Ecuadorean Andes, Ecuador
Horses
Type of horses:
Local Criollo breed crossed with Andalusian, Arab, Thoroughbred and Peruvian Paso
Nature of horses:
Well trained, good natured, experienced and ideally suited to the terrain.
Height of horses:
14.2hh - 15.2hh
Weight limit:
85kg (heavier riders will be requested to pay a supplement for a second horse).
Tack type:
'McClennan' western style saddles with sheepskin seats, horses are used to neck reining and English style '2 hands' riding.
Weather
Current Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy, 12 C
Forecast:
Thu - Showers. High: 20 Low: 10
Fri - Showers. High: 19 Low: 11
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Historical Haciendas
Prices for 2010:
4 or more guests: £1657 per person.
2-3 guests: £2394 per person.
These prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement is £317.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Cotopaxi Trail
Prices for 2010:
4 guests or more: £1192 per person
2 - 3 guests: £1666 per person
Single supplement for single room: £186
Single supplement per room for private bathroom: £147
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Authentic Cattle Roundup
Prices for 2010;
Two or Three guests: £1362 per person, four or five guests £1112per person, six or more guests £958 per person, based on twin room accommodation.
Single supplement: 50%
The tour includes: transport from Quito and all services mentioned in the itinerary (horses, guides, grooms, food, equipment and accommodation, all taxes). Not included: dinner day 7, personal expenses such as bar bill and gratuities.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Acclimatisation: ESSENTIAL, minimum two days in Quito.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This Ecuadorean ride is a chance to experience a unique and fascinating part of the world. When the ride organiser, Sally, first visited Ecuador, she was startled by the miles of open country and the amazing scenery. Having made the decision to move out there in 1996, she went on to set up horse riding tours allowing guests to discover the area's outstanding natural beauty and cultural heritage from horseback. Sally runs a well organised team here (and in nearby countries such as Uruguay, also available) and guides many of the tours herself. This riding across the Andes is a trip you'll never forget.
The available programmes are designed to suit the various desires of guests and you have the option to visit areas of historical interest whilst staying in comfortable haciendas, many with wonderful period detail. Alternatively you can choose some more challenging high altitude riding, taking a circuit of the highest active volcano in the world (Cotopaxi) through some isolated but captivating areas. The Ecuadorean highland climate is perfectly suited for riding all year round and the majority of riding takes place at high altitudes, allowing the greatest views.
The horses here are top class and perfectly bred for the tricky terrain. From the back of your equine partner you can see unforgettable sights such as herds of wild horses, remnants of Inca fortresses, locals in their vibrant and traditional dress and the spectacular rocky summits and snow-capped peaks of the Andes around you.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Depending on the itinerary you choose, you stay in haciendas (historic country houses), inns and isolated farmhouses. These buildings, many of which date back to 17th and 18th century, are made from a variety of authentic materials such as adobe and Inca stone. The owners of these properties are very welcoming and you will be able to enjoy the period details of the accommodation, the courtyards and the flowering gardens.
Whether staying in a hacienda, hostal or country ranch, food is hearty, filling and not over-spiced. Dishes are international with the options of choosing a traditional local dish. Delicious tropical fruit such as papaya, mango and custard apple are often available. At dinner, the starter is often a hearty highland soup made with prime local ingredients including beans, pulses and vegetables.
Picnic lunches are freshly cooked and never consist of just a sandwich. Guests are offered a mixture of traditional Western food alongside local dishes (such as empanadas - tasty savoury turnovers stuffed with meat or chicken). Delicious local produce such as cheese from Ecuador's Zuleta Valley are also included and South American wines are available.
Activities
Some programmes are suitable for non-riders and can be adapted for families and young children who can enjoy the sights and experiences of this great trip.
Further Details
Languages: English and Spanish
Health requirements: Fit and healthy, able to withstand high altitudes.
Age limit: 18+ for riding
Tuition: No
Included: Horse, guide, accommodation, food as detailed by programme, saddlebags, ponchos, water bottles, local taxes and park/reserve entrance fees (except departure/airport taxes). transfers from airport to hotel and vice versa, towels and bed linen.
Not included: Soft drinks (other than juice and water), alcohol, discretionary tips, souvenirs, meals not included in programme, personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls.
Travel Information
You will be collected from the airport and transferred to hotel.
Airport: Quito airport (Mariscal Sucre International)
Programmes
Historical Haciendas
|
The haciendas (grand colonial farming estates) of Ecuador, many dating back to the 1600s, provide a real insight into the traditions and culture of this fascinating South American country. Not only do these haciendas provide comfortable accommodation (perfect after a long day's riding) but they allow guests to enjoy the fine period detail, a reflection of the Spanish Settlers who built many of them or the Inca walls that provided inspiration for their style. This ride brings a mix of adventurous and breathtaking riding along with the comforts of homely accommodation and the joys of experiencing the culture of another nation. During your trip you will also stay on a working farm, visit interesting local markets and see a rose plantation and weaving centre. This region was made for riding and here you can take a true journey back in time. Ancient Inca highways and Spanish colonial routes run between beautifully preserved haciendas in two amazing, yet very distinct areas of the Andean highlands. The area offers vast plains and pastoral valleys, dramatically marked by both glacial and volcanic activity. Riders follow the 'Avenue of Volcanoes', circling the towering, snow-capped peaks of Cayambe and Cotopaxi (the highest active volcano in the world) and cantering through the maze of fields below. The days are filled with rides varied in pace and scenery, stops being taken at local indigenous markets and craft villages where the customs and rhythm of life have changed very little in centuries. Not only will you see the exotic Andean fruits on display but you will meet the friendly locals who will be going about their daily tasks in their vibrant traditional dress. After a day of spectacular riding, what could be better than resting your feet by the open fireplace of a traditional country house? The warm and welcoming owners of these haciendas open their doors to you, allowing you to relax in their atmospheric courtyards and beautiful gardens. Many of these buildings are unique and are the homes of the noblest Ecuadorian families, including past presidents, and one is the most important Inca site in Northern Ecuador. Options can be provided for non riders accompanying the group and it is an excellent tour for families or private groups. Itinerary: Day 1, Arrival in Quito and introductory ride: Guests are met at Quito airport/Quito hotel (we advise arriving the day before, you can be met at the airport and taken to an arranged hotel) by a bilingual guide and driven into the northern area of Ecuador.You will take a visit to the famous Otavalo market on this the busiest day of the week. As well as the bustling craft market and stalls with exotic fruit, there is a food section where the locals - dressed in their very distinctive traditional costume - come down from their tiny farms in the mountains to sell their farm produce and buy their weekly supplies. You will then take a short drive to a hacienda frequented by the great South American liberator, Simon Bolivar. Members of the charming family (horse fanatics themselves!) that have owned the hacienda for several centuries greet you warmly. With its courtyards, ornate fountains, terraces and gardens graced with citrus, palm and monkey puzzle trees it is an ideal location to leisurely drift into the relaxing Andean surroundings. Introductory ride (2-3hrs) along the tracks and through the tiny fields on the slopes of the Imbabura Volcano. You will often see the very friendly but dignified locals in their immaculate traditional dress working in the fields using hand tools or cattle to work the land. These tiny fields are surrounded by stone walls and earth banks topped with sisal plants and an array of wild flowers. Guests first try their horses in an enclosed area before the group rides out and the guides and grooms are always at hand to help. After a welcome drink in the cozy bar accompanied by the music of an excellent Andean band and a delicious, traditional dinner (a la carte) overnight is spent at the hacienda (Hacienda Pinsaqui), fireplaces in most rooms. Day 2, Sacred Imbabura and San Pablo lake: You leave this historic hacienda - once a very important weaving centre, on horseback and ride on to another colonial hacienda built in 1602 (5 hours). You will ride past tiny hamlets of adobe huts, through woodlands, cross rocky gorges and wind your way around the patchwork fields of quinoa, potatoes, maize and tree tomato orchards. Magnificent views of the San Pablo lake and the jagged Mojanda summit as you ride across the slopes of the sacred Imbabura Volcano (extinct) - the focus of many Inca legends. As well as seeing a great variety of exotic Andean fruits and other crops, you meet the locals in vibrant traditional dress going about their daily tasks, the children shepherding the unruly pigs and sheep - trying to keep them off the crops. On the way through small villages with thriving cottage industries, the group visits a family of local weavers. This family still produces exceptionally fine, unique rugs using the ancient pre-Inca backstrap loom that most weavers have abandoned in favour of more modern looms. The wool is still dyed using plants and then hand spun as the family sticks rigidly to the traditional weaving processes. Late PM: wander through the beautiful flowering gardens admiring the avocado trees, bromeliads, orchids and kitchen garden with passion fruit, tree tomato and a host of other interesting plants.Overnight at this early 17th Century (1602) hacienda (Hacienda Cusin) adorned with local crafts and antiques. Fireplaces in most rooms. Day 3, Pastoral Zuleta Valley: A stunning ride into the beautiful pastoral Zuleta Valley (6hrs). Along country lanes then through eucalyptus forests, you rise out of San Pablo Valley enjoying wonderful views across the lake and also of Imbabura volcano, riding onto the plains beyond for some fast-pace riding. Views of Zuleta valley, the verdant gorges and the ‘paramo’ (the unique Andean habitat of high grasslands) as you pass dewponds and hedges of aloe vera and spikey agave (sisal) atop mud walls. Following sandy tracks, you then descend into the Zuleta valley with dramatic views across to the hanging valleys and rocky ridges above. With views of the ancient tumili and earth pyramids erected by the pre-Inca population, you ride on to a working farm in the middle of this tranquil valley seldom visited by tourists. A chance of seeing the mighty Andean Condor as well as other species such as hummingbirds and bright scarlet flycatchers. Andalusian horses, fighting bulls and a dairy herd are among the farm inhabitants. PM: Guests can walk into the tiny village and see examples of the hand embroidery that has made the valley famous and also enjoy exploring and observing the activities on the working farm. Overnight at Hacienda La Merced. Fireplaces in most rooms. Day 4, The snows of Cayambe and the Equator line: A chance to get to know about the Andalucian breed, the farm owners will chat with you about their champion horses. You then ride out of the hacienda along tree-lined trails between the fields then passing the traditional adobe and thatch cottages we climb into the open grasslands (3-4 hrs). Taking to the steep paths following the gorges and climbing high onto a ridge you enjoy spectacular views of the distant peaks and the valleys below, including some pre-Inca earthworks. Usually you see the llamas and also the fighting bulls, admiring the powerful animals with sleek black coats. You ride through forests and onto the Pesillo plains. Arriving in the Cayambe Valley dominated by the snow-capped Cayambe Volcano, which straddles the Equator Line you leave the horses at a typical village square. You then cross the Equator Line, and travel (2hrs), bypassing Quito, to a comfortable hacienda complete with a steaming Jacuzzi and the possibility of massages. Guests can relax in the swimming pool, jacuzzi or sauna then enjoy the delicious dinner in this delightful hacienda. Overnight at Hacienda La Carriona/Hacienda San Francisco, fireplaces in most rooms. Day 5, The 'Avenue of Volcanoes' and Iliniza twin peaks. The day starts with a short drive south through the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’. The views are magnificent, with the verdant horseshoe shaped crater of Pasachoa, the twin Iliniza peaks sprinkled with snow and a host of other summits lining the central valley. Riders meet fresh horses and you ride south out of the Machachi valley and into the foothills of the Iliniza peaks – very different scenery to the previous days’ rides. The wide sandy tracks and grassy paths are ideal for some more fast-pace riding as you ride the length of a valley scraped out by glaciers at the end of the ice age. In places you ride over layers of pumice stone – deposited by the volcanoes, and during the ride the horses expertly negotiate two steep gorges. You often pass the local ladies wearing brightly coloured, pleated skirts and their traditional hats chasing errant donkeys. The original houses in this area are built of dried grass laid over a wooden frame and, from the back, look like haystacks rather than dwellings, nevertheless happy children come piling out to chase their llamas, pigs and sheep off to open pastureland. You ride to the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park, where you will leave the horses and continue on by car to a very ornate and historically important 17th Century hacienda. On the way, guests visit the fascinating Agustin hacienda built on an Inca site. Fine examples of Inca stonework, including complete walls, are on view. Arriving by way of a very impressive avenue of eucalyptus trees, the portico of the magnificent hacienda where we spend the night leads us into a building that holds a very special place in history: the scene of several independence battles and used as a base by many explorers and scientists such as Condamine and Humboldt during their expeditions to the ‘new world’. Overnight at Hacienda La Cienaga. Day 6, Saquisili Market: An early morning visit by vehicle to the nearby rural Saquisili Indian market. Having visited the animal market and purchased alfalfa and oats for the horses, guests can amble through the squares and streets buying local crafts or a traditional poncho or simply watching the locals trading on this, the most important market day. Men sit behind old sewing machines putting the collars on new ponchos or behind stone wheels grinding knives for people, ladies pass through the market selling a multitude of wares. You drive back to the park entrance to meet the horses and ride up through the Cotopaxi national park, below the glacier. A spectacular ride (6hrs) with plenty of chances for a long canter across the wide, barren plains at the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano (the highest active volcano in the world). Several herds of wild horses inhabit the park and to ride along side these long-maned horses galloping freely across the rugged terrain is an exhilarating experience. You stop for lunch at a superbly located restaurant. Part of this ride follows the main Inca highway which linked Quito with Cusco, Peru. Close by, there is a route running eastwards, along which the Incas went to the Amazon rain forest, in the distance you can see remnants of the Inca hilltop fortress that guarded this route. The ground is covered with tiny pumice stones and lichen on this arid plain created by lava and ash from the mighty Cotopaxi volcano. Passing a shallow lake on the high plains you then ride across a very surprising ‘luna landscape’ – huge boulders and hard baked ocre-coloured mud and onto rolling grassy hills. You will arrive at a hosteria’ just outside the national park for an overnight stay in a stunning location. Day 7, High Andes mountain pass Guests ride out of the beautiful hosteria and head up over a mountain pass to enjoy the stunning high Andean scenery in this wilderness (6-7hrs). In these remote Andean ‘paramo’ areas the local ‘chagras’ are the only people to venture– checking their herds of cattle on their trusty horses. A local horseman will accompany your group, guiding you through a sea of grass, along mountain tracks, across streams of snowmelt passing native scrubland. Guests really experience the remoteness of the magnificent high Andes with wonderful views of the surrounding peaks: Cotopaxi, Ruminahui. Sincholagua, Pasachoa...to name but a few. Varied terrain and pace – after some canters across the open, grassy plains you start climbing. Deer, condor, Andean foxes have been spotted on this route, high altitude hummingbirds (hillstars) are often sighted zooming between the native wildflowers as well as swifts and other Andeam species. Once over the high pass and across the scree slopes guests descend into the valley. You say goodbye to the horses andare driven back into Quito (90 minutes). Ovenight in a very comfortable hotel in Quito. The route can be altered if anyone is worried but guests have always been acclimatized by day 7 of a ride and we have not had any problems. Day 8, 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. |
|
| Accommodation: | Accommodation is in historical haciendas which are comfortable and inviting. Each hacienda has private bathrooms and there is a single room option with a supplement. One night is also spent on a working farm. |
| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Strong novice - Experienced. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | As detailed by programme. |
| Departure dates: | 2010: 17 July - 24 July; 24 July - 31 July; 31 July - 7 August; 7 August - 14 August; 14 August - 21 August; 21 August - 28 August; 28 August - 4 September; 4 September - 11 September; 11 September - 18 September; 18 September - 25 September; 25 September - 2 October; 2 October - 9 October; 9 October - 16 October; 27 November - 4 December; 4 December - 11 December; 11 December - 18 December; 25 December 2010 - 1 January 2011; 31 December 2010 - 8 January 2011 . |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Cotopaxi Trail
|
This is a challenging and adventurous ride over a series of different terrains through some spectacular areas. It is a complete circuit of the world's highest active volcano, Cotopaxi, through the heart of 'condor country'. The riding takes you through the stunning Andean highlands, riding across arid plains, rolling hills, lava flows and wetlands. The hours in the saddle are long but memorable for all the right reasons. The snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano is a breathtaking sight and the wild highlands of Cotopaxi National Park provide a fabulous riding setting. The plains high up here are great for an exhilarating gallop and there is the chance to see a lot of Andean wildlife such as the might Andean condor, eagles, owls, hummingbirds, foxes and deer. There is such variation to the landscapes that riders experience rugged passes, barren, moon-like plains and grassy hills. The pace differs depending on the terrain - challenging surfaces are faced with a steady approach whereas the open wilderness allows for the perfect long canter. Where there is a break in the sea of high Andean grasslands, the ground is carpeted with wild flowers and there are primary woodlands featuring native trees and shrubs. Groups here cross old lava flows dotted with rocks catapulted out from the erupting volcano, a spot where only lichens grow and where there are rivers created from the melting snow. Intriguing landscapes are created by the beautiful peaks and glaciers here. During some days you will ride along old Inca routes whereas on others you will pass adobe cottages and pretty patchwork fields, farmed by the charming and friendly local people. The children are often out with pigs and donkeys. Nights are spent in a mixture of historic haciendas, inns and isolated farmhouses, built from a variety materials such as adobe and Inca stone. There is even a lodge built from straw bales covered with adobe. The ride is planned as a complete circuit of the volcano but sometimes the weather brings about a need for flexibility. The actual route and accommodation is sometimes not finalised until just before the ride so please bear this in mind. Itinerary: Day 1: You are driven out of Quito and meet the horses (1h). This first day offers a very varied route including some tricky sections – where you dismount and let the horses negotiate the rocky riverbeds on their own, and also some riding along country lanes, through forests and across grasslands (5-6hrs). You arrive at a working hacienda (ranch) and have to carefully negotiate the pastures - this farm is famous for its feisty Spanish fighting bulls! The scenery is spectacular and very varied with green valleys and rolling hills and you are surrounded by jagged rocky summits and snow capped peaks. You leave the horses to descend down the valley to a beautiful old Jesuit hacienda in time for tea, then to admire the sunset in magnificent surroundings. A delicious 4 course dinner and overnight at this historic hacienda with verandas and large landscaped gardens. Twin/double & triple rooms. Shared bathrooms (limited number of single rooms & rooms with private bathroom). Day 2: You rejoin the horses. Having followed some tracks and cobbled roads up the valley to a very large hacienda, you take to huge grassy fields and enjoy some exhilarating canters across the pastures and ride towards Cotopaxi National Park through the foothills of Sincholagua volcano, approaching the perfectly conical shape of the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano (the highest active volcano in the world) (7hrs). Sincholagua clearly marks the continental divide – the precipitation that falls the western side runs down and ends up on the Ecuadorian coast, in the Pacific Ocean, while that of the eastern sides eventually joins the Amazon and goes on to the Atlantic Ocean, via Brazil. Having avoided more fighting bulls, you turn westwards, cross a river and arrive at a working farm at the base of Ruminahui Volcano for a comfortable overnight in this very traditional adobe and thatch farmhouse. Twin rooms with shared bathrooms (single rooms available & rooms with private bathroom). Day 3: Today you climb up through the high ‘paramo’ (the natural Andean vegetation below the snow line), through a sea of long grass then areas of low bushes and lichen covered ground. Hillstars (Andean hummingbirds) flit around between the native Andean bushes and caracaras and birds of prey also inhabit these hillsides. Condors have been sighted soaring overhead. You often meet some of the wild horses that roam the national park, long manes and tails flowing as they gallop alongside us, curious to ‘check us out’. Crossing streams at the head of a valley and following tracks around the craggy Ruminahui peak you reach a high pass (4200m). Traversing scree slopes, with magnificent views of the surrounding Andean peaks and valleys below, you drop down into the Machachi Valley. Riding on you leave the open grasslands and ride through cultivated lands – the very fertile black volcanic soils ideal for wonderful crops of potatoes. You ride on to a charming converted farmhouse for dinner (usually a barbeque) and overnight. Twin rooms with private & shared bathrooms (limited no. of private bathrooms. Single rooms available). Day 4: Today you ride south through the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’. The views are magnificent, with the rocky Ruminahui peak, Corazon Volcano, the twin Iliniza peaks sprinkled with snow and a host of other summits lining the central valley (6hrs). Your destination, on the Lasso plains, is a ‘puesto’ – a stop over point, where Humboldt, an early explorer spent some time. The wide sandy tracks and grassy paths are ideal for some more fast-pace riding as you ride the length of a valley scraped out by glaciers at the end of the Ice Age. In places you ride over layers of pumice stone – deposited by the volcanoes, and during the ride the horses expertly negotiate two steep gorges. You often pass the local ladies wearing brightly coloured, pleated skirts and their traditional hats. The original houses in this area are built of dried grass laid over a wooden frame and, from the back, look like haystacks rather than dwellings, nevertheless happy children come piling out to chase their llamas, pigs and sheep off to grazing. You leave the horses in good pastures and take a short drive to a ‘hosteria’ - another charming location with a cosy bar-dining area. The original building was a farmhouse and the owners have put fireplaces in each room and riders enjoy a very comfortable night. Double/twin rooms with fireplaces and private bathrooms. Day 5: You once again leave the thatched huts and patchwork fields behind and ride across the huge expanses of wild grasslands. Enjoying views of several of the snow capped peaks of the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’: with Chimborazo (Ecuador’s highest peak) and Tungurahua in the distance (actually erupting at the moment) you cross the beautiful paramo grasslands, without a house in sight. After another delicious picnic in the breathtaking scenery, you cross over a ridge and come even closer to Cotopaxi Volcano. Very few people manage to visit this stunning area and the wonderful tranquility and huge expanses of open space, almost uninhabited, is appreciated by all. Amazing scenery, riding along a river bed and across the grasslands close to the jagged Quilindana summit, riders appreciate the vastness off this Andean habitat. There is a good chance of seeing the mighty Andean condor, deer and Andean fox. You occasionally meet a lone ‘chagra’ (Andean cowhand) with his trusty dog riding out to check the cattle. As you round a hill and cross some native scrubland you often sight Antisana Volcano complete with the massive glacier. The house you stay at tonight is a ‘tambo’ built out of Inca stone – roaring fires and lovely staff ensure a warm welcome and once again guests can enjoy the incredible location. There is no light pollution and the Equator-line sky is packed with stars, including the Southern Cross. Twin bedded rooms (partitions dividing the sleeping areas) in this charming house built of Inca stone, shared bathrooms. Day 6: Today you turn west and ride back into Cotopaxi National Park, through the northern foothills of the Volcano. Leaving the ‘tambo’ (Inca overnight stopover point) you have a long ride ahead (7-8 hrs) firstly following a wide river floodplain. You then cross the river and carefully traverse the marshlands between a series of small lakes. Andean duck, teal and also Ibis are often seen here, among the wild iris and other Andean flora. The valley then opens out and you follow a lava flow with strange conical hills ‘popping out’ at intervals – these mounds are formed by volcanic hotspots (now cooled down!) and create quite a bizarre topography. There is a large herd of alpaca, bred for their wonderful soft wool – their long necks and strange way of moving is quite a sight. You ride onto some wonderful grassy plains allowing for some long canters – often joined by the wild horses that roam the area, until you arrive at your accommodation for the night: a ‘hosteria’ with the tall grasses growing in the ‘paramo’ used as thatch. The walls are made of bales of hay covered with plaster, a very different structure that very successfully keeps the cold Andean temperatures outside. The hosteria is a new building and very thoughtfully decorated. Again, the location is unbelievable, surrounded by Andean peaks and enjoying a stunning view of the mighty Cotopaxi Volcano. Twin/double rooms with shared bathrooms (option to pay supplement for room with private bathroom). Day 7: You ride out for a final day in the wild Andes (6 hrs). After some fast paced riding, you climb up along grassy trails then along rocky paths over outcrops close to the summit of Sincholagua. As you cross the expanses of grassland and admire the seemingly endless views -not a fence or even a hut for miles around, you have an excellent view of the peculiar geological features such as drumlins, hillocks, mud and lava flows produced by ice age (glacial) activity and then various eruptions of the volcanoes. You pass through some native Andean woodlands and also enjoy the sight of tiny Andean wildflowers – Indians’ paintbrush, gentians, deer’s head, lupins, all seemingly too fragile to survive in the highlands. This is another good spot to see the Andean condor and also deer. The ‘chagras’ (local horsemen, dressed in brightly coloured ponchos) that guide us across this haunting landscape spend their lives here and carefully lead you between the muddy wetlands and across the steep slopes. The skyline is dominated by the magnificent Andean peaks and -as well as the condor- eagles, falcons, hawks and caracara are often seen soaring or hovering overhead while hunting for food. Descending Sincholagua, you meet a track that takes us back down to civilization. Saying farewell to your local guides (chagras) and trusty steeds guests are driven back to Quito for overnight. Twin/double rooms with private bathroom. Day 8: 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. |
|
| Accommodation: | Nights are spent in a mixture of historic haciendas, inns and isolated farmhouses, built from a variety materials such as adobe and Inca stone. There is even a lodge built from straw bales covered with adobe. The rooms are mainly twin/double rooms with shared bathrooms. There are private bathrooms some nights with an option to pay a supplement and have a private bathroom all nights. |
| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Advanced. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | As detailed by programme. |
| Departure dates: | 2010: 10 July - 17 July; 17 July - 24 July; 24 July - 31 July; 7 August - 14 August; 14 August - 21 August; 28 August - 4 September; 11 September - 18 September; 25 September - 2 October; 2 October - 9 October; 20 November - 27 November; 27 November - 04 December; 11 December - 18 December; 25 December 2010 - 1 January 2011. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Authentic Cattle Roundup
|
This tough but exciting tour is an authentic roundup which is part of the local farming calendar. Its location is in a remote part of the Andes, bordering the Cotopaxi National Park. The 'Elrodeo' is the most important event that takes place in the vast cattle ‘haciendas’ of the Ecuadorian Andes. Its tradition dates back centuries – since the first Spanish settlers introduced cattle to the grassy plains and rolling hills of the Andes. It involves the ‘chagras’ (Andean cowhands), riding their horses up into the mountains to round up the fighting bulls (a very aggressive breed of cattle) and herd them down into the corrals. It is an incredibly exciting riding experience for competent riders only, with plenty of adrenaline fuelled moments whilst riding across steep and rough terrain, surrounded by the most stunning scenery imaginable. It also provides an incredible insight into the local culture and traditions as the chagras show their horsemanship and lasso skills. It is an amazing experience to see the camaraderie among the chagras working together in close proximity to these very feisty fighting bulls. The stunning, unique location of this hacienda also provides guests with the chance of seeing the wild horses that roam the area and the ‘Paramo’ (high Andean habitat) wildlife, including the unforgettable sight of the magnificent Andean condor soaring overhead. The excitement of the roundup begins with the chagras arriving at the hacienda from neighbouring farms, when they start to prepare the corrals. This is where the bulls will be branded and sorted. Then the chagras head into the rolling hills with the guests, the Andean peaks provide an indescribable backdrop for this absolutely unique experience. Non-riders are welcome to join this trip, there is always plenty to see and several photography opportunities at the hacienda and around the corrals. It is vital that participants arrive at least two days prior to the start date of the roundup in order to acclimatise. They can offer a range of interesting activities during the lead up to the ride. Planned Itinerary (weather and other aspects can force a change in the itinerary/order of events): Day 1: The morning starts by driving to the Hacienda from Quito, which is high up in the Andes. You will receive lunch on arrival and the afternoon is free to settle in. After dinner, guests will get to hear about the ‘Rodeo’ (so called as once the cattle are in the corral they circle, always in the same direction – ‘rodear’: to go round). Overnight at the hacienda. Lunch and Dinner included. Day 2: The rodeo begins! Riders will head to the 'El Ami' area, in the foothills of the Quilindaña peak where guests will have their first encounter with the fighting bulls. The task will be to surround the bulls and herd them to the corrals, letting as few as possible escape back into the hills. This normally takes all morning. After lunch at the hacienda, the rest of the afternoon will be dedicated to working in the corrals, branding and selecting. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included. Day 3: Early in the morning riders will mount up and assemble before going to the corrals, where 'la bomba' is formed (the long line of riders) to receive instructions from the hacienda owner and mayodomo (hacienda manager). After taking a ritual drink out of a horn, the chagras will receive details of who is to ride where and everyone will head to 'El Ami grande' where the older and fiercest animals of the hacienda graze, these also have to be herded into the corrals. The afternoon offers superb photographic opportunities as the chagras work in the corrals. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included. Day 4: From the hacienda, riders will head to a different area: ‘San Agustin’ for the day’s work. After forming ‘la bomba’ and receiving the corresponding instructions, chagras, guides and guests ride to an area of Quilindaña mountain where numerous herds of fighting bulls and wild horses graze. This will be the first time that the chagras try to take these animals to the corral. If successful, the animals will be branded and the horses manes cut. If there is time in the afternoon, riders will head back to San Agustin in search of bulls that escaped in the morning. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included. Day 5: An early start to the day. Riders will be searching for the fighting bulls in the same area that some had slipped the net. In the afternoon, these animals are often very unwillingly brought in on two lassos, they will be branded and sorted. In the afternoon the chagras will be in another area: ‘Contadero’ again looking in the rough terrain – complete with gullies and bogs, for the bulls and wild horses that might be in this area. From this location on a clear day riders will have an astonishing view of the Cotopaxi. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included. Day 6: Today the work will be centred in the corrals, where the hacienda owners choose the animals they wish to be sold. In the morning, if the chagras head out into ‘paramo’ grasslands again, guests can join them looking for the bulls that were not brought down off the hills the day before. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included. Day 7: The work needs to be finished in the corrals. You also have an option to go out for a final ride surrounded by magnificent peaks in the heart of the Andes. After lunch you will be driven back to Quito. Overnight is in small hotel with charm and private bathrooms. Breakfast and Lunch included. Day 8: You will be taken to the airport in time for your departure flights or you can continue on extensions such as a visit to Otavalo market, the cloud forest, the Amazon or the Galapagos Islands. Breakfast included. Additional activities: In this incredibly diverse country, a wide range of trips to complement the ride are on offer: Galapagos Islands, Amazon rain forest, Cuenca, hot springs/spa, cloud forest… Options for non riders accompanying the group are available and this is an excellent tour for private groups and families (adapted for younger children). NOTES: - Prices subject to change without notice - Riding times given are approximate. - Appropriate medical insurance is mandatory and the responsibility of each guest. - Acclimatisation: ESSENTIAL, minimum two days in Quito. - Please remember this is a tough tour and the animals (cattle and wild horses) are treated firmly, this is not a tour for the faint hearted but for hard working, adventurous people looking for an exciting challenge! |
|
| Accommodation: | Twin-bedded rooms, each room is separated by a reed partition. Towels & bed linen provided. Shared bathrooms. Single room: limited availability, to be confirmed at time of booking. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | Experienced, competent & confident riders only. Advanced intermediate level and above, used to riding out. |
| Type of ride: | Authentic cattle round up, which also includes rounding up some horses. |
| Total riding time: | Six days as per itinerary |
| Departure dates: | Please contact the for 2011 departure date. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |