Cotopaxi Getaway

Introduction
Haciendas Ecuador
From the trail head between two extinct volcanoes, we will ride to Cotopaxi National Park. There are excellent opportunities for seeing Andean condors as you traverse fascinating landscapes forged by glacial and volcanic activity.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights will be spent at the same location.

Description
The perfect point from which to explore the national park. The Hacienda is very comfortable and situated in tranquil highland scenery on the edge of Cotopaxi National Park, with stunning views of Cotopaxi Volcano. Room options range from private to small dormitories, both with en suite bathrooms.



The spacious room come with large windows overlooking the mountains, free Wi-Fi access and a stove to keep you warm on chilly nights.

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


Meals
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on the last day.

The meals at the Hacienda are all delicious home-cooked meals prepared with local ingredients, for example trout. There is a hearty breakfast, varied picnic lunches (not just a sandwich) and a 3 course dinner. Snacks and bottled water are provided each day, and guests can purchase soft drinks & alcohol each evening.

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.

Riding


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 one to two horses (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.

Itinerary


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... The itinerary can also be adapted to the different group's needs.

Day 1: Introductory Ride
We start with a drive out of Quito, in a south-east direction where we meet the horses (our exact start point depends on the desired length of today’s ride). Once guests are comfortable, we ride south towards Cotopaxi Volcano, the 2nd highest active volcano in the world. Crossing a river, we reach wide stretches of pasturelands and a chance for faster-paced riding for those that wish. We traverse the lower slopes of the foothills of Sincholagua and follow the River Pita before fording its clear waters. En route we often see the large Andean raptors – including eagles, caracaras, hawks and smaller kestrels. Frequently we also spot the mighty Andean Condor soaring overhead – with a 3 metre (10ft) wingspan!
We spend the night at a comfortable Hacienda, close to the northern entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, with magnificent views of five surrounding peaks – including the snow-capped Cotopaxi.
Riding approx. 2-5 hours
Meals included: Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda in Cotopaxi National Park

Day 2: Inca Routes & Wild Horses
We ride into Cotopaxi National Park on our sure-footed Criollo horses for some exhilarating canters (for those that wish) 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, which we then we turn eastwards from in order 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 then eventually returning to the Hacienda.
Riding approx. 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda in Cotopaxi National Park

Day 3: Volcanoes & Hidden Valleys
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. We climb above 4,000 metres (13,123 ft) then drop down into a hidden valley, cantering across pumice stone to arrive at the base of impressive vertical cliffs for another delicious picnic. Emerging from the valley, the views are unforgettable: ridges and vales as far as the eye can see – yet more indelible memories to take home on this the last day of riding.
Riding approx. 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast & Picnic Lunch


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. 

Rates and Dates for Cotopaxi Getaway

Dates Note: This trip is available any time on demand

Other Info
Meeting:
Airport: Quito
Transfer:

Climate:
                                                Quito area