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Otavalo Ride
Your riding trip starts at a 17th century Andean estate near
Otavalo - Hacienda Cusin it is one of the leading country inns in
Ecuador. Cusin's white walls and terracotta tiles nestle beneath a deep blue sky
in a wide, pastoral valley. It is the antithesis of urban life. You will explore
the beautiful country side on several riding days through valley and up
mountains - all along meeting friendly natives with their colorful dresses and
adorable children.
Celebrities and royalty alike have chosen the Cusin as their luxurious base for
their travels in Ecuador, and once you step foot inside its courtyard gates,
you’ll know why. Dine by koi fountains filled with fragrant rosebuds, explore
nooks and crannies for the hidden doorway or head to the village to look for
exquisite handicrafts. Return to your antique-filled room after dinner, and
you’ll be greeted by a roaring blaze in your very own kiva fireplace.
The first ride is a short 2-hour ride to get used to the horses and tack,
leaving enough time to visit the
Otavalo Indigenous market in the afternoon.
This is followed by 2 overnight trips to remote locations in the countryside -
with overnights at charming mountain guesthouses - and in between you come back
and relax and let the staff of Cusin spoil you for a day.
 IT-ECSR02
2008 Rates include lodging at 3 different haciendas and inns, all meals
except lunch on day 4 and 6, five riding days -
one 2 hr ride and two 2 day overnight rides (4-6 hrs of riding each day).
7 days/ 6 nights $ 795
Single: + $65
options:
5 days/ 4 nights $ 495
Single: + $40
4 days/ 3 nights $ 395
Single: + $40
... the shorter trips include 2 haciendas, 1 overnight trip
Taxes: : 12% Tips: 10%
Dates: Any time with minimum of 2 riders
Meeting: San Pablo
Airport: Quito
Transfer: Transfer from Quito $90 one way for up to 6 people
Level:
Good novice
to Intermediate
Horses:
Quarter, Paso
Fino, Cross
Tack:
Western
Pace: Slow, some trots and canters
Min/Max Riders: 2-6
Note: the 5 and 4 day packages include one overnight trip - 3 riding days
see details on accommodations etc
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival at Cusin in the afternoon. Check in. At 5 p.m. tea on
the main garden patio in the sunset's often unusual glow, or a fireside
cocktail. After a candlelight dinner by log fire, see the night sky or a video
film with popcorn. Overnight.
Day 2 After breakfast you have the option to visit
Otavalo's domestic market & general shops, Monday-Friday, largest and busiest on
Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., visit the Condor reserve, Espejo, 10 minutes from Cusin,
or visit some of the antique stores nearby (lunch and transfers not included -
taxi to Otavalo is about $4).
In the afternoon you join us on a 2 hr ride to Gualavi Valley from where
you can see San Pablo Lake. Return, have a drink on the patio before getting
ready for dinner.
Day 3 We start our first 2 day overnight trip around 9 AM. The 4
and half hour guided ride proceeds from the lake valley of Cusin and climbs
through magnificent rural countryside to approximately 10,500 feet. Enjoy a
picnic along the way. It is possible to spend the afternoon riding around Lake
Mojanda or taking a stiff climb by foot up to the volcanic plug Fuyafuya for
stunning views of the countryside. Dinner and overnight at Casa Mojanda.
Day 4 After breakfast, return along a different route for lunch at
Cusin. The afternoon is free at your disposal. Relax and order an in-room
massage or venture and request a taxi to Cuicocha crater lake, with prolific
flora and panoramic views. Return via Cotacachi's leather stores for another
candlelight dinner. Overnight at Cusin.
Day 5 Right after breakfast your guide will have the horses
ready for you, because today you have a long 6.5 hr ride in front of you. The
ride will take you to in direction of Otavalo to Las Palmeras. This 150 year-old
hacienda, with its towering palm trees and garden cottages with roaring log -
fires, is tucked in a lush mountain valley. The inn is decorated with local
artistry, including hand-woven bedcovers made by the renowned artisan Luz Maria
Andrango. Winding paths through flower beds and fruit trees lead guests to
garden cottages with a double bedroom, living room, fireplace, and bathroom.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 6 A long, but interesting ride on a different route will take
you back to Cusin, arriving around 4:00 pm. Nice long shower and meeting to a
candlelight dinner. If you did not take advantage of the in-room massage ...
maybe today is the time.
Day 7 Departure after breakfast - either back to Quito or onto
more adventures (more haciendas, multi day riding excursions, 4 days Amazon, or
maybe Galapagos Islands)
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Hacienda Cusin was founded in 1602
see
Las Palmeras Inn
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