Hacienda Primavera

Introduction
Haciendas Ecuador
The Hacienda Primavera Wilderness Ecolodge is located in the El Chaco rain forest reserve of Ecuador. The lush forests surrounding the hacienda provide an incredible flora and fauna experience. The verdant rain forest is abundant in endemic species, epiphytes and orchids. Large varieties of butterflies can be found in and around the hacienda. The most famous is the bright blue butterfly, morpho Eugenia, with a wingspan of 5 inches. 

This destination is a great option for travelers looking to combine a trip to the Ecuadorian tropical forests with a hacienda riding experience. The hacienda has been owned by the same family for over 90 years. Here you can participate in the farm life, go riding every day on their resident horses on trails, some of which lead to beautiful hidden waterfalls. If you book in advance, we can sometimes arrange a half day whitewater rafting trip for you in the local region.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride where all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
This hacienda is located in part primary and secondary jungle with stables full of horses, cattle, llamas, donkeys, goats, and pigs. The surrounding tropical cloud forest is rich in flora and fauna, and bird life is prolific. The hacienda is at an elevation of 1,200 m (approximately 3,500 ft).
The cloud forest is extremely lush, with a high biomass and an abundance of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and mosses. The tree canopy can reach between 25 and 30 m high, (75 to 90 ft high).
 


We offer comfortable rooms to our guests and each has a spectacular view of the luscious landscape. The facilities include 5 family suites equipped with 2 full-size beds and 3 matrimonial suites equipped with 1 queen-size bed. Each room is decorated in a Spanish-colonial style and has a private balcony and a private bathroom. The intimate number of rooms allow us to demonstrate our commitment to quality and personalized care.
While providing for the comfortable luxuries of a fabulous vacation, we also strive to keep an eco-friendly environment, offering solar-paneled heated water, biodegradable products, and organic recycling.

There is also a fresh-water pool with waterfall where guests can relax.
There is access to free Wi-Fi and laundry services for a small gratuity.

Room Occupancy
We do not charge any single supplement fee.



Meals
All meals are included on this trip from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7.

Everyday, Hacienda Primavera offers a different menu of gourmet specialties and traditional Ecuadorian favorites prepared from fresh daily produce most often just picked from our own or local organic crops. We pride ourselves on our excellent cuisine and exquisite selection of fine Chilean wines, a pampered delight after an adventure in the tropical Ecuadorian landscape. 
Whether it is a quick bite before heading off on an excursion, an elegant dinner with all the trimmings, or a late-night snack, each choice will be a tantalizing offer.

Breakfasts and dinners are eaten at the lodge, while lunch is eaten on the trail.

Alcoholic drinks are not included with this trip and guests are asked not to bring any alcohol with them, during their stay at the Hacienda.

Dietary Restrictions
Our attentive staff and the creativity of our talented chefs offer personalized meals, accustomed to your needs. Please, let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of booking.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Riding
Your package includes about 2-3 hours of riding per riding day (no riding on arrival & departure days). In case you wish to ride longer, it is possible to add more riding hours for an extra fee.
Horseback riding trails are along the lush local valleys, local trails, roads, and riverbeds. Instruction is available for beginners.

Horses
The hacienda owns a stable with 8 riding horses and 2 donkeys. There are horses to cater for all riding levels.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Please, note that your package includes about 2-3 hours of riding per riding day (no riding on arrival & departure days). In case you wish to ride longer, it is possible to add more riding hours for an extra fee.

Day 1: Arrival
Possible pick-up in Quito or Otavalo for an extra fee. The scenic drive from to the Hacienda passes through the flower plantations of Cayambe, over the Andes Mountains and down to the valleys of the Imbabura province. Stop for some pictures at Cayambe’s own Equator Monument. Take in the beauty of the San Pablo Lake and drive through the city of Ibarra into the sugar cane valley of Salinas. Follow the Mira River and pass over the Guallupe Bridge along the Gualchan River to your destination. This will be a non-riding day but if you like (and if there is enough time) we could arrange a short afternoon ride or a trip to town before dinner time, for an extra fee.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Primavera

Day 2: Ride to El Carmen
Breakfast is served when you get up (no time constraints here!). Familiarize yourself with the cowboys and guides while they prepare the horses for the day. There are several trails that follow the Rio Blanco and Gualchan Rivers with a choice of 7 different destinations. On the trails, you will see the typical daily activities of the neighborhood mountaineers, enjoy the lush vegetation along the trail, and maybe spot the beautiful blue Morpho Eugenia butterfly and local birds. The horseback riding trips can take from about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the trail and rider capability.
Today, we will ride North from the hacienda towards the Chocó reserve, passing the Town of El Carmen and following the old trail back to the Hacienda. This trip is popular also for bird watching.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Primavera

Day 3: Cowboy Ride
Today, you will ride with the cowboys to check on the herd. You will see beautiful views of the Andes mountains from the fields. Help the cowboys milk the cows and check on pregnant cows.
On your way back, you can visit our new organic cloud forest coffee plantation.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Primavera

Day 4: Ride to Espejo 1
We will travel South from the Hacienda towards the town of Espejo 1 over the bridge and back to the hacienda. This trip has the sense of deep jungle and river views.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Primavera

Day 5: Ride through Cloud Forest
Today we will ride East from the hacienda towards the cloud forest for great views and photography opportunities, visit a cattle ranch and then back to the hacienda.
Ride the horses half way up the trail and then hike on foot from there through the cloud forest, up along the river towards the waterfall (rubber boots can be provided). Keep an eye out for sloths and the giant bromeliad orchids while enjoying the mountain lemons growing along the trail. Take a dip in the crystal waters of the spectacular waterfall.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Primavera

Day 6: Ride to Las Juntas
On the last riding day we will ride South and North from the Hacienda towards the town of Las Juntas. This trip will bring you to the end of civilization -- great relaxation and river views all along.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Primavera

Day 7: Departure
Transfer to Quito after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast

This is a sample itinerary only! Scheduling is completely flexible and guests may choose their activity on a day-by-day basis with the guide.
* However, white-water rafting and the train ride must be reserved prior to arrival. Please advise Hidden Trails or the hacienda if you would like us to book this for you.



Non-Riders
Non-Riding activities can also be arranged for an extra fee (please inquire): guided jungle hikes, mountain biking, white-water rafting, and autoferro train ride.
Local guides lead each trip and indicate notable plant and animal species. Trails are appropriate for all degrees of fitness.

White-Water Rafting
*Minimum of 4 rafters required for white-water rafting reservation.
White-water rafting is contracted and is held on Rio Mira from the town of San Jeronimo to the town of Rocafuerte.
Rafting trips start in the morning and guests return to lunch at the Ecolodge. A 45-minute safety lesson is provided to the rafters as well as helmets, life vests and paddles. 
Class III and Class IV rafting trips are offered in Rio Gualchan and Rio Mira.
The trips are suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters and can run from forty minutes to three hours long.
The price of rafting includes transportation to and from the Ecolodge to the river.
At least 1 week of prior notification is needed to arrange the rafting trip.

Train Ride
The Autoferro train leaves Primer Paso every afternoon. This is a 2-hour train ride through the rural areas of Imbabura that will take you over bridges and through tunnels to the city of Ibarra. The Hacienda vehicle will pick you up and drive you back to the Hacienda.

Rates and Dates for Hacienda Primavera

Dates Note: Available any day of the week throughout the year.
Sold Out Dates: no availability until January 14th

Other Info
Meeting: El Choco
Airport: Quito
Transfer: Quito or Otavalo

Climate:
                                        San Gabriel area