Andean Valley Retreat

Introduction
Haciendas Ecuador
Riding into a verdant valley described by many as the most beautiful they have ever seen, you arrive at a small, secluded Hacienda to be met by a charming couple that delight in sharing their slice of heaven. This working ranch and part-time country inn has a herd of dairy cows and magnificent Andalusian horses.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights will be spent at the same location.

Description
This Hacienda belonged to the Order of the Mercedaries, until the late 19th century. The Guest House is located in the heart of the farm's productive activities; so that one can see from a window or from the garden daily tasks and if desired can be part of them.



The old rooming house of the farm’s employees has been restored to welcome our guests, with emphasis on comfort. As a fitting tribute to those characters who have made the history of mountain farms and have been part of everyday life of this estate until today, we wanted to identify each room with the name of each of these workers. Each of the 6 bedroom is furnished with older wooden furniture and comes with private facilities. Fireplaces are available in most rooms. Wi-Fi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

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
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to lunch 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!

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


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 one to two horses (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: Highlands & History Ride
Heading north-east from Quito, we cross the equator line and meet the horses. Once everyone is comfortable, we ride to a working ranch. As we ride along grassy tracks into this picturesque valley – meeting ladies in colourful local dress herding their animals along the way – time slows down, and guests are transported back a few decades to farming methods long since lost in many places. Arriving at the Hacienda, guests can leisurely drift into the relaxing Andean life – with a tea or a cold beer in the courtyard or a walk to see the Andalusian horses in their pastures. Look out for Andean condors soaring overhead, as well as a flyover by the egrets returning to roost.
Riding approx. 2-5 hours
Meals included: Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda in Zuleta Valley

Day 2: Imbabura Volcano 
We ride out through the valley, encircled by meadows and enjoying canters along the agave-lined tracks. Leaving the valley floor, the views are breath-taking as we gaze out across the valleys to the distant ridges and volcanoes. Passing the Adobe houses, children tumble out to greet us enthusiastically, then turn their attention to keeping the errant pigs and sheep off patchwork fields of quinoa, potatoes, maize corn and lupines. Reaching the sacred Imbabura Volcano – the focus of many pre-Inca legends – we cross the valley with faster-paced riding for those that wish on the flat dirt trails, and then head back to the Hacienda via a different route. Guests can view the collection of Inca and pre-Inca pottery excavated on site and also walk into the nearby village to see the elaborate embroidery that has made this valley famous.
Riding approx. 3-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda in Zuleta Valley

Day 3: Cayambe Volcano 
After breakfast – complete with the Hacienda’s own milk, cream, cheese and jam – we bid farewell and ride off to another part of the farm to see the fighting bulls, then leave the valley by a different route. Climbing into the hills alongside gorges, there are dramatic views of the hanging valleys and rocky ridges produced at the end of the Ice Age. Cantering along the forest tracks, we emerge onto a plain and look back to see some of the pre-Inca earthworks dotted around the valley – one of the first highland areas ever settled. It is rare not to spot a mighty Andean condor overhead, the 3.2 metres (10 ½ feet) wingspan leaving visitors awestruck. Riding on towards the snow-capped Cayambe Volcano that dominates the skyline, guests say goodbye to the horses and are driven back to Quito.
Riding approx. 3-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast & Picnic Lunch


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 Andean Valley Retreat

Dates Note: This trip is available any time on demand. The tour can be shortened or lengthened on demand - please inquire

Other Info
Meeting:
Airport: Quito
Transfer:

Climate:
                                                Quito area