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 exhilarating canters across the grasslands (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 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 (option of paying a supplement for private bathroom).
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 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. Double/twin rooms with private or shared bathrooms.
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. Shared bathroom. 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.
Included 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.
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.
|
