Colonial Haciendas ride summary
A journey back in time along ancient Inca highways and Spanish colonial routes, between the best preserved haciendas (grand colonial farming estates) of South America, in two stunningly beautiful, yet very different regions of the Andean highlands. There are breathtaking views as the ride crosses vast plains and pastoral valleys in a fascinating landscape sculptured by both glacial and volcanic activity. The sights include hanging valleys, perfectly formed conical hills, grassy slopes covered in a profusion of wild flowers, lakes, steep, rocky summits and glaciers. The ride follows the famous ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’, skirting the snow-capped peaks of Cayambe and Cotopaxi (the highest active volcano in the world) and negotiating traditionally cultivated land beneath.
The itinerary includes visits to local indigenous markets and craft villages where the customs and rhythm of life have changed little over the centuries. As well as seeing an array of exotic Andean produce and goods, you will also meet friendly locals wearing colourful traditional dress as they go about their daily tasks – the children tending unruly pigs and sheep as their parents work the land in the same way their forefathers before them.
Nights are spent in haciendas – historically important country houses dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Guests can relax in front of open fireplaces and enjoy fine period detail, as well as atmospheric courtyards and flowering gardens. Theses prestigious haciendas hold an important place in the history of Ecuador, and many are still home to the noblest of Ecuadorian families.
Andean Adventure ride summary
A route that takes riders into the remote Andes in the eastern foothills of the perfectly conical, snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano, across the seldom-visited plains in the National Park and also through the stunning verdant valleys of the Cayambe-Zuleta-Imbabura area north of Quito. A very good chance of seeing the mighty Andean condor as well as a host of other birds while traversing the pastoral valleys and then the open plains. We cross a huge variety of scenic terrain, firstly riding across the patchwork of tiny fields on dirt tracks then riding through lunar landscapes, picking up speed on vast grassy plains.
The pace is varied, including plenty of chances for long canters across rolling hills mixed with a steadier pace over more challenging surfaces. Where there is a break in the sea of high Andean grasslands, the ground is carpeted with wild flowers and we pass through primary woodland with native trees and shrubs and also eucalyptus forests. We cross old lava flows dotted with rocks catapulted out from the erupting volcano, where only lichens grow and ride through rivers fed by snowmelt. As well as being surrounded by majestic Andean peaks, the glacial retreat -followed by the volcanic activity, have helped sculpt the area producing intriguing landscapes.
Nights are spent in a wonderful mixture of haciendas, inns & isolated farmhouses, built of a variety of materials including adobe with thatched roofs and original Inca stone. One night is spent in little cottages in a hamlet, supporting a truly excellent local community project. Due to the varying weather conditions in the mountains (seasonal changes east & west of Cotopaxi Volcano), flexibility is needed. We have several other excellent alternatives if a change to the itinerary is required.
Volcanos and Vistas ride summary
This ride explores the fascinating scenic northern valleys and remote southern highlands –two very distinct areas of the Andes. The ride starts among the patchwork fields in the picturesque and verdant valleys of the Andes, just across the equator line north of Quito and ends on the vast plains below the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano. The astonishing birdlife ranges from tiny hummingbirds to the great Andean Condor. This challenging route includes fast paced riding across the arid plains alongside the wild horses of the Cotopaxi national park. This itinerary is suitable for fit, experienced riders. It includes a visit to the famous Otavalo market, stays at a working ranch, comfortable cottages in a local village & at a remote hamlet on an Inca trading route. The ‘Chagras’ (local horsemen) are on hand each day to tend to the horses. No camping – nights are spent in charming, varied out-of-the-way locations.
Please contact us for the current itineraries, fact sheet, price and availability for this ride
