Volcanoes & Haciendas of Ecuador Highlands Riding Tours Ecuador The Ecuadorian Andes run through Ecuador from North to South and are comprised of eastern and western chains. This riding holiday will cover the Western and the Eastern Mountain Chain. This ride is specifically designed for those looking for cultural immersion and adventure with long journeys and amazing scenery. The route takes us close to Viudita, Corazon, Ruminahui, Cotopaxi and Quilindana volcanoes. Over the first days, riders will have the opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude, weather and new environment. You will get to know your riding companions well and start a relationship with them. Participants 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. Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation 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

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Note: Because this program starts on the morning of day 1, we recommend arriving at the Hacienda the night before the program starts.

Day 1: Introductory Ride
In the morning, we try the horses and ride in a closed arena until you feel comfortable with your horse and tack. Then, we start riding west through the dairy farms and up to 3,500 m close to the Viudita Mountain (3,800 mts). We will stop in the area for a picnic lunch and head back to the Hacienda to enjoy a comfortable evening by the fireplace.
From our picnic spot, we can appreciate the green and fertile Machachi Valley and we can also see the routes we will take the next few days along the east mountain chain.
Riding hours: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Hacienda La Alegria     

Day 2: Cloud Forest
We start the day riding west towards the Corazon mountain (4,000 meters) before descending to the cloud forest. We ride through 3 different ecosystems: valley, paramo and cloud forest. Once in the cloud forest, we can observe a great variety of flora and fauna, including giant guneras, orchids, and birds such as the turkey of the forest (guan).
In the afternoon, we arrive in time for tea at Hacienda Bomboli (3,000 m). Then, relax by the fireplace and enjoy the sunset. 
Riding hours: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Hacienda Bomboli

Day 3: Ride back to the Valley
Today, we leave the cloud forest behind and head back to the hacienda, following an old road (built in 1873) that connected Quito with the coast up to 1960.
Crossing extensive pastures and eucalyptus forests we arrive to the valley in time for lunch at the Hacienda.
In the afternoon we can relax before our big adventure.
Riding hours: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Hacienda La Alegria

Day 4: Cotopaxi Volcano
After breakfast, we prepare the horses for our first long journey eastward in the Andes. Crossing Machachi valley and volcano Rumiñahui, we arrive to our overnight refuge (2750 m) in Cotopaxi National Park in the evening. We enjoy a delicious dinner by the fire, with the Cotopaxi volcano as our main scenery. 
Riding hours: 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Hacienda Mortinos

Day 5: East of Cotopaxi
This morning we will ride in the eastern section of the National Park - riding on long flat paramo were we have enjoy the highest canter in the world.
We go as high as 4200 meters above sea level (14.000 feet) and descend to 3600 meters, in a the valley called “Vicius Valley”. In the evening, we will arrive to Hacienda Yanahurco for a nice overnight stay and a great meal.
Riding hours: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Hacienda Yanahurco

Day 6: South of Cotopaxi
Wake up to an extraordinary view of the active volcano. Today's ride will 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 (descendants of the horses brought by the Spanish in the 16th century).
Riding hours: 6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Camping at Hacienda Pansache

Day 7: Hacienda La Cienega
We leave the mountains and head west on trails crossing large wilderness areas covered with pine trees. We will continue along the valley and stop for lunch along the way. At the end of the afternoon we will arrive to Hacienda La Cienega (built in 1570), that will allow us to rest after a long journey. 
Riding hours: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Hacienda La Cienega

Day 8: Valley Ride
Today, we ride through the rich agriculture valley. Crops can grow in this region thanks to the water from the volcanoes. 
In the afternoon we will arrive back to Hacienda La Alegria and enjoy a and a great farewell dinner.
Riding hours: 8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Hacienda La Alegria

Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport (time depends on your flight time).
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            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 +50 and lipstick ointments (important)
Flashlight with extra batteries
Washcloth
Camera extra batteries
Binoculars

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

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

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hacienda La Alegria
Night 2: Hacienda Bomboli
Night 3: Hacienda La Alegria
Night 4: Hacienda Mortinos
Night 5: Hacienda Yanahurco
Night 6: Camping at Hacienda Pansache
Night 7: Hacienda La Cienega
Night 8: Hacienda La Alegria

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.

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.

Hacienda Mortinos
This hacienda is located on the slopes of the Cotopaxi volcano, surrounded by mountains and nature. It offers 14 spacious rooms (single, double, triple and family) with private bathroom, free Wi-Fi access and incredible views of the mountains.

Hacienda Yanahurco
This charming hacienda on the edge of Cotopaxi National Park has different rooming options. The guestrooms are comfortable and feature heating as well as private facilities (for most).

Camping at Hacienda Pansache
While camping, you will be sleeping in 2 or 4 person tents. We provide you with a Thermarest inflating mattress and sleeping bag.

Hacienda La Cienega
This is one of the oldest colonial haciendas in Ecuador, at over 400 years old. This mansion  turned into a boutique hotel offers the visitor the unique experience of staying within its walls of volcanic stone two meters thick. All rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi connection, a heater and ensuite bathroom.


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 the last day.

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:		Approx. 5-6 hours per riding day - Moderate pace with trots and canters | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Good Intermediate
Age:		Min 12
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.

Test Ride
Before starting our program, riders receive instruction and ride under strict surveillance by the guides and helpers. We start by riding in a circle where riders must demonstrate their confidence and ability to adapt to the horse, saddle, and equipment. After this, they move up to a larger arena (70x70 meters/200x200 feet), where they will be observed and guided before going out. The rider has the option to switch horses, saddle, or equipment upon request.

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.