A journey back in time on the trail of Inca and Spanish colonial routes, through the best-preserved haciendas in South America, in two impressively beautiful and yet very different areas of the Andean highlands. You follow the Volcano Avenue across vast plains and pastureland, skirting the snow-capped peaks of Cayambe and Cotopaxi and galloping across the meadows at their feet. There is a new interesting ride every day, through forests, into the mountains and along Inca trails, with visits to the local markets and artists' villages, where customs and the rhythm of life have changed little over the centuries. Most nights are spent in 16th, 17th and 18th century haciendas - historic country houses where guests can relax in front of the fireplace and enjoy the seasonal blooming gardens and cozy courtyards. The magnificent haciendas are an integral part of Ecuador's history and home to the noblest of Ecuadorian families, including former presidents. Hundreds of years after they were built, the haciendas still serve to accommodate Ecuador's guests, just as they did for the scientists and explorers of the 16th - 19th centuries and for Simon Bolivar.

Itinerary

Day 1: Guests are met in Quito by their bilingual riding guide and driven to the northern highlands of Ecuador. Then a short drive to meet the horses and head to a historic hacienda to ride. The ride (4 hours) takes us along paths through forests, tiny fields and hamlets to Hacienda. Members of the charming family (horse fanatics themselves!), who have owned Hacienda for many generations, give us a warm welcome. With its courtyards, ornate fountains, terraces and gardens adorned with citrus, palm and monkey puzzle trees, it is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of the Andes. After a welcome drink in the cozy bar, accompanied by the music of an excellent Andean band and a delicious, traditional dinner (a la carte). Overnight stay at this 18th century Hacienda, which has fireplaces in most rooms. 

Day 2: Ride through Andean villages and fields to a colonial Hacienda from the 16th century. On the way, you will see the locals in traditional clothing clothing doing their daily field work and children chasing the pigs away from the crops. Visit a weaver, where black wool is still processed as it was before the Incas. Overnight stay at Hacienda Cusin from the 17th century with its tiled courtyards and flowering gardens. 

Day 3: The trail leads through forest and fields with sections for high riding speeds to Zuleta valley. There, with a bit of luck, you may come across the Andean condor, hummingbird or scarlet flycatcher on the ponds and aloe vera hedges that mark the way to Hacienda Zuleta, which is still farmed. There you can see the hand embroidery for which the region is famous or take part in farm activities.

Day 4: As you ascend into the wild, open grassland, you follow the paths of the chargas (Andean cowboys), which are created during cattle drives. Then descend to Cayambe valley, which is overlooked by the snow-covered Cayambe volcano. Farewell to the horses and a short ride in the car to visit an old Hacienda where you can enjoy a delicious home-cooked 3-course meal of traditional dishes in a beautiful setting. Then we cross the equator line with time for photos and continue by vehicle (2 hours) bypassing Quito to a Hacienda with swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and the possibility of massages (extra charge). Overnight stay at Hacienda.

Day 5: The day begins with a ride to the horses. After leaving the farmland, a spectacular ride (7 hours) over the Sincholagua foothills to the northern edge of Cotopaxi National Park awaits. Then to ride we descend and, once in the pastures, enjoy some exhilarating canters across the pastures and to ride towards Cotopaxi National Park, approaching the perfectly conical shape of the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano (the highest active volcano in the world). Sincholagua, a rocky peak that dominates the skyline, clearly marks the continental divide - the precipitation that falls on the western side runs down and ends up on the Ecuadorian coast in the Pacific, while that on the eastern side eventually flows into the Amazon and reaches the Atlantic via Brazil. Accommodation on day 5 will be in a new Hacienda or a Mountain Inn. The decision depends on the number of participants (there are not enough rooms for larger groups). Both accommodations are in idyllic locations with breathtaking views, cozy rooms and excellent food.

Day 6: We to ride enter the Cotopaxi National Park and gallop across the vast, barren plains at the foot of the Cotopaxi volcano. Several herds of wild horses inhabit the park, and it is a unique experience to ride alongside these long-haired horses to ride, which gallop freely across the rugged terrain. After a picnic lunch in the midst of this breathtaking scenery to ride we head out of the national park to a recently converted old JesuitHacienda and now very comfortable highlandHacienda.

Day 7: You leave the Lodge on dirt roads, a ford and a river and to ride through a very picturesque valley north towards civilization and Quito (5-6 hours). We pass polylepis trees ("paperbark trees") and alisos and other indigenous trees and plants as we cross wooden bridges, through streams and over sandy tracks to ride. The descent into valley is along a trail lined with native trees and shrubs that allow birds, finches, flycatchers and many other bird species to fly from tree to tree in front of us. You say goodbye to the horses and are driven back to Quito on the paved roads (75 minutes). On the way to the hotel, we take a short detour through colonial Quito. You will spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Quito.


Day 8: Breakfast and transfer to the airport.

Accomodation
You will spend the night in various haciendas and hotels that have been carefully ed for you. The rooms all have their own bathrooms and often also a fireplace. In addition to meals, you will be provided with water bottles and snacks on the rides.

Saddle & Tack: McClellan, English

Experience: Advanced riders rider with sufficient cross-country experience moderate riding speed with trot and canter.

Horses: Paso, Quarter, Thoroughbred cross

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