Ecuador On Horseback: Riding In The Andes

Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving in Quito

Stop At: Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional de Quito Tababela S/N - Via, Quito 170907, Ecuador
Road Transfer: Quito Airport - Quito Hotel

Travel time depends on traffic and time of the day, the transfer takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and its start time will be adjusted to fit your itinerary.

Service category: English-speaking Guide

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a 3-star hotel

Day 2: Antisana Reserve

Stop At: Antisana Ecological Reserve, Ecuador
Antisana Reserve

Leave Quito early, eastward bound toward the Antisana Volcano.

On clear days the views of the Antisana glaciers are dazzling. After arriving at the reserve, we will walk through dry páramo in search of the Andean Condor, the black-faced ibis and the Ecuadorian hillstar. A nearby lake is home to a variety of waterfowl, including the silver Grebe. With a little luck, we might even get to see spectacled bears here.

Your tour will conclude with lunch at the Tambo Condor lodge. From there you can return to Quito by chartered or self-organized transport. We suggest combining this trip with a visit to a traditional village called Pintag. A local guide will show you around the community.

Services included:

- Day Trip with Bilingual Naturalist Guide (All transfers and horseback riding tour)
- Lunch
- All Entrance Fees

Services excluded:

- Tips
- Personal expenses
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a 3-star hotel

Day 3: Horseback Riding in Machachi Valley (4 days)

Stop At: Reserva Ecologica Los Ilinizas, Machachi Ecuador
Horseback riding to Viudita Mountain

After arriving at the Hacienda La Alegria, you get to know your horse. Today's riding route leads west past milk farms up to 3.500m. Pass the mountain Viudita (3,800m) and climb the summit (if weather permits).

On the way, enjoy a quick snack and return to the hacienda in the late afternoon to have dinner there. You can spend the evening by the fireplace listening to traditional music.

You will spend the night at Hacienda La Alegria.

- Riding time: Approx. 5 hours / suitable for experienced riders.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Accommodation at Hacienda La Alegria or a similar hotel

Day 4: Horseback Riding in Machachi Valley (4 days)

Stop At: Fiscalia Del Canton Mejia, Avenida Amazonas, Machachi, Ecuador
Horseback riding in the cloud forest

In the morning, the Chagras (Ecuadorean "cowboys") demonstrate their lasso skills then teach you how to copy them. After lunch, ride to the Bomboli cloud forest at about 3,000 meters and stop for a short walk to admire the beautiful orchids, ferns, and other plants.

Dinner and overnight in Bomboli.

- Riding time approx. 4 hours
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation at Reserva Bomboli or a similar hotel

Day 5: Horseback Riding in Machachi Valley (4 days)

Stop At: Reserva Ecologica Los Ilinizas, Machachi Ecuador
Machachi Valley

On this day you will leave the cloud forest behind and ride on the old road that connected Quito with the coast until 1960. Ride through the green and fertile Machachi valley with vast pastures and eucalyptus forests.

For lunch, you will visit a local hacienda. Return to Hacienda La Alegria in the evening.

- Riding time: 4 hours
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation at Hacienda La Alegria or a similar hotel

Day 6: Horseback Riding in Machachi Valley (4 days)

Stop At: Quito Old Town, Quito Ecuador
Return to Quito

After a big breakfast, say goodbye to your horse and return to Quito.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a 3-star hotel

Day 7: Departure

Stop At: EcuadorGPS, Av. Mariscal Sucre (Occidental) N75-159, y Av. Diego Vásquez de Cepeda, Edificio Aramis, Piso 1, Oficina1, Quito 170302, Ecuador
Road Transfer: Quito Hotel - Quito Airport

Travel time may vary depending on traffic. The transfer takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and its start time will be adjusted to fit your itinerary.

Service category: English-speaking Guide (Private transfer)

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.