Colonial Hacienda ride, Ecuador

Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for the Colonial Haciendas ride in Ecuador 

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 17^th 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.

Notes:

Sample itinerary. Rides start on Saturdays.

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 will be enclosed with your booking form.

Wild and Exotic fact sheet for riding in Ecuador 

Accommodation: Is in haciendas - historical country houses, most dating back to the 17^th and 18^th 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 at £355.

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.