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COLONIAL HACIENDAS, Ecuadorian Andes
2009: a journey between Ecuadors Historic Haciendas riding
through the verdant valleys & across the arid plains below
the snow-capped peaks of the Andes
7 days riding, 7 nights accommodation all inclusive. Departure from/return to Quito.
Ride Andes: specialist riding tour operator since 1996. Rides featured in many articles both in Europe and North America. Rides highly recommended in all the major guidebooks.
‘"Just
three days ago I returned from your Ecuador Colonial Hacienda
Tour and would like to say a few comments about it: fantastic,
fantastic, fantastic!!!!!! The whole trip was well organised … nothing
was too much trouble. The horses were in superb condition, every
day was very well planned with a great variety of sights.
My favourite day? I couldn't possibly say they were all excellent…"
YW. ‘08
‘"Words really can't express my feelings about
this ride: the horses were top-notch (Sally does a great job
training and caring for her horses); the food was nourishing
and delicious; the haciendas beyond belief (I'm trying to
figure out how I can add a fireplace to my bedroom at home);
Sally's knowledge of the history of Ecuador and the Quito
area is outstanding; the scenery was spectacular (Cotopaxi
is my favorite)…. .’" JH, ’08.
SHORT RIDING TOURS between
the Haciendas: staying at historic haciendas & working
farms
The English owner of Ride Andes has been leading tours in Ecuador since 1996. Tours have been featured in many major publications and are highly recommended in all major guide books.
We have a selection of SHORT TOURS – one day or more, to offer groups of one rider or more. All riding levels accepted on these private tours. Please see below for an option or contact us.
A sample of the tours on offer:
Four days, three haciendas. Itinerary: Overnight
in three very different haciendas in the northern highlands
(options also available in Cotopaxi National Park, central
highlands).
Day 1:
Guests are met at Quito airport/hotel by a bilingual guide
and driven north to a hacienda frequented by the great South
American liberator, Simon Bolivar (2 hrs.). Members of the
charming family (horse fanatics themselves!) that have owned
the hacienda for several centuries greet us 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. We often
see the very friendly but dignified locals in their immaculate
traditional dress working in the fields by 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 we
ride out and the guides and grooms are always at had to help.
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 market 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.
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 at the hacienda, fireplaces in most
rooms. PL, D.
Day 2:
We leave this historic hacienda -once a very important weaving
centre, on horseback and ride on to another colonial hacienda
built in 1602 (5 hours). We ride past tiny hamlets of adobe
huts, through woodlands, cross rocky gorges and wind our 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 we 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, we 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. A fascinating insight into Andean country life.
On the way through many of the small villages with thriving
cottage industries, we visit 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.
PM: wander through the beautiful flowering gardens admiring
the avocado trees, bromelias, orchids and kitchen garden with
passion fruit, tree tomato and a host of other interesting
plants.
Overnight at this early 17th Century (1602) hacienda adorned
with local crafts and antiques. Fireplaces in most rooms.
AB, PL, D.
Day 3:
A stunning ride into the beautiful pastoral Zuleta Valley
(5-6hrs). Along country lanes then through eucalyptus forests,
we 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 we pass dewponds and
hedges of aloe vera and spikey agave (sisal) atop mud walls.
Following sandy tracks, we 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 ride on to a working farm
in the middle of this tranquil valley seldom visited by tourists.
Andalusian horses, fighting bulls and a dairy herd are among
the farm inhabitants.
PM: Visit to see examples of the hand embroidery that has
made the valley famous and enjoy observing the activities
on this working farm. Overnight at this small hacienda. Fireplaces
in most rooms. AB, PL, T, D.
Day 4:
We ride out of the hacienda along tree-lined trails between
the fields and passing the traditional adobe and thatch cottages.
We canter along grassy tracks then take to the steep paths
following the gorges and climbing high over a ridge and onto
the Pesillo plains, enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding
valleys and cliffs below. A condor has often been sighted
here, soaring overhead, cruising for miles without a wingbeat
and a host of hummingbirds, flycatchers and other species
inhabit the wonderful hedgerows full of native plants. We
ride on over more ridges and across streams, into the Cayambe
Valley dominated by the snow-capped Cayambe Volcano, which
straddles the Equator Line. Arriving at a typical village
square we leave the horses. Guests are driven on to a beautiful
old Jesuit mill for a visit and tea. We then cross the Equator
Line and travel back to Quito. AB, PL.
A very special Hidden
Hacienda: staying at a working farms in the heart of a beautiful
valley, 2- 4 days of varied riding
In the beautiful Zuleta Valley
-2 hrs north-east of Quito, in the Otavalo/Cayambe area guests
at a small, family owned hacienda located in the beautiful,
quiet, pastoral Zuleta valley, famous for its exquisitely
detailed hand-embroidery. The hacienda itself is a hacienda
in the true sense of the word – a working farm, and
guests are personally looked after by Diana and Oswaldo, the
charming, English speaking hacienda owners. Guests continue
to comment how fantastic it is that they are treated as friends
and not as “tourists”. With dramatic views across
to hanging valleys and rocky ridges above, this valley is
also filled with ancient tumili and earth pyramids erected
by the pre-Inca population. A picture postcard around every
corner – from the traditional adobe and thatch cottages
to the glorious Cayambe volcano - and brimming with exotic
birdlife such as hummingbirds and scarlet flycatchers, a stay
in the valley is sure to delight. Also chance of sightings
of the mighty Andean condor.
The number of trail options means
that even the best riders have at least four days worth of
varied routes through the valley, up into the mountains and
onto the surrounding plains. Riders, accompanied by a Ride
Andes guide and ‘chagra’ (local horseman) take
a picnic and ride out all day or come back to the hacienda
for lunch before enjoying an afternoon ride or other activities.
The routes are varied in terrain, with many opportunities
for faster paced riding.
NON RIDING OPTIONS are plentiful
so riders can choose not to ride all day and non riders in
the group have things to do and see:
Walking, hiking, bird watching, riding, archaeological site
visits all with or without a guide are among the many other
attractions in this tranquil location which is also a great
base for a visit to the famous Otavalo market, historic haciendas
and many other cultural visits in the area. |
