Cotopaxi riding adventure, Ecuador

Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for the Cotapaxi Riding Adventure  

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 of £200 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.

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.

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.