Luxury Hacienda Adventure, Ecuador
Horses
Type of horses:
Spanish-Andalusian, English and Quarter horses
Nature of horses:
Robust, noble and smooth Andean horse with a perfect disposition for trail riding
Height of horses:
15hh - 16.2 hh
Weight limit:
90 kgs.
Tack type:
South American (similar to a Western Saddle)
Weather
Current Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy, 12 C
Forecast:
Thu - Showers. High: 20 Low: 11
Fri - Showers. High: 20 Low: 9
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Eight Day, Seven Night Hacienda Experience
2010 prices per person:
Standard room:
Double: £1400
Single: £1458
Deluxe room:
Double: £1756
Single: £1817
Suite room:
Double: £1990
Single: £2048
For larger groups of 7 - 9 persons, please enquire for the discounted rate.
Children aged 3 - 12 will receive a 50% discount.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Five day, four night Hacienda Experience.
2010 prices per person:
Standard room:
Double: £827
Single: £870
Deluxe room:
Double: £1032
Single: £1090
Suite room:
Double: £1163
Single: £1224
For larger groups of 7 - 9 persons, please enquire for the discounted rate.
Children aged 3 - 12 will receive a 50% discount.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Riding has been a family tradition for over one hundred years, and today reflects this equestrian affinity by boasting one of the most exclusive stables in Ecuador.
Dating from the late XVI century, the Hacienda lies in the spectacular Andean mountain range of Ecuador at 9,600 feet (2,800 meters) above the sea level, and only two hours north of Quito, the capital of Ecuador.
This is a colonial working farm of 4,000 acres (2,000 hectares) that is family owned. It was chosen as one of the world’s “Top Ten Finds” by Outside magazine.
With their natural warmth and hospitality, this family welcomes you to their country house and invites you to share life at an authentic hacienda in the Andes of Ecuador. The hacienda has fifteen beautifully decorated bedrooms, all with their own fire place. Antique gardens along with cosy living and reading rooms offer a peaceful atmosphere. Delicious home cooking and regional cuisine is offered daily, prepared with organic vegetables, trout and dairy products produced on the Hacienda.
Horseback riding is of course their speciality, but they also offer mountain bikes and a horse drawn carriage for trips on hacienda grounds to observe the milking, agriculture, mountain views and the tranquil life of the community. Guests can also visit the Condor Huasi Project that works for the rehabilitation of the majestic Andean Condor.
Blessed with an equatorial location, the Hacienda experiences a temperate climate all year round. Temperatures average 25 degrees during the day with low humidity. Nights tend to be crisp: perfect for sitting in front of the fireplace with a warm cup of tea! January through to June are characterised by sunny days with occasional spring-like showers. During this time of year, the countryside is lush and green. July and August are typically dry and provide the best opportunities for extraordinary views of the surrounding volcanoes. September through to December offers pleasant weather with occasional showers.
They are also known for their magnificent Zuleteño horse, a unique mixture of Spanish-Andalusian, English and Quarter horses. The outcome of this cross-breeding is a robust, noble and smooth Andean horse with a perfect disposition for trail riding. All the rides start at the Hacienda at about 9,000 ft. Each day's ride has its particular beauty and charm. They also offer lessons including dressage in the arena, the experienced rider can go bareback riding, you can experience natural horsemanship and take a trip out in a horse drawn carriage. They can also arrange other special “events” such as bringing in the herd in the morning or playing with the foals.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The Hacienda's hospitality retains intimacy, warmth and sincerity which is reminiscent of a century past. Additionally, they offer a level of privacy rarely achieved in the 21st century. During your stay you will be a guest of the family and you are welcomed as such. You will be invited to relax at your leisure in these cosy reading and living rooms, which have entertained their own entourage of famous visitors including past presidents and dignitaries.
All of the guest rooms are located in the main building of the Hacienda, which dates back to 1691. As the structure of the original colonial building could not be drastically changed, every room has its different shape and charm. Individually decorated with antiques, authentic family pictures and hand embroidered linens, the guest rooms transmit the feeling of a private home. The rooms have beautiful garden and mountain views and some provide access to private gardens, terraces or a courtyard where hummingbirds feed.
Their double beds are queen or king size, with four pillows and anti-allergic bedding. While guests are enjoying their dinner, room service staff place hot water bottles with beautiful embroidered cases in every bed and light the fireplaces. Suites for families and adjoining rooms are available. Satellite television, movies and games are available at any time in one of the living rooms, as well as coffee, soft drinks and a bar service. Phone calls can be made from the public areas and offices.
As your dining experience unfolds, you will be impressed by the Hacienda’s sustainability. Virtually everything gracing the table comes fresh from the land and is carefully prepared. Fresh milk and cream from the farm's dairy cows are offered daily. Handmade cheeses are produced from the farm’s fresh milk and carefully crafted in the small factory near the guest house.
Rainbow trout are caught moments before melting in your mouth. Freshly churned butter melts over warm bread baked from wheat harvested on the Hacienda. Fresh organic fruit and vegetables are picked from the extensive garden to make unforgettable salads and freshly squeezed juices. The recipes used have been inherited from great-grandmothers and are influenced by the various countries where family members have lived over the years. Many of the dishes served are so unique you will not encounter them elsewhere. They have even been published in renowned magazines.
Activities
There are many things to do at the Hacienda for non-riders and whilst not in the saddle. Non-riders can meet the group at lunch spots by horse drawn carriage, by bike, hiking or by car. Transfers to other haciendas are also no problem.
Miles of meandering roads through lush pastureland, pine trees and a eucalyptus forest make the valley a paradise for outdoor activities. They have twenty Zuleteño bred horses, mountain bikes and a horse drawn carriage upon which you can explore the area. At the Hacienda itself, guests can find out more information about the trails in the activity room, there are options for every interest and fitness level.
If you would like to travel back in time, we recommend a turn in their horse drawn carriage. Rodrigo Aguilar and a gentle Andalusian mare will take you on an unforgettable trip where you can comfortably explore the Hacienda.
They offer six mountain bikes size 15” to 18.5” as well as helmets. They have many trails perfect for biking, and are happy to drive you to the top of a nearby hill so you can enjoy the descent back to the Hacienda! For your own safety we always recommend you use a helmet.
There are numerous options of trails for every interest and fitness level. You can hike with a local guide who can give you some information on the way, or if you prefer to go alone, you can easily follow self-guided signs along the trails and roads.
Further Details
Languages: The local guides speak Spanish and English.
Health requirements: Need to be fairly fit
Age limit: None
Tuition: By arrangement: There are rides and lessons for every level
Included: Accommodation, three delicious home-cooked meals with non-alcoholic drinks, transfers from/to Quito.
Not included: Flights, travel insurance, alcohol.
Travel Information
Flight guide: Iberia, Continental airlines, Lan airlines via Madrid and KLM fly from London Heathrow, Gatwick and London City (KLM).
Transfers included in the package: Quito - Hacienda - Quito
Airport: Quito airport (Mariscal Sucre International)
Programmes
Eight Day, Seven Night Hacienda Experience
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Riders will have numerous opportunities to explore the Andean countryside along high altitude trails (between 9,000 and 11,000 feet) that wind through ‘páramo’, a neotropical ecosystem. All excursions are accompanied by a local guide, although an fluent English speaking guide is always available. All-day rides include a country picnic with dinner back at the Hacienda. All the rides start at the Hacienda and return back each night. Depending on the weather conditions, they offer fifteen different tours. This is a flexible programme, the itinerary below is an example. Day 1 Arrive at Quito. You will be met at the airport and transferred to this luxurious Hacienda. Once you have settled in, the herd will be waiting for you to pick your horse for today’s test ride or you can opt for a lesson in the arena. The evening will be spent relaxing in the grounds of the Hacienda, and enjoying the delicious, home cuisine. Day 2 After waking in these stunning surroundings, you will enjoy breakfast which is healthy and abundant with no need to hurry. Now you have been perfectly matched to your horse you can enjoy riding on the Hacienda grounds through eucalyptus valleys. After traversing an artichoke field, crossing a rocky river at a picturesque bridge and passing by the polo horses and the colts, you canter over an open field along the steep slopes that rise more than 1000m up to the páramo, look out for the Condors. You will stop for lunch, which will include a country picnic made with local and home-grown produce. Whilst you rest, so will the horses as they graze beside the group. The way back to the hacienda takes you through lush pasture, with the opportunity to ride to the top of a 1000 year old truncated pyramid. These structures are made of dirt and were used as ceremonial places by the ancient Caranqui culture. The fireplace in your room will be lit and a hot bath is waiting for you to close the day in the most relaxing way before dinner. Days 3 to 7 Each day is flexible and every ride has its particular beauty and charm, including stunning rides through the valleys surrounded by mountains, green lakes on mountain tops, snow-capped Cayambe, ancient pre-Incan earth mounds, waterfalls, dramatic views in or above the clouds. You will see local people work on their land and have a chance to meet a local saddle maker. You can choose from these fabulous day-long trails or mix your riding with lessons in the arena with trails or an exciting trip on their 2000 hectare cross country field where you can explore a great variety of terrain at a fast pace in the golden afternoon sunlight. The choice is yours. Day 8 Departure day. Following breakfast, you will say goodbye to your welcoming hosts before being transferred back to Quito. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 9 |
| Ability description: | Novice and above, a good level of fitness is needed due to the terrain and altitude. |
| Type of ride: | Trail rides, lessons can be arranged |
| Total riding time: | Seven days, average of 6 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | To suit |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Five day, four night Hacienda Experience.
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All the rides start at the Hacienda and return back each night. Depending on the weather conditions, they offer fifteen different tours. This is a flexible programme, the itinerary below is an example. Day 1 Arrive at Quito. You will be met at the airport and transferred to this luxurious Hacienda. Once you have settled in, the herd will be waiting for you to pick your horse for today’s test ride or you can opt for a lesson in the arena. The evening will be spent relaxing in the grounds of the Hacienda, and enjoying the delicious, home cuisine. Day 2 After waking in these stunning surroundings, you will enjoy breakfast which is healthy and abundant with no need to hurry. Now you have been perfectly matched to your horse you can enjoy riding on the Hacienda grounds through eucalyptus valleys. After traversing an artichoke field, crossing a rocky river at a picturesque bridge and passing by the polo horses and the colts, you canter over an open field along the steep slopes that rise more than 1000m up to the páramo, look out for the Condors. You will stop for lunch, which will include a country picnic made with local and home-grown produce. Whilst you rest, so will the horses as they graze beside the group. The way back to the hacienda takes you through lush pasture, with the opportunity to ride to the top of a 1000 year old truncated pyramid. These structures are made of dirt and were used as ceremonial places by the ancient Caranqui culture. The fireplace in your room will be lit and a hot bath is waiting for you to close the day in the most relaxing way before dinner. Days 3 and 4 Each day is flexible and every ride has its particular beauty and charm, including stunning rides through the valleys surrounded by mountains, green lakes on mountain tops, snow-capped Cayambe, ancient pre-Incan earth mounds, waterfalls, dramatic views in or above the clouds. You will see local people work on their land and have a chance to meet a local saddle maker. You can choose from these fabulous day-long trails or mix your riding with lessons in the arena with trails or an exciting trip on their 2000 hectare cross country field where you can explore a great variety of terrain at a fast pace in the golden afternoon sunlight. The choice is yours. A again a picnic lunch will be included with dinner enjoyed back at the Hacienda. Day 5 Departure day. Following breakfast, you will say goodbye to your welcoming hosts before being transferred back to Quito. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 9 |
| Ability description: | Novice and above, a good level of fitness is needed due to the terrain and altitude. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Four days riding, average of 6 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | To suit |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |