Antisana foothills, haciendas and Cotopaxi National Park
This trip combines many of the horse riding highlights of the region: Inca trails, working haciendas, wild horses and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Then add a mix of high altitude riding and the opportunity to ride your horse at a fast pace on open grassland and this makes a great horse riding trip in South America.
Day 1
You are met in Quito and taken to Pintag to meet the horses. From the farm we ride out along cobbled roads that wind through the tiny hamlets and steep valleys around Pintag (ride 3 to 6hrs).
Taking to the dirt tracks, we climb up towards the ‘paramo’ – the high altitude plains where chagras (Andean cowboys) herd their horses and cattle. We pass native Andean trees where we can see hummingbirds and other bird species and then cross pastures carpeted with native flowers. On several occasions we have spotted the magnificent Andean condor overhead and always see a range of birds from birds of prey to hummingbirds. The views are spectacular out across the rolling hills to distant snow capped peaks and to Quito across the valley.
After a picnic lunch we ride up to the paramo where the landscape changes dramatically to grasslands and steep, rocky mountains. We follow a mainly different route back to the farm and on longer rides guests will have the chance to see a fascinating old lava flow. On arriving back at the farm, guests will be driven to the charming converted Jesuit hacienda Rooms with shared bathrooms (option to upgrade to have private bathroom). PL, D. (option: overnight camping).
Day 2
We ride out of the farm and head south towards Cotopaxi Volcano, the highest active volcano in the world (6hrs). We cross stretches of farmland as we head towards the imposing Volcano. The terrain is very varied as we make our way across highland streams, down rocky gullies and small gorges and along narrow paths in the woodlands.
Next, we traverse the lower slopes of the foothills of Sincholagua and follow the River Pita before fording it. En route we often see the large Andean raptors - eagles, hawks and kites soaring overhead in search of prey. The last part of the ride, through part of the Cotopaxi national park, is across grassy, undulating hills, giving us a chance of some faster pace riding.
We spend the night at a charming working hacienda nestled in the lower slopes of Rumiñahui on the edge of the Cotopaxi National Park with magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and peaks including the magnificent Cotopaxi summit. Rooms with shared bathrooms (option to upgrade to have private bathroom) AB, PL, D.
Day 3
We enjoy an exhilarating circuit ride into the Cotopaxi national park. On a clear day the views of Cotopaxi, a perfect, 5897m-high, volcanic cone, are quite breathtaking.
For those that wish, there is the chance for some more fast pace riding across the undulating grasslands at the foot of the volcano before we head out over the lunar-like landscapes and around a shallow lake on the high altitude arid plain. (5hrs). The unique landscape is fascinating: carved out by the glaciers then filled in by volcanic eruptions. We often see the herds of wild horses that the roam the parkland and enjoy a gallop alongside the curious stallions of the groups, their long manes and tails streaming out as they cross the rugged ground.
Often, we will follow old Inca routes between Quito and Cusco, Peru and down to the Amazon and see the Inca hilltop fort. At the end of the ride we head back to the traditionally-built working hacienda for a delicious home-cooked highland dinner then spend the night in this incredibly cosy, picturesque setting. Rooms with shared bathrooms (option to upgrade to have private bathroom) AB, PL, D.
Day 4
We leave the hacienda for a long ride high into wild open ‘paramo’ (6 / 7hrs). We ride up scree slopes and over rocky outcrops close to summit of Sincholagua. As we cross the huge expanses of open grassland and admire the endless views across the rolling hills -not a fence or even a hut for miles around- there is the chance of seeing the Andean fox, deer and the mighty Andean Condor – the national bird of Ecuador. We have an excellent view of the peculiar geological features – drumlins, ‘hotspot’ hillocks, mud and lava flows produced by ice age activity and then eruptions of the mighty Cotopaxi volcano.
The ‘chagras’ that guide us across this haunting landscape spend their lives here and carefully lead us between the muddy wetlands. The skyline dominated by the magnificent Andean peaks: Cotopaxi, Antisana, Quilindaña, Pichincha and many more – the land of the volcanoes. Arriving back at the farm, we say farewell to our horses and our local guides and are driven back to Quito. AB, PL.
About the farm
The farm, close to Pintag (from where the rides start), is only 45 minutes by car south-east of Quito but offers a range of different riding options through spectacular terrain, close to the private Antisana Ecological reserve (on some rides we enter this reserve).
The rides follow ancient trails used by the ‘chagras’ (Andean cowhands) for centuries, the tracks wind through the scenic countryside, through Andean forest and up to the high plains and wild grasslands of the ‘paramo’ (Andean highland vegetation). All of the trails that we ride along have stunning views of Ruminahui, Sincholagua and Pasochoa volcanoes, and on a clear day the snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi volcano and many of the routes take us alongside the fascinating lava flow and up to the point where the liquid lava flowed out of the earth almost 400 years ago.
The earth tracks and cobbled lanes are lined with a huge variety of native plants and the ‘paramo’ grasslands are filled with wild flowers. On the routes guests see a wide variety of birds including hummingbirds, hillstars and many species of birds of prey. The magnificent Andean condor sometimes puts in an appearance as we ride high into the sierra.
We have a selection of horses to suit riders of all abilities (it is vital that guests give us accurate riding details), saddlebags and ponchos, snacks and water bottles for each rider.
These tours are available all year round. They are offered on a private or group basis and suitable for riders of all levels of ability and experience. On most day’s the ride can easily be adapted to suit less experienced riders.
Notes
Transport
The tours all include transport from Quito and all services (horses, guides, grooms, food, equipment and- where applicable- accommodation). Transport for individual riders/small groups can be in the form of being accompanied on a public bus.
Luggage
On camping/hacienda trips packhorses or a vehicle carry all of our equipment and personal luggage from the farm to our overnight destination. Saddlebags are used to carry picnic lunches and personal items.
Equipment
Ponchos are provided and (upon prior request) we can often lend chaps or half chaps. The equipment includes ‘half’ western style saddles (guests can ride either English or western style), saddlebags and ponchos for each guest.
You are requested to bring a sleeping bag and mat for overnight camping trips (these can be rented). CAMPING is very basic, with two man tents with mats. Toilet facilities are basic. Hot meals & drinks are provided.
Riding skills
It is the responsibility of the individual guest to ensure that he or she has the necessary riding skills to take part in the tour chosen. You can request instruction if you wish and for private groups can have a riding lesson at the farm on day 1 prior to the riding out or have more formal lessons prior to day 1 (prior notice needed).
Health and Safety
We pay special attention to the safety of our guests and the health of our horses. The guide always carries a mobile telephone and first aid kits and a back-up vehicle is always available.
Appropriate medical insurance is mandatory and the responsibility of each indivudual.
You are strongly recommended to wear your own riding helmet on the riding tour.
Guests will be required to sign a responsibility release before starting a tour.
Horses
We make every possible effort to provide ideal horses for the terrain for each rider’s level of experience. You usually have at least two horses to choose from and start by riding in an enclosed area to ensure you are comfortable with their horse.
Prices
Prices are per person in GBP pounds and US Dollars and include all services as described in the individual itineraries (i.e guide, horses, meals, accommodation, transport all included). Local taxes and park and reserve entrance fees included. Food key: AB= cooked breakfast, PL= picnic lunch (different menus, not just a sandwich), D=dinner.
Please contact the office for more pricing information.
A booking is confirmed only upon receipt of the corresponding deposit.
We reserve the right to alter the itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.
You can combine your Ecuador riding holiday with a magical trip to the unique Galapagos Islands. Choose a cruise or if you want to get active have a look at our popular Multi-Activity Holiday. Or if you want to extend your stay on the mainland, explore the wildlife of the beautiful Ecuadorian Amazon jungle.
Please contact the office for information and advice.
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