RIDING IN ECUADOR
Sally Vergette’s rides take you back in time along ancient Inca highways and Spanish colonial routes that traverse two stunningly beautiful regions of the Andean highlands. The rides cross vast plains and pastoral valleys, passing crater lakes, rocky summits, and the snow capped peaks of Cayambe and Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. The journey provides a fascinating insight into Andean rural life, and includes visits to vibrant local markets and villages where the customs have changed little over the centuries.
Read what our clients have to say about their Wild and Exotic experiences in Ecuador
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Wild and Exotic fact sheet for riding in Ecuador
Accommodation: Is in haciendas – historical country houses, most dating back to the 17th and 18th Century. On itineraries where camping is involved, the camping is modest; 2 man tents are provided along with Karrimats. Guests should bring sleeping bags, but they can be rented by prior request.
Activities: We arrange trips to various indigenous markets and craft villages whilst we are on rides. Hiking and bird watching can also be arranged.
Best months to visit: Mid November to late February (a dry section in mid rainy season) and mid May to mid October (summer / dry season).
Cash: The US Dollar is the national currency. Both cash and travellers cheques are accepted at haciendas.
Clothing list: Clothing list will be sent on request and is sent with all booking forms.
Drinks: Wine, water and juice are included at lunchtimes. Drinks in the evenings are not included.
Guides / Grooms: Guests are accompanied by a bilingual guide (English and Spanish) and at least one local second guide / groom. The guides have excellent local knowledge of the highlands of Ecuador and are experienced riders with many years experience of guiding both on horses and on foot.
How to get there: Wild and Exotic can book return air fares to Quito for guests, prices on request. On arrival at Quito, guests are met by a representative of Ride Andes and taken to a hotel for their first night in Quito. The ride generally begins the following morning. Ecuador is six hours behind Greenwich meantime.
Insurance: Guests are responsible for having an adequate, valid insurance policy including cover for all the sporting activities that are participating in. Wild and Exotic can arrange this if instructed.
Language: Most of the population speak Spanish - little English is spoken except in the haciendas/hotels and larger shops. Quichua is the Inca language spoken by the majority of the indigenous population.
Length of rides: 5 –7 hours average in the saddle per day. All rides of more than two hours include regular breaks, and normally a lunch break of approximately one hour.
Meals: A delicious cooked breakfast with local exotic fruits and juices is served every morning. On most days a picnic lunch is carried in your saddlebag, and on other days we stop for lunch at a hacienda during the course of the days ride. Candlelit three course dinners are served in the charming hacienda dining rooms.
Medical and Safety: A medical kit for both horse and rider is carried at all times, regardless of the length of ride. Mobile phones and / or radios are carried on all rides. Most riding takes place above 2500 metres. On arrival guests often feel slight effects of the altitude. Rides are planned so that guests have time to acclimatise, however guests should check with their doctor prior to departure as high altitude may be inadvisable for certain medical conditions.
Non-Riders: If non-riders wish to accompany the tour, alternative arrangements can normally be organised for them, and, on most days, everyone can meet up for the lunchtime picnic. Please ask Wild and Exotic for further details.
Pace: Due to the variety of the terrain the pace can be very varied. Each day there are opportunities for fast paced riding, however due to the altitude the rides are not suitable for guests who wish to gallop all day long!
Riding Ability: You should be comfortable at all paces. Riders must be used to steep slopes and open ground. Novice/beginner riders are welcome on private rides and the routes will be adapted to suit their level of riding ability.
Single Supplement: A single supplement is charged to those who are not prepared to share accommodation.
Size of rides: For our Set departure dates a maximum of 10 guests per group. Private tours 1 –14 guests. Larger groups can be catered for by special request.
Tack: Saddles used are classed as Western style (ex US Cavalry saddles) but it is easy to ride English style instead of Western in these saddles. Sheepskin seats are provided. English saddles are available on request for shorter rides, but inadvisable on the longer rides. Bridles are generally English.
Type of Horses: The horses are mainly warm / hot blood lines (Arabs, Thoroughbred, Pasos) crossed with Criollo, which are ideally suited to the terrain. They are specially selected, well trained and good natured. They are generally between 14 h.h. and 15.2 h.h. Most horses can be ridden western style or English style.
Visas: Currently, most European and North American citizens visiting Ecuador as tourists for less than 90 days do not require an entry visa. It is recommended that guests check for up to date information with the Ecuador Embassy with the most up to date visa requirements prior to departure.
Weather / Climate: The climate in the Ecuadorian highlands allows us to ride almost all year round. During the days the temperatures can rise to 28 – 30 degrees Celsius, although most days start with a crisp 6 – 10C. Night time temperatures can drop to freezing. In the rainy season (October to May in most areas) the rain does not fall daily and is hardly ever prolonged. Afternoon showers occur, but generally once the day’s ride is over.
Weight limit: Without prior agreement we are unable to accept riders over 85kgs (190lbs). By special request we are able to cater for a small number of heavier riders on some rides.
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| Gardens, Hacienda Cusin | Guavali valley | Guests, Cotoapaxi |
Wild and Exotic 8 day sample itinerary for the colonial haciendas (CH) ride in Ecuador
A journey back in time through a landscape devised for riding: 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 different regions of the Andean highlands. There are breathtaking views as the ride crosses vast plains and pastoral valleys in a fascinating landscape sculptured by both glacial and volcanic activity. The sights include hanging valleys, perfectly formed conical hills, grassy slopes covered in a profusion of wild flowers, crater lakes and steep, rocky summits. The ride follows the famous ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’, skirting the snow-capped peaks of Cayambe and Cotopaxi (the highest active volcano in the world) and negotiating traditionally cultivated land beneath.
The itinerary includes visits to local indigenous markets and craft villages where the customs and rhythm of life have changed little over the centuries. As well as seeing an array of exotic Andean produce and goods, you will also meet friendly locals wearing colourful traditional dress as they go about their daily tasks – the children tending unruly pigs and sheep as their parents work the land in the same way their forefathers before them.
Nights are spent in haciendas – historically important country houses dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Guests can relax in front of open fireplaces and enjoy fine period detail, as well as atmospheric courtyards and flowering gardens. Theses prestigious haciendas hold an important place in the history of Ecuador, and many are still home to the noblest of Ecuadorian families.
Day 1: Guests are met at Quito airport/hotel by a bilingual guide and driven north to a hacienda frequented by the great South American liberator, Simon Bolivar. This journey takes approximately two hours. Members of the charming family that have owned the hacienda for several centuries 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 surroundings.
Guests first try their horses in an enclosed area before setting out on an introductory guided ride of 2 – 3hrs duration through the tiny fields that cover the slopes of the Imbabura Volcano. We often see friendly but dignified locals in their immaculate traditional dress working in the fields by using hand tools or cattle to work the land. These tiny fields are surrounded by stone walls and earth banks topped with sisal plants and an array of wild flowers. There is the opportunity to visit the famous Otavalo market on this the busiest day of the week. As well as the bustling craft market and stalls with exotic fruit, there is a food market where the locals -dressed in their distinctive traditional costume come down from their tiny farms in the mountains to sell farm produce and buy weekly supplies. After a welcome drink in the cosy bar accompanied by the music of an excellent Andean band and a delicious, traditional dinner (a la carte) overnight at hacienda Pinsaqui, which has fireplaces in most rooms.
Day 2: We leave this historic hacienda and ride on to Hacienda Cusin, a colonial hacienda built in 1602, a journey which takes approximately five hours. We ride past tiny hamlets of adobe huts, through woodlands, across rocky gorges and wind our way around the patchwork fields of quinoa, potatoes, maize and tree tomato orchards. As we ride across the slopes of the sacred Imbabura Volcano (extinct) - the focus of many Inca legends – there are magnificent views of the San Pablo Lake and the jagged Mojanda summit. We will visit a family of local weavers in one of the many traditional villages, whom still produce unique rugs using the ancient pre-Inca back strap loom that most weavers have abandoned in favour of modern replacements. The wool is still dyed using plants and then hand spun as the family sticks rigidly to the traditional weaving processes. We reach an early 17th Century hacienda adorned with local crafts and antiques during the afternoon. After your long ride you have the chance to relax in the glorious surrounding of the hacienda, wandering through the beautiful flowering gardens admiring the avocado trees, bromelias, orchids and kitchen garden with passion fruit, tree tomato and a host of other interesting plants.
Day 3: After breakfast we begin our journey of a stunning six hour ride into the beautiful pastoral Zuleta Valley. This journey takes us along country lanes and through eucalyptus forests. We then climb out of San Pablo Valley enjoying wonderful views of the Imbabura volcano, and onto the plains beyond for some fast-pace riding across the verdant ‘paramo’ (the unique Andean habitat of high grasslands), passing dewponds and hedges of aloe vera and spiky agave (sisal) atop mud walls. Following sandy tracks, we then descend into the Zuleta valley with dramatic views to the hanging valleys and rocky ridges above us, as well as ancient tumuli and earth pyramids erected by the pre-Inca population ride. On the way to a working farm deep inside this tranquil valley seldom visited by tourists you may see the mighty Andean Condor as well as other species such as hummingbirds and bright scarlet flycatchers. After arrival at Hacienda La Merced later in the afternoon there will be the chance to see examples of the hand embroidery that has made this valley famous. NB this hacienda only has 6 rooms, so for a large group a second night may be spent at Hacienda Cusin instead.
Day 4: We ride out of the hacienda along tree-lined trails between the fields and passing the traditional adobe and thatch cottages. We canter along grassy tracks before taking to steep paths that run besides deep gorges as they climb high into the open wild grasslands. A careful study of the grasses reveals a host of native blue, red and yellow wild flowers including gentians, Indian paintbrush and wild iris. We cross the gently undulating highlands at nearly 4000 metres following tracks made by ‘chagras’ (Andean cowhands) whilst rounding up cattle, and enjoy spectacular views of the valleys below. Occasionally we see a lone Andean Wolf - similar to the European fox – watching us from a respectful distance. We then descend steeply into the Cayambe Valley dominated by the snow-capped Cayambe Volcano straddling the Equator Line before arriving at Hacienda La Carriona, a beautiful old Jesuit hacienda in time for afternoon tea, and a tour of the stunning hacienda and her original Jesuit chapel. The owners of this historic property will explain the fascinating history of the Jesuits in Latin America. Afterwards we leave the horses behind and drive across the Equator Line to a hacienda south of Quito for the second stage of our ride. Guests can relax in the hacienda gardens and enjoy the covered swimming pool, jacuzzi or sauna.
Day 5: The day starts with a short drive south through the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’. The views are magnificent, with the verdant horseshoe shaped crater of Pasachoa, the twin Iliniza peaks sprinkled with snow and a host of other summits lining the central valley. We meet fresh horses and ride south out of the Machachi valley and into the foothills of the Iliniza peaks – very different scenery to the previous days’ rides. Our destination is an ornate hacienda steeped in history (6hrs) on the Lasso plains. The wide sandy tracks and grassy paths are ideal for fast and exciting riding as we cross a broad glacial valley. In places there are layers of pumice stone – deposited by the volcanoes – and the horses expertly negotiate two steep gorges. We frequently pass local ladies wearing bright pleated skirts and traditional hats. The original houses in this area are built of dried grass laid over a wooden frame, which resembles haystacks from behind. The magnificent Hacienda La Cienaga where we spend this evening is reached through an impressive avenue of eucalyptus trees, and was the setting for several independence battles, and also the base used by explorers and scientists such as Condamine and Humboldt during their expeditions to the ‘new world’.
Day 6: After breakfast there may be the chance for a morning visit to the nearby Saquisili Indian market. Guests can amble through the squares and streets buying local goods such as a traditional poncho, or simply watch locals trading. Men sit behind old sewing machines putting the collars on new ponchos or behind stone wheels grinding knives, and ladies pass through the market selling a multitude of wares. Afterwards we return to the hacienda and set off for the hills on horseback – there is an opportunity for some fast riding as we head towards the perfectly conical shape of Cotopaxi Volcano. Passing adobe huts with grass-thatch roofs, the ride continues into gently undulating grasslands, across the Cotopaxi foothills, and into pine forests. Chimborazo (Ecuador’s highest peak) and the presently active Tunguragua Volcano are often among the volcanoes visible on this part of the ride. We join the main Inca highway and ride to hacienda built around an important Inca structure. Complete Inca walls built by the Agustinians are still intact and incorporated skilfully into the hacienda, which is acknowledged as being the second most important Inca site in Ecuador. The horses are left at a tiny hamlet whilst we head back for a second night at Hacienda La Cienaga.
Day 7: We rejoin the horses for a spectacular seven hour ride up into the National Park to canter across the wide, barren plain at the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano (the highest active volcano in the world). Several herds of wild horses inhabit the park, and to ride along side these long-maned horses galloping freely across the rugged terrain is an exhilarating experience. The curiosity of the young stallions often overcomes their fear, and they leave their herds to take a closer look. Part of this ride follows the main Inca highway that linked Quito with Cusco in Peru. Close by, there is a route running eastwards, along which the Incas went to the Amazon rain forest, in the distance we can see remnants of the Inca hilltop fortress that guarded this route. The ground is covered with tiny pumice stones and lichen on this arid plain created by lava and ash from the mighty Cotopaxi volcano. Passing a shallow lake on the high plains we continue onto a small restaurant with a stunning view of Cotopaxi for a delicious lunch. We then ride across an unusual lunar landscape of huge boulders and hard baked ochre-coloured mud and onto rolling grassy hills, arriving at a charming working hacienda, to sample the local specialties of ´empanadas´ and ´canelazo´. We leave the horses and descend into the Machachi Valley by vehicle and drive back to Quito for a night in a comfortable hotel. Overnight Hotel Sebastian or similar.
Day 8: Following breakfast, guests are accompanied to the airport in time for their outward flights.
Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for the Cotopaxi Adventure (CA) ride in Ecuador
A circuit of this perfectly conical snow-capped peak, through breathtaking, wild open country including Cotopaxi National park and seldom visited open plains high in the Andes. A chance of seeing the Andean wildlife (the mighty Andean condor among other raptors and hunters, high altitude hummingbirds, foxes and deer) as we cross a variety of scenery including rugged passes, barren, luna-like landscapes and rolling, grassy hills. The pace is also varied, from steadily crossing wetlands to cantering across the altiplano. Where there is a break in the sea of high Andean grasslands, the ground is carpeted with wild flowers and we pass by primary woodland with native trees and shrubs. During part of the ride, we cross old lava flows dotted with rocks catapulted out from the erupting volcano, where only lichens grow and the streams fed by snowmelt run red from the iron deposits. The glacial retreat, followed by the volcanic activity have left intriguing landscapes. On some days we ride along old Inca routes, on a few days we pass by adobe cottages and patchwork fields farmed by the charming and very friendly local people. The children are often out and about herding errant pigs and donkeys. Nights are spent in a wonderful mixture of haciendas and farmhouses.
Day 1: We drive out of Quito and meet the horses (journey of approximately 1 hr). This first day offers a very varied route including some tricky sections - where we dismount and let the horses negotiate the rocky riverbeds on their own, and also some exhilarating canters across the grasslands (approx. 5hrs). We arrive at a working hacienda (ranch) and have to carefully negotiate the pastures - this farm is famous for its feisty Spanish fighting bulls! The scenery is spectacular and very varied with green valleys and rolling hills and we are surrounded by jagged rocky summits and snow capped peaks. We arrive at our hacienda for tea then to admire the sunset, in magnificent surroundings. Overnight in a twin room at this charming traditional adobe and thatch hacienda, a working farm situated on the edge of Cotopaxi national park. (PL, D).
Day 2: We ride into Cotopaxi National park and cross the arid plains of the park from north to south, close to the perfectly conical shape of the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano (the highest active volcano in the world) (approx. 6hrs). The luna-like landscape formed by both glacial and volcanic activity is fascinating and the arid plains scattered with huge boulders thrown out by the volcano provide a wonderful surface for some long canters. (The volcano is currently dormant!). We often meet the herds of wild horses that roam the park, they gallop alongside us, long manes and tails flowing. We then climb up out of the park over a high pass and descend into the Machachi Valley, arriving at a beautiful converted farmhouse with flowering gardens filled with lilies in time for our evening meal and overnight. (AB, PL, D).
Day 3: Today we ride south through the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’. The views are magnificent, with the rocky Ruminahui peak, Corazon Volcano, the twin Iliniza peaks sprinkled with snow and a host of other summits lining the central valley (6hrs). Our destination, on the Lasso plains, is a very old family hacienda. The wide sandy tracks and grassy paths are ideal for some more fast-pace riding as we ride the length of a valley scraped out by glaciers at the end of the ice age. In places we ride over layers of pumice stone – deposited by the volcanoes, and during the ride the horses expertly negotiate two steep gorges. We often pass the local ladies wearing brightly coloured, pleated skirts and their traditional hats. The original houses in this area are built of dried grass laid over a wooden frame and, from the back, look like haystacks rather than dwellings, nevertheless happy children come piling out to chase their llamas, pigs and sheep off to open pastureland. We leave the horses in good pastures and take a short drive to a comfortable, working hacienda, the original part built in the 1600s. We enjoy a delicious dinner of traditional Ecuadorian fare before retiring for the night. Double/twin rooms with private bathrooms. (AB, PL, D).
Day 4: An incredible ride high up into the ‘paramo’ (unique Andean vegetation) (7hrs). We once again leave the adobe huts and patchwork fields behind and climb up into the huge expanses of wild grasslands. Enjoying views of several of the snow capped peaks of the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’: Chimborazo (Ecuador’s highest peak), Tungurahua in the distance (actually erupting at the moment) and Cotopaxi, we cross the beautiful paramo grasslands, without a house in sight. After another delicious picnic in the breathtaking scenery, we cross over a ridge into a valley and spot the isolated hacienda house in the distance. Very few people manage to visit this stunning place and the wonderful tranquility and huge expanses of open space, almost uninhabited, is appreciated by all. Cottage with 3 bedrooms (2, 4 & 4 beds) & lounge area to sleep in (2), number of people per room depends on number of riders. (AB, PL, D).
Day 5: A ride across the paramo to a ‘tambo’ built out of Inca stone (4-5hrs). Amazing scenery, riding along a river bed and across the grasslands close to the jagged Quilindana summit. A good chance of seeing the mighty Andean condor, deer, the Andean fox and high altitude hummingbirds (hillstars) as well as large birds of prey soaring overhead. We occasionally meet a chagra with his trusty dog riding out to check the cattle. As we round a hill and cross some native scrubland we come very close to Cotopaxi and often sight Antisana Volcano complete with glacier on the horizon - the views are truly magnificent. The house we stay at tonight is cosy and once again guests can enjoy the incredible location. There is no light pollution and the Equator-line sky is packed with stars, including the southern cross. Twin bedded rooms (partitioned) in this charming house, shared bathrooms. (AB, PL, D).
Day 6: Today we turn west and ride back into Cotopaxi national park, through the northern foothills of the Volcano. Leaving the tambo we follow a rocky riverbed then carefully traverse some marshlands between a series of small lakes. Andean duck and also Ibis are often seen here, among the wild iris. The valley then opens out and we follow a lava flow with strange conical hills ‘popping out’ at intervals – these mounds are formed by volcanic hotspots (now cooled down!) and create quite a bizarre topography. In the afternoon we arrive onto some wonderful grassy plains allowing some long canters – often joined by the wild horses that roam the area, until we arrive at our accommodation for the night: a wonderful ‘straw bale and adobe’ construction with magnificent views of Cotopaxi Volcano. Several llamas live on the property and guests can admire these curious creatures. Double/twin rooms with shard bathrooms, some dormitory rooms. (AB, PL, D).
Day 7: We ride out for a final day in the wild open ‘paramo’ (6 hrs). After some fast paced riding, we climb up scree slopes and over rocky outcrops close to the summit of Sincholagua. As we cross the expanses of grassland and admire the endless views across the rolling hills -not a fence or even a hut for miles around, we have an excellent view of the peculiar geological features such as drumlins, hillocks, mud and lava flows produced by ice age (glacial) activity and then various eruptions of the mighty Cotopaxi volcano. We pass through some native Andean woodlands and also enjoy the sight of tiny Andean wildflowers – Indians’ paintbrush, gentians, deer’s head, lupins, all seemingly too fragile to survive in the highlands. This is another good spot to see the Andean condor and also deer. The ‘chagras’ that guide us across this haunting landscape spend their lives here and carefully lead us between the muddy wetlands. The skyline is dominated by the magnificent Andean peaks: Cotopaxi, Antisana, Quilindaña, Pichincha and many more – the land of the volcanoes. Descending Sincholagua, we arrive back at the farm where the horses stay, we say farewell to our local guides and our trusty steeds and drive back to Quito. (AB, PL).
Notes:
The cost of this itinerary, based on two people sharing accommodation, is provided that at least 4 guests join the ride.
The cost includes horse (spare horses taken), guide and grooms, 3 meals per day (see below), snacks and water on rides, 6 nights accommodation, national park/private reserves etc. entrance fees, transport to and from Quito, transport of bags between lodgings and all local taxes. Saddlebags and poncho for each guest.
Meals included are shown on the itinerary using the following codes: AB= cooked breakfast, PL= picnic lunch (different menus, not just a sandwich), D=dinner.
The cost does not include sleeping bag (needed on certain nights, they are available to rent), items of a personal nature, flights, visa fees (if applicable) or gratuities.
If separate accommodation is required a single supplement is payable and is available for 3 nights of the itinerary. Limited availability.
Extensions to the riding itinerary are available including Galapagos Island cruises (8 days), Amazon jungle trips (minimum 3 days), famous Otavalo market (1 day), cloud forest visits (minimum 2 days) white water rafting (1 day), relaxing at the historic haciendas, city tours (half day) and much more. Please contact Wild and Exotic for more information on extensions to the ride.
Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for the Andean round-up ride in Ecuador
An exhilarating ride across the wild Ecuadorian high Andes - breathtaking scenery as we ride through these remote areas, a string of snow-capped volcanoes providing a stunning backdrop. Riding across very varied terrain: from the flat, arid plains below Cotopaxi volcano to the steep, grassy slopes of the lower slopes of Antisana volcano, we often see the wild horses and the magnificent Andean condor.
We join the local horsemen (chagras) dressed in their brightly coloured ponchos and traditional chaps at a huge annual cattle roundup in one of the remotest haciendas of the highlands.
Day 1: We drive out of Quito and meet the horses (50 minutes). This first day offers a very varied route including some tricky sections - where we dismount and let the horses negotiate the rocky riverbeds on their own, and also some exhilarating canters across the rolling hills (5 hours). We arrive at a working ranch and have to carefully cross the huge, rolling pastures - this farm is famous for its Spanish fighting bulls! Guests often encounter the type of bulls that we will be helping round up later in the week. The scenery is spectacular with green valleys, rolling hills and we are surrounded by jagged rocky summits and snow capped peaks. We arrive at another hacienda for tea and in time to admire the sunset, once again in magnificent surroundings. Overnight at this charming traditional adobe and thatch hacienda, a working farm situated on the edge of Cotopaxi national park. PL, D. Twin sleeping areas, partitioned. Shared bathrooms.
Day 2: We ride into Cotopaxi National park and cross the arid plains of the park from north to south, close to the perfectly conical shape of the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano (the highest active volcano in the world) (6hrs). The luna-like landscape formed by both glacial and volcanic activity is fascinating and the arid plains scattered with boulders thrown out by the volcano provide a wonderful surface for some long canters. (The volcano is currently dormant!). We often meet the herds of wild horses that roam the park, they gallop alongside us, long manes and tails flowing. Descending into Lasso Valley, we leave the horses and drive for a comfortable overnight at another hacienda, built in the 1600s. We enjoy a delicious dinner of traditional Ecuadorian fare before retiring for the night. Private bathrooms. AB, PL, D.
Day 3: An incredible ride high up into the ‘paramo’ (unique Andean vegetation) (7hrs). We leave the adobe huts and patchwork fields behind and climb up into the huge expanses of wild grasslands. Enjoying views of several of the snow capped peaks of the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’: Chimborazo (Ecuador’s highest peak), Tungurahua in the distance (actually erupting at the moment) and Cotopaxi, we cross the beautiful paramo grasslands, without a house in sight. We cross over a ridge into a valley and spot the isolated hacienda house in the distance. Very few people manage to visit this stunning place and the wonderful tranquility and huge expanse of space, almost uninhabited, is appreciated by all. Cottage with 3 bedrooms (2, 4 & 4 beds) & lounge area to sleep in (2), number of people per room depends on number of riders. Shared bathroom. AB, PL, D.
Day 4: A ride across the paramo to a ‘tambo’ built out of Inca stone (4-5hrs). Amazing scenery, riding along a river bed and across the grasslands close to the jagged Quilindana summit. A good chance of seeing the mighty Andean condor and deer, the Andean fox and high altitude hummingbirds (hillstars) as well as large raptors soaring overhead. We occasionally meet a chagra with his trusty dog riding out to check the cattle but most of the cowhands are already at the roundup. The house we stay at tonight is very comfortable and once again guests can enjoy the incredible views. There is no light pollution and the Equator-line sky is packed with stars, including the southern cross. Double rooms (twin rooms, partitions) in this charming house, shared bathrooms. AB, PL, D.
Day 5: We ride into the hacienda where the annual cattle roundup is taking place (2hrs). An early start is needed so we can join the chagras as they head off to roundup the cattle and also the horses that run freely on the ranch and need attention. The chagras, in their brightly coloured ponchos and goat hair chaps, arrived at the hacienda several days ago some herding their spare horses in front of them. Two or three chagras normally manage the hacienda lands (over 60 000 acres) where the cattle roam freely but once a year, for the roundup, they need all the help they can get. The roundup, a vital part of the farming calendar, is steeped in tradition. Today we will normally join the chagras and help them roundup up the wild horses so their hooves can be cut and shaped and any injuries treated. We will possibly be also helping rounding up part of the cattle herd. After a busy day, we spend the night at the campsite sleeping in 2-man dome tents. A hot dinner is served and we ready ourselves for the big day tomorrow. AB, PL, D.
Day 6: Today is the main roundup day. Earlier on in the week, the chagras brought the cattle down off the hillsides of different sections of the hacienda, pushing them nearer and nearer to the corrals. Today over 2000 head of cattle have to be herded into the main corral, then the bulls extracted. It is often called ‘la gruesa’ – describing the thick, seething mass of cattle brought together. The hacienda owner usually ‘opens’ the roundup with a short welcoming speech and each rider has a sip of the local ‘firewater’ served in a bull’s horn. The ‘mayodomo’ or head chagra issues the orders of the day – which cattle to move and by which route. Great distances will be covered, the day will be wasted if the herd manages to break through the line of riders and regain the far reaches of the vast pastures so it is vital that each chagra knows where he is to go. Having got the main herd into the corrals, the cattle that managed to break away have to be collected. They sometimes arrive, unwillingly, on the end of two or three lassos. Guests will be able to ride alongside the chagras or ride further back away from the cattle and admire the impressive scene (or choose not to ride and from a safe vantage point near the corrals enjoy the roundup). A second night in tents with a covered seating area around the camp fire, rustic bathroom and surrounded by an incredible array of stars and summits. AB, PL, D.
Day 7: Having spent the early morning at the corral watching the chagras at work with their lassos (guests are welcome to join in) we leave these skilled cowhands to their tough work and ride out across another part of the hacienda, heading north to the Antisana foothills (4-5hrs). Crossing mountain streams and rolling hills we enjoy another exhilarating ride in these wild open spaces, the massive Antisana glacier appears ahead of us. Another good chance of seeing the Andean condor and also Andean spectacled bears have been seen in this area. We arrive at Hacienda Antisana and say farewell to our horses and the chagras that have accompanied us and are driven back down to Quito for overnight in a comfortable hotel. AB, PL.
Day 8: After breakfast guests then depart or continue on extensions. AB.
Notes:
The cost of this round-up ride is based on shared accommodation and at least 4 people joining the ride. The cost includes all meals as indicated on the itinerary (AB: cooked breakfast, PL: Picnic Lunch (elaborate, not just a sandwich), D: Dinner)
A single supplement can be arranged if requested (subject to availability). This would be approximately £100 per person and covers part of ride (5 or 6 nights single space: tent 2 nights, single room 3 or 4 nights. On day 3, only rooms of 2 to 4 people are available, no single accommodation. The availability of single accommodation on day 4 depends on the number of guests.
Due to the tough nature on the ride, it is advisable to be riding fit and to arrive a few days prior to the start of the itinerary to allow yourself to acclimatise.
Please note that you will be met at Quito airport and additional services can be arranged at request, such as hotels in Quito, city tours, extensions to the Galapagos Islands, Amazon rain forest, bird watching and hiking.
Neither Wild & Exotic Ltd nor the operators or suppliers can accept responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances such as changes to airline flights. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions, a copy of which will be enclosed with your booking form.
2008 set departures in Ecuador
Note: Cotopaxi Adventure (CA) (no camping, shared bathrooms); Colonial Haciendas (CH)
19 - 25 January - CA
19 - 26 January - CH
26 January - February 1 - CA
2 - 9 February - CH
9 -15 February - CA
19 - 26 February - CH - Fully booked
21 - 27 June - CA
21 - 28 June - CH
28 June - 5 July - CH
12 - 18 July - CA
12 - 19 July - CH
19 - 26 July - CH
26 July - 2 August - CH
9 - 16 August - CH
16 - 22 August - CA
23 - 30 August - CH
13 - 20 September - CH
20 - 27 September - CH
27 September - 3 October - CA
4 - 11 October - CH
22 - 29 November - CH
29 November - 5 December - CA
6 - 13 December - CH
13 - 19 December - CA
20 - 27 December - CH
27 December - 3 January - CH
URUGUAY
Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for the Emerald Province ride in Uruguay
A
country the size of
Day 1: Guests have a chance to relax in the very easy-going capital of
D
Day
5: After an early breakfast, we will be driven a short way towards the
famous "Laguna Negra" and later in the day, before enjoying a
wonderful barbeque at the lakeside, riders can go into the lake, bareback if
they wish. We meet the horses and
set off through an area of palm tree forests and to the lakeshore, passing
bird-filled wetlands on the way - we will surely see black-necked swans,
spoonbills, ibis, herons, egrets, storks and a legion of other birds (migratory
birds arrive here from as far as Alaska and the Falkland Islands). (4hr ride).
Despite a number of stories, no one knows how the palm trees got here - some 300
years old; they are not native but the band of palms gives the landscape a very
unique look. During the trip we will pass roadside stalls selling the palm fruit
and the less innocent ‘hooch’ brewed from the palm nuts. The cloudy, sticky
liquid is so potent that if you leave the cap off the old bottles it is sold in,
the liquor evaporates in a flash! After
a typical lunch on the lagoon shores, we ride on into a dense forest of
strangler figs, as sinister looking as their name suggests, through a protected
area of native vegetation and into the Don Bosco hills from where we will be
able to enjoy an incredible view of the unique expanse of palm groves and Laguna
Negra (2hrs). We meet the vehicle and head to a wonderful working estancia a
little further inland (40 minute drive). Overnight at Estancia El Sauce. AB, L,
tea. D.
Day 6: El Sauce is a working estancia
run by its owners who are also your very hospitable hosts. You will be enjoying
a full day’s riding (6-7hrs), with plenty of chances of fast paced riding for
those who wish, around the farm seeing the rice fields and other crops on the
property. Once again in very distinct scenery, you cross creeks and flatlands
and ride past the various crops and to the herds of cattle. The owner often
joins the ride as he checks the land and his animals in the company of the
gauchos that work with him. The
estancia, built in 1920, is very comfortable – it is not a hotel but the
family house in which you have been invited to stay as guests of the owners,
offering one an incredible experience and a very special insight into the life
in the country. For example, guests can sample the ‘mate’ sipped hot out of
a dry gourd. The gauchos and their ‘mate’ are inseparable and a very
sociable ceremony has developed around drinking ‘mate’. In addition to the
cattle grasslands this estancia has a large area of marshlands which, along with
the rice crops, create habitats teeming with bird life (nearly 500 species in
this area). This gives us another chance to see the graceful black-necked swan
(largest population in the world found here), the rare white goose and many
ducks and other birds such as the largest bird in
Day 8: The day starts with a
breakfast out on the veranda with homemade bread, jams and cakes, admiring the
views out across the hills. Guests can take a close look at the rheas, the
estancia has some of these native South American birds as pets. Armadillos often
pop up out of holes ruining Jorge’s (the owner) beautifully manicured lawns.
The ride today takes us through the scenic estancia lands traversing the
eucalyptus forests and grasslands then across the huge fields of the
neighbouring estancias, towards the coast. There is the chance of some long
canters as we ride across the flatlands. Riders enjoy the glorious blue skies
and tranquility as we gallop across the pastures, often sighting the abundant
wildlife. A game of armadillo jumping often inadvertently gets underway, as the
little armour-plated animals make a dash for their holes as the horses approach.
After a picnic lunch, guests can return to the estancia on horseback and relax
around the pool or take the minibus to the nearby beach for a late afternoon
swim in the sea, sunbathe or stroll along by the ocean returning to the estancia
for tea or drinks in a prime location to admire the sunset over the surrounding
hills and then gaze in awe at the star-filled southern hemisphere sky. (4-6hrs
riding). Another delicious dinner with our delightful hosts. Overnight at the
estancia. AB, L, tea, D.
The cost of this
Emerald Province itinerary is based on at least 4 people joining the ride. The
cost includes riding on eight days, all services mentioned in the itinerary, (all
transport including to / from Monevideo, horses, guides and grooms,
accommodation and meals (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 9, except dinner on day
one).
The price does not
include flights to
Neither Wild and Exotic
nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to
itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances
such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason.
This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions, a copy of
which is enclosed with your booking form.
6 - 14 March
22 - 30 March - Guided by Sally Vergette
5 - 13 April
18 - 26 October
1 - 9 November - Guided by Sally Vergette
15 - 23 November
