Ride
from the Cloudforest to the Highlands
9 Days / 8 Nights
Day 1: Quito
- Nature Reserve Bellavista / no riding
From Quito we'll drive over the western cordillera towards
the Pacific cloud forest where our horses await us. On our way we
have the chance to visit the Equator Monument 15 km north of Quito.
Typical Ecuadorian lunch and drive to "Bellavista" nature reserve
where we'll be welcomed to a cosy lodge with hot showers and delicious,
wholesome food. From the balcony of our shared room, we can enjoy
a breath-taking view far over the cloud forest and listen to the
sounds of exotic birds. (Lunch/Dinner).
Day 2: Nature
Reserve Bellavista - Nono / Ridingtime 5:30 hrs
On horseback, we'll be heading through a lush green region of
virgin forests studded with waterfalls toward Tandayapa fishing
resort and then be riding slightly uphill for several hours, drawing
closer to Pichincha volcano, which towers above us at almost 4800m.
We begin our trek along the north-west side to the tiny, picturesque
village of Nono, where we set up camp at a farm. Next to a warm
fireplace, the farmer’s family might tell us some interesting stories
about people and lifestyles. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Day 3: Nono
- Calacali / Ridingtime 4:00hrs
We'll be riding along green, hilly pastures, passing several stately
farms, where we can observe fighting bulls and flower crop for exportation,
getting a good impression of the present and past of the country.
Accommodation in the 200 years old walls of a romantic farm hostel
and a hot evening meal await us, next to the volcanic springs of
Calacalí. Bring your swimming gear in case it's a hot day. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Day 4: Calacali
- Pululahua / Ridingtime 5:00hrs
After crossing the Equator from the southern to the northern part
of the globe, we'll be riding downhill through forests of bamboo
into the crater of Pululahua ancient volcano with its magnificent
scenery. We only come across a few small farmhouses along the way,
where the highland farmers scratch a meagre income from the steep,
infertile land beside the forest. At the bottom of the crater, a
mystical and very peaceful place, we'll be resting in a nice little
country cottage, until the call of a donkey or cockerel awakes us
the next morning. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Day 5:
Pululahua - Aguacatal / Ridingtime 4:30hrs
Leaving the volcano through the small gate in its crater walls,
we'll be passing by deep gorges, crossing eroded lahar fields blooming
with wild orchids, to finally enter the narrow valley of the Rio
Blanco with its warm and tropical climate where we find coffee bushes,
fields of sugar cane and a lot of tropical fruits. Pre-historical
ruins can be observed along the way. "Aguacatal" is the name of
the very remote and beautiful farm that offers us beds for tonight.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Day 6:
Rest day in Aguacatal / no riding
Having gone half our way to Otavalo, we will make a rest day today,
for those who want to of course. Those who could spend their life
on horseback, also have the chance to explore the beautiful surroundings
by horse on their own. Those who'd’like a change of activity for
a while, are invited to accompany us by jeep to the Inca ruins of
Rumicucho with their famous sun-channel and after that take an interesting
ride by mountain-bike back to El Aguacatal. Last but not least,
you can also just hang out for a day, walk around and enjoy the
peaceful scenery of our rest place. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Day 7: Aguacatal
- San José de Minas / Ridingtime 7:30hrs
This is the day for the adventurous! After crossing the bridge over
the furious and turbulent river Guayllabamba, we'll be trekking
along a nerve-wracking trail above the river for several hours,
following its direction upstream, leading us through the most hallucinating
and breathtaking landscapes you can possibly imagine. We will have
to dismount on several sections of this trail. Fitness required!
In the late afternoon we'll reach the village of San José de Minas,
which lost its glory as an important mining place when the new road
from Quito to Otavalo was built, leaving San José de Minas out of
the way. The view of the town is dominated by a mighty colonial
church with stories to tell. In its stony archways we'll find shelter
and a restaurant in a nice, spotless local hostel. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Day 8: San
José de Minas - Cuicocha / Ridingtime 6:00hrs
Riding across the fields and pastures of the Paramo into wild and
windy heights, we'll reach the beautiful lakes of Cuicocha in the
afternoon, encircled by rugged mountain walls. Here, we spend the
night in a hostel at an altitude of 3700m above sea-level. Bring
warm clothing and a warm sleeping bag; playing cards welcome! (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Day 9: Cuicocha
- Otavalo - Quito / no riding
After breakfast, our accompanying vehicle will pick us up and drive
us down to Otavalo with a far-reaching view over the next valley
and the surrounding mountains. In the small Andean town, world-famous
for its handicrafts and woollen products, we'll have the chance
to visit its lively, colourful Indigenous market. Our main programme
has ended and participants will have the choice of either staying
in Otavalo on their own (nearby attractions are Peguche waterfall
or San Antonio de Ibarra) or driving back with us to Quito, where
we will leave you at your hotel. (Breakfast/Lunch)
General Information: This programme is for 4-8 experienced riders.
The participant should not weigh more than 85kg. On this ride you
have the choice between English and Western Saddles. The passenger
has to sign a "Liability waiver" before we start the ride.
Difficulty:
Level 3 = Narrow paths with some more difficult slopes. Experience
riding in the countryside needed.
Included:
Transport Quito - Bellavista and Cuicocha - Otavalo –
Quito, Meals as indicated in programme, Accommodation as indicated
in the programme, guide, horses, tents, Wellington boots up
to size 44.
Not Included: Accident and health insurance, sleeping-bag,
air-mattress, additional drinks, raincoat.
|
All our tour
packages include: Please
click here
CODE:
HORECU
|
|