Ride Around Cotopaxi
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, 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 streams fed by snowmelt run red from the iron deposits. Glacial retreat and dramatic 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 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, built of adobe with thatched rooves, original Inca stone and even a very comfortable highland lodge built of straw bales covered with adobe.
Itinerary
Day 1 We drive out of Quito and meet the horses (1h). 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 riding along country lanes, through forests and across grasslands (5-6hrs). 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 leave the horses to descend down the valley to a beautiful old Jesuit hacienda in time for tea, then to admire the sunset in magnificent surroundings. A delicious 4 course dinner and overnight at this historic hacienda with verandas and large landscaped gardens. PL, D. Twin/double & triple rooms. Shared bathrooms (limited number of single rooms & rooms with private bathroom).
Day 2
We rejoin the horses. Having followed some tracks and cobbled roads up the valley to a very large hacienda we take to huge grassy fields and enjoy some exhilarating canters across the pastures and ride towards Cotopaxi National Park through the foothills of Sincholagua volcano, approaching the perfectly conical shape of the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano (the highest active volcano in the world) (7hrs).
Sincholagua clearly marks the continental divide – the precipitation that falls the western side runs down and ends up on the Ecuadorian coast, in the Pacific Ocean, while that of the eastern sides eventually joins the Amazon and goes on to the Atlantic Ocean, via Brazil.
Having avoided more fighting bulls, we turn westwards, cross a river and arrive at a working farm at the base of Ruminahui Volcano for a comfortable overnight in this very traditional adobe and thatch farmhouse. AB, PL, D. Twin rooms with shared bathrooms (single rooms available & rooms with private bathroom).
Day 3
Today we climb up through the high ‘paramo’ (the natural Andean vegetation below the snow line), through a sea of long grass then areas of low bushes and lichen covered ground. Hillstars (Andean hummingbirds) flit around between the native Andean bushes and caracaras and birds of prey also inhabit these hillsides. Condors have been sighted soaring overhead. We often meet some of the wild horses that roam the national park, long manes and tails flowing as they gallop alongside us, curious to ‘check us out’.
Crossing streams at the head of a valley and following tracks around the craggy Ruminahui peak we reach a high pass (4200m). Traversing scree slopes, with magnificent views of the surrounding Andean peaks and valleys below we drop down into the Machachi Valley. Riding on we leave the open grasslands and ride through cultivated lands – the very fertile black volcanic soils ideal for wonderful crops of potatoes. We ride on to a charming converted farmhouse for dinner (usually a barbeque) and overnight.
Twin rooms with private & shared bathrooms
(single rooms available). 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. Shared bathroom. AB, PL, D.
Day 5
We once again leave the thatched huts and patchwork fields behind and ride across the huge expanses of wild grasslands. Enjoying views of several of the snow capped peaks of the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’: with Chimborazo (Ecuador’s highest peak) and Tungurahua in the distance (actually erupting at the moment) we cross the beautiful paramo grasslands, without a house in sight. After another delicious picnic in the breathtaking scenery, we cross over a ridge and come even closer to Cotopaxi Volcano.
Very few people manage to visit this stunning area and the wonderful tranquility and huge expanses of open space, almost uninhabited, is appreciated by all. Amazing scenery, riding along a river bed and across the grasslands close to the jagged Quilindana summit riders appreciate the vastness off this Andean habitat. A good chance of seeing the mighty Andean condor, deer and Andean fox. We occasionally meet a lone ‘chagra’ (Andean cowhand) with his trusty dog riding out to check the cattle. As we round a hill and cross some native scrubland we often sight Antisana Volcano complete with the massive glacier.
The house we stay at tonight is a ‘tambo’ built out of Inca stone –roaring fires and lovely staff ensure a warm welcome 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 (partitions dividing the sleeping areas) in this charming house built of Inca stone, 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’ (Inca overnight stopover point) we have a long ride ahead (7-8 hrs) firstly following a wide river floodplain we then cross the river and carefully traverse the marshlands between a series of small lakes. Andean duck, teal and also Ibis are often seen here, among the wild iris and other Andean flora.
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. There is a large herd of alpaca, bred for their wonderful soft wool – their long necks and strange way of moving is quite a sight. We ride onto some wonderful grassy plains allowing for some long canters – often joined by the wild horses that roam the area, until we arrive at our accommodation for the night: a ‘hosteria’ with the tall grasses growing in the ‘paramo’ used as thatch.
The walls are made of bales of hay covered with plaster, a very different structure that very successfully keeps the cold Andean temperatures outside. The hosteria is a new building and very thoughtfully decorated. Again, the location is unbelievable, surrounded by Andean peaks and enjoying a stunning view of the mighty Cotopaxi Volcano. Twin/double rooms with shared bathrooms (option to pay supplement for room with private bathroom). 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.
Day 8
Following breakfast, guests are accompanied to the airport in time for their outward flights, or are picked up at their hotel to continue on extensions. CB. End of services.
Included horse (spare horses taken), guide and grooms, 3 meals per day (see below), snacks and water on rides, 7 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.
Transfer to and from Quito international airport also included.
Not included Sleeping bag (needed on certain nights, available to rent),
tips and personal expenditure such as bar bills.
Sample of extensions There are many options for you in Ecuador: Galapagos, Amazon, Macquipucuna cloud forest, white water rafting, Otavalo Indian Market, relaxing at historic haciendas, city tours (half day) and much more.
Tour length 7 days riding.
Tour starts The meeting point is Quito, where the international airport is. We can meet you at the airport and can arrange hotels and city tours etc for you – take care of all your travel arrangements during your stay.
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.
Altitude The ride takes place above 3000metres and we ride at above 4000metres. We advise arriving early in Ecuador to acclimatize. Guests must seek medical advice as to whether they are able to be at these altitudes.
Riding ability Intermediate and above – able to canter in open spaces and also be prepared to ride on steep slopes and tricky terrain. Guests need to be riding fit – long days in the saddle with some tough riding. At various points guests will be leading their horses (but not normally over long distances). Please consult with us if you have any doubts.
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).
Horses Local criollo breed crossed with Andalusian, Arab, thoroughbred, Peruvian Paso – ideally suited to the terrain.
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.
Equipment/tack Western style saddles with sheepskin seats (note, easy to ride English style), horses used to neck reining and English style ‘2 hands’. Ponchos and saddlebags are provided for each rider.
Guides Expert rider leading the trip, bilingual with much experience. Also skilled, a local horseman that knows the backcountry well accompanies the group.
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 individual. 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.
Grooms Will be present to help guests with the horses.
Accommodation 6 nights in double/twin bedded rooms, 1 night in rooms with 2 or 4 beds. Single room: possible on 3 nights (limited availability, extra charge applies). Sleeping bag needed & towel.
Bathrooms: private 1 night, 5 nights shared. On 2 nights possible to upgrade to private bathroom, extra charge applies.
Food Hot breakfast, varied picnic lunch, 3 course hot dinner. Snacks and also bottled water also provided each day. Key: AB= cooked breakfast, PL= picnic lunch (different menus, not just a sandwich), D=dinner.
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.
A booking is confirmed only upon receipt of the corresponding deposit. Following a confirmed booking detailed travel advice and equipment lists will be sent to you.
Note: We reserve the right to alter the itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.
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