on extensions. End of services.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                                Quito 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	68	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
The climate in the Ecuadorian highlands allows us to offer rides all year round. However, you should keep in mind that weather can change quickly. Most days, we ride valley to valley and each valley/plain with its own microclimate.
During the day the temperatures can rise to 28C (82F), although most days start with a crisp morning of 8 to 10C (46 to 50F). The night time temperature can be as low as 4C (39F). These day to night temperature changes are most marked from June to November. From December to May the days remain cooler and the nights warmer. Even in the rainy season (November to April in most areas) the rain does not fall daily and is hardly ever for a prolonged span of time. Afternoon showers may occur by when the day's ride is usually over.

Special note – Altitude sickness
Please note that during riding tours we will be at over 2,600 meters / 8,500 feet above sea level and on certain tours over 4,000 m / 13,000 feet. The rides are designed to allow guests to gradually acclimatize but guests may feel some effects of altitude during the first few days (possible headaches and occasionally slight dizziness). It is vital that you follow the guides advice, let your guide know if you are feeling unwell, that you take things easy and do not over-exert yourself. Alcohol intake should be reduced and guests should be sure to drink plenty of bottled water. Aspirin can be taken to help - as long as you are not allergic.

A medical kit both for horse & rider is carried on all outings however short. Most saddles have saddlebags for a few personal belongings. Pack animals are used and/or support vehicles to carry most of the equipment. Suitcases are fine, it is much better if they are ‘soft’ bags rather than hard suitcases and we ask gusts to keep luggage to a minimum – 1 reasonable sized bag (25kg/ 55lbs max)
All the hotels have telephones and on certain rides mobile telephones and/or radios are carried.
Guests are kindly requested on all rides to take a minimum of personal belongings with them. Pack animals or a vehicle bring on guests belongings to the Haciendas. Luggage storage can be organised in Quito during the ride.
All bed linen and towels will be provided on the tours.

Equipment provided by Ride Andes (where applicable):
- Wool ponchos
- Chaps/ Half Chaps (a few pairs are available on prior request).
 
Please bring enough film and batteries especially film/cartridges/memory cards for more modern equipment.  (We advise 400ASA for 35mm cameras.)  The backup vehicle can carry video cameras for guests but the vehicle will not be with the riders all the time. At altitude batteries tend to run down more quickly.

VALUABLES
Although Ecuador has one of the best records in Latin America for safety we advise:
-please take the minimum valuables and avoid wearing expensive watches/jewellery in public.
-please use the hotel/hacienda safety deposit box.
-please use money belts and do not leave valuables 'on show' or in back/outside pockets.
-while riding, valuables can be handed in to the guide for safe storage.
-in Quito, taxis should always be taken at night.

Ride Andes cannot accept any responsibility for loss/theft during your stay in Ecuador.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding chaps-full or half length

Stretch trousers/jodhpurs. We advise you against wearing denim jeans or baggy trousers. (Lightweight jodhpurs may be too thin.) Thin 'longjohns'/stockings/stretch lycra-style cycling shorts are useful under trousers/jodhpurs.

Change of trousers

Strong boots (boots/riding boots with rubber soles - you may have to walk on rough terrain)

Riding helmet  (mandatory)

Woollen scarf

Riding gloves

Wide brimmed hat ('Stetson' style, available in Quito)

Long sleeved cotton shirts

Fleece jacket

Warm, waterproof jacket (for camping tours: suitable for cold evening temperatures)

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Evening wear (trousers, shirt and sweater for the hotels)

Runners or canvas shoes (for evenings & market visits - comfortable, low/no heels)

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect repellent

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Camera and enough extra films and batteries

Daypack

Sun glasses with strap

High protection sunscreen and lip balm

Flashlight

Average ratings from 9 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 sabine balmer 8/5/2011 lisa donnelley 12/20/2010 allison strong 9/14/2010 gregory haley 9/20/2009 james meadows 9/8/2009 dorothy noe 3/18/2007 elizabeth hastings 5/23/2005 roger nitkin 3/11/2003 mark dorfman 1/2/2002

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
You will sleep at some of the best preserved haciendas of South America (no two haciendas are alike but all are in exceptional locations and absolutely captivating) and charming country hotels. All accommodations are clean, very comfortable, full of character and include private rooms with en suite facilities!
Wi-Fi is usually available at all lodgings and while coverage is usually very good, we cannot guarantee it.
In case there are less than 4 riders signed up for a trip departure, clients can decide to pay the small group supplement to keep the itinerary the same or we can make some changes to the itinerary in regards to the accommodations to keep same trip rate.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hacienda in Iluman 
Night 2: Hacienda in San Pablo
Night 3: Hacienda in Zuleta valley
Night 4: Hacienda in Rumipamba
Night 5: Country Inn in Cotopaxi NP
Night 6: Hacienda in Pedregal
Night 7: Hotel in Quito


Hacienda in Iluman 
With three centuries of existence this traditional Hacienda accommodates you in stylish and spacious bedrooms, all equipped with private bathrooms, heating and a beautiful view over the garden. Most rooms also have a fireplace and Wi-Fi is available in public areas.


Hacienda in San Pablo
The Hacienda is a restored 17th century Andean estate located at 8,500 feet. The hacienda's terracotta-tile roofs houses decorated guestrooms furnished with selected fine Andean crafts, king-size beds, private bathrooms and views of the perennial gardens and often snow-capped mountains. Most of the guestrooms have garden access and a log-fire for cool evenings. Public rooms, the library (where tea is served all day), dining room and refectory, are antique furnished and have log-burning fireplaces. WIFI is available in the main house and the library.


Hacienda in Zuleta valley
This Hacienda belonged to the Order of the Mercedaries, until the late nineteenth century. The Guest House is located in the heart of the farm's productive activities; so that one can see from a window or from the garden daily tasks and if desired can be part of them.
The old rooming house of the farm’s employees has been restored to welcome our guests, with emphasis on comfort. As a fitting tribute to those characters who have made the history of mountain farms and have been part of everyday life of this estate until today, we wanted to identify each room with the name of each of these workers. Each room is furnished with older wooden furniture and comes with private facilities. Fireplaces are available in most rooms. Wi-Fi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Hacienda in Rumipamba
This Hacienda's architecture was inspired by the old Spanish-style haciendas and its construction was carried out with ancestral adobe techniques. Each of the 20 comfortable rooms all offer views over the surrounding volcanoes, as well as ensuite bathrooms (with toiletries and hair dryers), a safe and complimentary Wi-Fi access. 
The heat of the chimneys invites you to enjoy a good talk, a glass of wine, the landscape or your favorite book.

Country Hotel in Cotopaxi NP
This lodging offers bright and spacious rooms with large windows overlooking the mountains. Each room has its own bathroom, free Wi-Fi access and a stove to keep you warm on chilly nights.

Hacienda in Pedregal
This Hacienda was built by Jesuits during the 16th century. It has now been restored to offer a comfortable stay to guests, while keeping its original charm. Rooms are cozy and feature unique decorations with beautiful hand wall paintings. All rooms come with private bathroom and central heating. There is a free Wi-Fi zone available in the common room.

Hotel in Quito
This lovely boutique hotel is set in colorful house displaying the typical Ecuadorian style of architecture. Each private bedroom is equipped with free Wi-Fi access, a safe, a TV and private facilities.
Laundry and dry-cleaning service is available at this hotel.

Room Occupancy
If you are willing to share but we are unable to find a roommate for you, the single supplement fee applies.



Meals
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8, except for dinner on Day 7.
After a full day riding, as well as an excellent lunch (most days a picnic, but quite a menu, never just a sandwich), a great variety delicious home cooked dinners that reflect the very diverse Ecuadorian cuisine are served. All menus are prepared with excellent Ecuadorian produce -from the highlands, the coast and the Amazon. The dishes are not spicy but a local hot sauce is never far away!

Dietary Restrictions
We can easily cater for vegetarians or any other dietary requirements as long as we are warned in advance.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		‘McClellan’ western style saddles with sheepskin seats
Horses:		Local criollo crossed with Andalusian, Arab, Thoroghbread, Peruvian Pasos.
Pace:		Moderate with trots and long canters in the National Park | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 3.5 out of 5)    Intermediate+
Age:		Min 15
Weight:		Max 185-210 lbs / 85-95 kg
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 8 riders

Riding Experience
This trip has been designed for good intermediate riders and above. You need to be able to canter in open spaces and also be prepared to ride on steep slopes and tricky terrain. Guests need to be riding fit – long days in the saddle with some tough riding. At various points, guests may be leading their horses (but not normally over long distances).
Enjoyment from the rides can be greatly increased if you are physically fit and your riding muscles are toned.

Riding Terrain
This ride follows trails through verdant valleys of patchwork fields then onto the open plains to gallop with the wild horses below the snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi Volcano.

Rider Responsibility
It is understood that guests booking this trip, are in a suitable condition to participate, not riding against any physician's advice and that guests know of no reason why they should not be participating in such a tour. Guests will be required to sign a waiver of liability at the start of the tour.
Guests are strongly advised to bring and use their own helmet.

Pace
The pace is very varied due to the great variety of terrain. Each day there are opportunities for fast-paced riding and on the last few days of the scheduled departure itineraries, there is ample opportunity for long canters, depending on the guests' wishes. The rides in Ecuador - due to the altitude - are not suitable for guests wanting to ´gallop flat out´ for most of the day.
All rides of more than 2 hours include regular breaks and all-day rides normally include a lunch break of approximately one hour.

Horses
During this trip, riders usually stay with two horses over the 7 days riding (as long as the rider is happy!). Our intention is that riders can actually build a bond with their horse and enjoy not only the landscape and ride but also the company of their horse – but some riders like the idea of trying as many horses as possible – let us know. As always one or more spare horses will accompany us in case a change is needed. The horses we use are the local Ecuadorian Andean Criollo breed crossed with numerous other breeds (English, Spanish, Peruvian, Arab…) producing a steed ideally suited to the terrain and with a wonderful temperament. Criollo breeds have developed from horses that were first brought from Spain in the 17th century, developing very different characteristics in each region, depending on terrain and the needs of the local horsemen.
They are specially selected, well trained and good natured. Our horse are usually between 14.2 and 15.2hh. Riders normally change to fresh horses at least once during the trip.
It is incredibly important that you provide us accurate riding ability details – we try to put a lot of work into selecting suitable horses for each rider.

Tack
We use McClellen saddles, a western’ type saddle with low rounded pommel (no horn) and a thick sheep skin atop. It is easy to ride ‘english style’ on these saddles, as well as western. Each saddle has saddlebags & a poncho. ‘English style’ (two hand direct reining) & neck reining (western ‘one-hand’ indirect rein riding) are both used. People adapt very quickly but the guide and ‘chagras’ are on hand to give some advice. This tack is very suitable for long days in the saddle.

Guides
Guests are always accompanied by a guide (bilingual: English/Spanish) who has many years’ experience of riding. In addition, at least one ‘groom’ is present –usually a skilled local horseman. Both guides and grooms have excellent local knowledge and are good riders. There is also additional ground staff. Professional guides speaking other languages are available on prior request.
In case of accident, our guides carry a mobile phone so that they can contact assistance (local emergency services/back up vehicle/our Doctor in Quito) – the mobile phone coverage is generally excellent.

Weight restriction
Due to the altitude & difficult terrain a weight supplement applies to provide riders of 85-100kg (185-220lbs) and over with two horses.  Agreement prior to booking is necessary.

Altitude
We strongly advise a few days acclimatization prior to the ride. We recommend at least 24 hours in Quito/at same altitude as Quito prior to day 1 of the tour as the riding portion of the trip starts at 2800 meters high (same altitude as Quito).
Guests rarely experience any problems, but please note that we ride above 3000 meters and sometimes even above 4000 meters. Guests must seek medical advice if they have any doubt as to whether they are able to be at these altitudes.

Insurance
Guests are responsible for having an adequate, valid insurance policy including cover for all the sporting activities that they are likely to participate in. This is mandatory.

Non-Riders
If non-riders wish to accompany the tour, alternative activities can be organized for them and on most days, everyone can meet up for mid-day meals.

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.