Colonial Haciendas Trail

Introduction
Highlands Riding Tours Ecuador
A journey on horseback through landscapes made for riding, including routes and lodgings exclusive to Ride Andes. Guests canter 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 distinct areas of the Andean highlands. Breath-taking views as we cross vast plains and ride through pastoral valleys in a fascinating region dramatically sculptured by both glacial and volcanic activity. A picture postcard as we turn every corner: hanging valleys, perfectly conical hills, wild flower covered grassy slopes, crater lakes and rocky summits. We follow the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’, skirting the towering, snowcapped peaks of Cayambe and Cotopaxi (the highest active volcano in the world) and wandering through the maze of patchwork fields below.

The days are packed with rides varied in both pace and scenery and with visits along the way to local indigenous markets and craft villages where the customs and rhythm of life have changed little over the centuries.

Nights are spent in haciendas – historic country houses & working farms, some dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Warmly greeted by the owners, guests can relax in front of open fireplaces and enjoy the fine period detail, atmospheric courtyards and flowering gardens. The colonial haciendas that open their doors to us are unique and hold an important place in the history of Ecuador. Hundreds of years after they were first built, the haciendas continue to welcome visitors to Ecuador as they once did to such famous guests as Simon Bolivar!

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
You will sleep at some of the best preserved haciendas of South America (no two haciendas are alike but all are in exceptional locations and absolutely captivating) and charming country hotels. All accommodations are clean, very comfortable, full of character and include private rooms with en suite facilities!
Wi-Fi is usually available at all lodgings and while coverage is usually very good, we cannot guarantee it.
In case there are less than 4 riders signed up for a trip departure, clients can decide to pay the small group supplement to keep the itinerary the same or we can make some changes to the itinerary in regards to the accommodations to keep same trip rate.

Accommodation Itinerary for Normal Program - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hacienda in Zuleta Valley
Night 2: Hacienda in San Pablo
Night 3: Hacienda in Rumipamba
Night 4 & 5: Hacienda in Pedregal
Night 6: Hacienda near Cotopaxi NP
Night 7: Hacienda near Quito Airport


Hacienda in Zuleta Valley
This small hacienda has 6 twin/double rooms (all with private bathrooms), each with their own decor. Most rooms have a fireplace.


Hacienda in San Pablo
The Hacienda is a restored 17th century Andean estate located at 8,500 feet. The hacienda's terracotta-tile roofs houses decorated guestrooms furnished with selected fine Andean crafts, king-size beds, private bathrooms and views of the perennial gardens and often snow-capped mountains. Most of the guestrooms have garden access and a log-fire for cool evenings. Public rooms, the library (where tea is served all day), dining room and refectory, are antique furnished and have log-burning fireplaces. WIFI is available in the main house and the library.


Hacienda in Rumipamba
This Hacienda's architecture was inspired by the old Spanish-style haciendas and its construction was carried out with ancestral adobe techniques. Each of the 20 comfortable rooms all offer views over the surrounding volcanoes, as well as ensuite bathrooms (with toiletries and hair dryers), a safe and complimentary Wi-Fi access. 
The heat of the chimneys invites you to enjoy a good talk, a glass of wine, the landscape or your favorite book.

Hacienda in Pedregal
This Hacienda was built by Jesuits during the 16th century. It has now been restored to offer a comfortable stay to guests, while keeping its original charm. Rooms are cozy and feature unique decorations with beautiful hand wall paintings. All rooms come with private bathroom and central heating. There is a free Wi-Fi zone available in the common room.

Hacienda near Cotopaxi NP
This historic hacienda was established by the Jesuits during the 1600s. Since then, it has been restored, maintaining its original style. Each room comes with its own bathroom. There is Wi-Fi access in the common areas.

Hacienda close to Quito airport
This historic Hacienda was built during the 16th century and has been carefully restored in order to offer a comfortable stay combining history and modern facilities. The bedrooms all feature a unique decor and all have access to the central garden. Every room has an ensuite bathroom, heating, a safe and a phone. Free internet access is available in common areas. 

Room Occupancy
If you are willing to share but we are unable to find a roommate for you, a  single supplement fee usually applies.



Meals
For the normal program, all meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day

After a full day riding, as well as an excellent lunch (most days a picnic, but quite a menu, never just a sandwich), a great variety delicious home cooked dinners that reflect the very diverse Ecuadorian cuisine are served. All menus are prepared with excellent Ecuadorian produce -from the highlands, the coast and the Amazon. The dishes are not spicy but a local hot sauce is never far away!

Typical al fresco lunch includes:
-2 meats
-2 cheeses
-salads
-fruits
-bread and breadsticks
-savoury snacks
-award-winning Ecuadorian chocolate
-raisins, biscuits (cookies) and sweets (candies)
-tea & coffee
-salt & pepper, olive oil & balsamic vinegar, mayonnaise, spicy sauce

Dietary Restrictions
We can easily cater for vegetarians or any other dietary requirements as long as we are warned in advance.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Experience
This trip has been designed for good intermediate riders and above. You need to be 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 may be leading their horses (but not normally over long distances).
Enjoyment from the rides can be greatly increased if you are physically fit and your riding muscles are toned.

Riding Terrain
This ride follows trails through verdant valleys of patchwork fields then onto the open plains to gallop with the wild horses below the snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi Volcano.

Rider Responsibility
It is understood that guests booking this trip, are in a suitable condition to participate, not riding against any physician's advice and that guests know of no reason why they should not be participating in such a tour. Guests will be required to sign a waiver of liability at the start of the tour.
Guests are strongly advised to bring and use their own helmet.

Pace
The pace is very varied due to the great variety of terrain. Each day there are opportunities for fast-paced riding and on the last few days of the scheduled departure itineraries, there is ample opportunity for long canters, depending on the guests' wishes. The rides in Ecuador - due to the altitude - are not suitable for guests wanting to ´gallop flat out´ for most of the day.
All rides of more than 2 hours include regular breaks and all-day rides normally include a lunch break of approximately one hour.

Horses
During this trip, riders usually stay with two horses over the 7 days riding (as long as the rider is happy!). Our intention is that riders can actually build a bond with their horse and enjoy not only the landscape and ride but also the company of their horse – but some riders like the idea of trying as many horses as possible – let us know. As always one or more spare horses will accompany us in case a change is needed. The horses we use are the local Ecuadorian Andean Criollo breed crossed with numerous other breeds (English, Spanish, Peruvian, Arab…) producing a steed ideally suited to the terrain and with a wonderful temperament. Criollo breeds have developed from horses that were first brought from Spain in the 17th century, developing very different characteristics in each region, depending on terrain and the needs of the local horsemen.
They are specially selected, well trained and good natured. Our horse are usually between 14.2 and 15.2hh. Riders normally change to fresh horses at least once during the trip.
It is incredibly important that you provide us accurate riding ability details – we try to put a lot of work into selecting suitable horses for each rider.

Tack
We use McClellen saddles, a western’ type saddle with low rounded pommel (no horn) and a thick sheep skin atop. It is easy to ride ‘english style’ on these saddles, as well as western. Each saddle has saddlebags & a poncho. ‘English style’ (two hand direct reining) & neck reining (western ‘one-hand’ indirect rein riding) are both used. People adapt very quickly but the guide and ‘chagras’ are on hand to give some advice. This tack is very suitable for long days in the saddle.

Guides
Guests are always accompanied by a guide (bilingual: English/Spanish) who has many years’ experience of riding. In addition, at least one ‘groom’ is present –usually a skilled local horseman. Both guides and grooms have excellent local knowledge and are good riders. There is also additional ground staff. Professional guides speaking other languages are available on prior request.
In case of accident, our guides carry a mobile phone so that they can contact assistance (local emergency services/back up vehicle/our Doctor in Quito) – the mobile phone coverage is generally excellent.

Weight restriction
Due to the altitude & difficult terrain a weight supplement applies to provide riders of 85-100kg (185-220lbs) and over with two horses.  Agreement prior to booking is necessary.

Altitude
We strongly advise a few days acclimatization prior to the ride. We recommend at least 24 hours in Quito/at same altitude as Quito prior to day 1 of the tour as the riding portion of the trip starts at 2800 meters high (same altitude as Quito).
Guests rarely experience any problems, but please note that we ride above 3000 meters and sometimes even above 4000 meters. Guests must seek medical advice if they have any doubt as to whether they are able to be at these altitudes.

Insurance
Guests are responsible for having an adequate, valid insurance policy including cover for all the sporting activities that they are likely to participate in. This is mandatory.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Note: This sample itinerary is subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion due to unforeseen reasons such as weather, track conditions...

Day 1 (Saturday): Introductory Ride
Guests are met in Quito by their bilingual riding guide and driven into the northern highlands of Ecuador. After a quick stop on the equator line, we meet the horses and, once everyone is comfortable, head out along the grassy lanes. Having admired the magnificent view atop a hill carpeted with wild flowers, we descend to a family run Hacienda in a beautiful pastoral valley. This small working farm with a dairy herd and Andalusian (PRE) horses is the perfect location to leisurely drift into the relaxing Andean atmosphere. Once settled in at the Hacienda, guests can view the collection of Inca and pre-Inca ceramics discovered on site.
Riding approx. 4-5 hours
Meals included: Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda in Zuleta Valley

Day 2 (Sunday): Fields & San Pablo Lake
We leave the historic hacienda on horseback and ride on to another colonial hacienda built in 1602.
Today, we ride past tiny hamlets of adobe huts, the ladies in their brightly coloured full skirts herding sheep and pigs. We ride through woodlands, and wind our way around the patchwork fields of quinoa, potatoes, maize, lupins and tree tomato orchards.
Magnificent views of the jagged Mojanda summit as we cross the slopes of the sacred Imbabura Volcano - the focus of many pre-Inca legends. Nearing the Hacienda, we pass avocadoes, papaya, passion fruit and, riding into the Hacienda courtyard, graced with bougainvillea, the hummingbirds zoom past us en route to the agapanthus.
A blast of dazzling Andean colour is provided on a visit to the famous Otavalo market.
Riding approx. 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda in San Pablo

Day 3 (Monday): Pastoral Zuleta Valley
After a fascinating demonstration by local master weavers and a chance to purchase top quality Andean handicrafts, we ride out of the Hacienda. Climbing out the valley onto the plains, we pick up the pace and, following agave-lined sandy tracks, ride through a landscape frequently described by guests as the most picturesque they have ever seen. Dramatic views of the hanging valleys and rocky ridges as we descend to lush meadows below passing ladies in traditional dress embroidering intricate blouses as they watch their flocks. We stop to see the pre-Inca earthworks dotted around this valley (one of the first highland areas settled), also often pausing in awe at the sight of a mighty Andean condor soaring overhead.
Afternoon drive to a very comfortable country hotel located at the trail head of the next part of our ride.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda in Rumipamba

Day 4 (Tuesday): Wild Andes
First riding along lanes between the meadows, riders get used to their new horses. Alongside the gurgling river, the abundance of lush vegetation is quite surprising: montane bamboo, ferns and native trees dripping with orchids and bromelias. The birds such as woodpeckers and hummingbirds are wonderful to see, the vultures a little unnerving! As we leave the micro-climate of the river valley, extensive views open up before us. Surrounded by four Andean peaks - part of the Avenue of Volcanoes, we ride towards the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano. Riding onto rough grasslands in the Sincholagua foothills there is a good chance of seeing more Andean Condors as well as eagles, hawks, falcons and harriers. At the northern border of the Cotopaxi National Park we arrive at a modern hacienda, often greeted by the llamas. This idyllic location with remarkable views of the marvelous Andean landscape encircling us dominated by the perfectly conical shape of the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano will be our base for 2 nights.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda in Pedregal

Day 5 (Wednesday): Open Plains & Wild Horses
We ride into Cotopaxi national park on our adorable sure-footed criollo horses for some exhilarating canters across the wide, arid plains at the base of the Cotopaxi
Volcano. The horses enjoy the open spaces but have such a calm temperament that they settle into a rhythm without trying to rush. Several herds of wild horses inhabit the park and to ride alongside these long-manned horses galloping freely across the rugged terrain is a unique experience. Part of this ride follows the main Inca highway which linked Quito with Cusco, Peru, then we turn eastwards to follow the Inca route leading down to the Amazon. We pause to visit the remains of an Inca fort before continuing on through the gently undulating grassy hills, passing drumlins and moraine, crossing lahas and old lava flows before returning to the Hacienda via a canyon.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda in Pedregal

Day 6 (Thursday): Rugged Peaks & Incredible Views 
We head up the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano (‘stoneface’) with an excellent chance of close encounters with the Andean condor, fox and deer. We pass polylepis trees (‘paperbark trees’), native shrubs such as chuquiragua and valeriana and a host of colourful wild flowers hugging the hillsides. Rising above 4000 metres (13 123 ft) and experiencing one of the highest canters in the world we then ride on into a hidden valley often seeing wild horses grazing close to the towering cliffs.
The views are unforgettable and the picnic spot unmatchable. The trails, marked out by the wild horses, take us back down and on to a once important Jesuit Hacienda recently restored and now a delightful place to stay.
Riding approx. 6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Old Jesuit Hacienda near Cotopaxi NP

Day 7 (Friday): High Pass & Avenue of Volcanoes
The final ride takes us on an exhilarating canter across the flat expanses of Cotopaxi National Park close to the volcano where we traverse old lava, volcanic ash and lahas. We then veer westwards and start a long ascent with outstanding views. Riding up through the native grasslands in order to reach the scree slopes and cross
over into the Avenue of the Volcanoes we leave the national park and often meet local horsemen (‘chagras’) checking their cattle – quite a sight, with their colourful
ponchos, thick goatskin chaps and intricately plaited bridles. Their stirrups are enclosed – like clogs, and often carved into an animal head. Their lassos seem impossibly long to do anything with – but very necessary when working with their very feisty bulls: they lasso the animal then get as far away as possible!
We leave the horses and are driven to a historic hacienda close to Quito Airport for dinner and overnight.
Riding approx. 6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda close to Quito Airport

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
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. End of services.
Meals included: Breakfast



Non-Riders
If non-riders wish to accompany the tour, alternative activities can be organized for them and on most days, everyone can meet up for mid-day meals. 

Rates and Dates for Colonial Haciendas Trail

Dates Note: Private rides can be organized throughout the year on non scheduled dates.
Prices changing in July 2019

Other Info
Meeting: Quito Hotel
Airport: Quito
Transfer: Quito hotel Sebastian on Day 1

Climate:
                                                Quito area