COLONIAL HACIENDAS 2007: a ride between Ecuador’s Historic Haciendas among the verdant valleys & snow-capped peaks of the Andes

‘Our week in Ecuador exceeded expectations in every way. The horses were a perfect fit, the terrain was varied, and the sights along the way were striking. At one moment we found ourselves trotting through a patchwork of small farms where the colorful traditional dress is still worn, later our hooves echoed over the cobblestone roads of a historic colonial town, and we ended our trek cantering across an open plain below the majestic snowcapped Volcan Cotopaxi! The haciendas provided a comfortable and authentic setting where we could gather around a fireplace or over a dinner table and recount our daily adventures. Our luggage came home stuffed with the booty of our bartering at the marketplace. Thanks for a great adventure.’ Rob & Judy, July 06.

TOUR SUMMARY/HIGHLIGHTS: Varied paced riding on top quality horses in two stunning yet very distinct areas of the Andes: we start the ride on grassy tracks between the patchwork fields of the verdant valleys of the northern highlands and end the ride galloping across the arid plains below the snow-capped Cotopaxi peak. Guests stay at or visit 9 different historic and working haciendas – built by Jesuits and Incas, hosted by charming local families. Other visits long the way include two market visits -the famous Otavalo market and the fascinating local market at Saquisili, and visits to a flower plantation, weaving centre and old water mill.
Meet in Quito/at Quito international airport (no long transfers to start point of ride). Huge range of excellent extensions: Galapagos Islands, Amazon rain forest, historic towns, hot springs…

A journey back in time in a region made for riding: along ancient Inca highways and Spanish colonial routes, between the best preserved ‘haciendas’ (grand colonial farming estates) of South America, in two stunningly beautiful, yet very distinct areas of the Andean highlands. Breath-taking views as we cross vast plains and ride through pastoral valleys in a fascinating region dramatically sculptured by both glacial and volcanic activity. A picture postcard as we turn every corner: hanging valleys, perfectly conical hills, wild flower covered grassy slopes, crater lakes and rocky summits. We follow the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’, skirting the towering, snow-capped peaks of Cayambe and Cotopaxi (the highest active volcano in the world) and cantering through the maze of patchwork fields below.
The days are packed with rides varied in both pace and scenery and with visits along the way to local indigenous markets and craft villages where the customs and rhythm of life have changed little over the centuries. As well as seeing an array of exotic Andean fruits, we meet the very friendly locals in vibrant traditional dress going about their daily tasks, the children shepherding the unruly pigs and sheep, the farmers working the land in much the same way as their forefathers did – a fascinating insight into Andean country life.
Nights are spent in haciendas – historic country houses, most dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries and some of which are exclusive to Ride Andes. Warmly greeted by the owners, guests can relax in front of open fireplaces and enjoy the fine period detail, atmospheric courtyards and flowering gardens. The prestigious haciendas that open their doors to us are unique and hold an important place in the history of Ecuador: most are still the homes of the noblest of Ecuadorian families including past presidents and one is the most important Inca site in northern Ecuador. Hundreds of years after they were first built, the haciendas continue to welcome visitors to Ecuador as they once did to such famous guests as Simon Bolivar and many of the 17th-19th centurys’ greatest scientists and explorers (von Humboldt, Whymper, Condamine…).

ITINERARY:

DAY 1: ARRIVAL QUITO. INTRODUCTORY RIDE.
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 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 (Hacienda Pinsaqui), fireplaces in most rooms. PL, D.

DAY 2: SACRED IMBABURA & SAN PABLO LAKE.
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.
On the way through 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.
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. AB, PL, D.

DAY 3: PASTORAL ZULETA VALLEY
A stunning ride into the beautiful pastoral Zuleta Valley (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 we 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: 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 Hacienda La Merced. Fireplaces in most rooms. AB, PL, T, D.

DAY 4: THE SNOWS OF CAYAMBE & THE EQUATOR LINE.
We 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 we enjoy spectacular views of the distant peaks and the valleys below, including some pre-Inca earthworks. We then ride across the Pesillo plains, 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 converted Jesuit water mill for lunch & a visit. We then cross the Equator Line, and travel (2hrs), bypassing Quito, to a comfortable hacienda complete with a steaming Jacuzzi waiting 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, fireplaces in most rooms. AB, PL, D.

DAY 5: THE AVENUE OF VOLCANOES & 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 we ride south out of the Machachi valley and into the foothills of the Iliniza peaks – very different scenery to the previous days’ rides. Our destination, on the Lasso plains, is a very ornate hacienda steeped in history (6hrs).
The wide sandy tracks and grassy paths are ideal for some more fast-pace riding as we ride the length of a valley scraped out by glaciers at the end of the ice age. In places we ride over layers of pumice stone – deposited by the volcanoes, and during the ride the horses expertly negotiate two steep gorges. We 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.
Arriving by way of a very impressive avenue of eucalyptus trees, we dismount at the portico of a magnificent hacienda 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. AB, PL, D.

DAY 6: SAQUISILI MARKET & AN INCA TAMBO.
A morning visit by vehicle to the nearby rural Saquisili Indian market. Having visited the animal market and purchased alfalfa (lucerne) 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. There is also a fascinating local fruit section. We then drive on to a rose plantation for a quick visit, the mass of metre (over 3 feet) long stemmed roses growing in huge greenhouses are quite a sight. A little further along the road guests enjoy a very tasty, traditional lunch at an old hacienda before meeting the horses.
There is again, if desired, a chance of some faster pace riding as we ride towards the perfectly conical shape of Cotopaxi Volcano (3hrs). Passing adobe huts with grass-thatch roofs, we ride up into the gently undulating grasslands, across the Cotopaxi foothills and into the pine and eucalyptus forests.
Chimborazo (Ecuador’s highest peak) and the presently active Tunguragua Volcano are often among the volcanoes visible as we enjoy incredible views of the plains and surrounding peaks.
We join the main Inca highway and ride to a hacienda built around a very important Inca structure. Complete Inca walls, incorporated skillfully into the hacienda built by the Augustinians, still stand and guests can marvel at the Inca workmanship as they walk around the second most important Inca site in Ecuador. We leave the horses at the national park entrance and head back for a second night at Hacienda La Cienaga, with its ornate facade and fountains, beautifully carved chapel doors and manicured gardens. AB, PL, D. *for groups needing 5 rooms or less, guests are driven to Hato Verde, a very comfortable recently refurbished hacienda for dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK: WILD HORSES & INCA HIGHWAYS.
A spectacular ride (6-7hrs). We rejoin the horses and ride up into the National Park to canter across the wide, barren plain 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. The curiosity of the young stallions often overcomes their fear, and they leave their herds to take a closer look.
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 we 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 we continue onto a small restaurant with a stunning view of Cotopaxi for a delicious lunch. We then ride across a very surprising ‘luna landscape’ – huge boulders and hard baked ocre-coloured mud and onto rolling grassy hills. Arriving at a hacienda just outside the national park for ‘empanadas’ and canelazo’ - two local delicacies, we leave the horses and descend into the Machachi Valley by vehicle and drive back to Quito for a night in a very comfortable hotel. AB, L, T.

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. BB.

Cost of ride: please contact us.

Set date departures for 4 to 10 guests, single rooms normally available. Private departures for 2 or more guests available.

Dates of next available departures, please refer to news page or contact us .

Cattle roundup specials each February & November, please consult.

Pre ride ‘de rust’ or work on your riding skills: Riding lessons adapted to your wishes – a lovely, personable German dressage rider who has ridden all her life is able to give guests of all levels one to one riding instruction at her indoor school. Please ask for details.

SAMPLE OF EXTENSIONS AVAILABLE: as well as Quito hotels and city tours we can arrange –with no extra booking fee- GALAPAGOS ISLAND CRUISES, AMAZON JUNGLE TRIPS, CLOUD FOREST STAYS, CUENCA, SPAS/HOTSPRINGS, WHALE WATCHING, BIRD WATCHING, RIDING PERUVIAN PASOS, HACIENDA STAYS, MACHU PICCHU (PERU) VISITS, … please let us know your interests and request the extensions document.

NOTES
Tour length: 8 days, 7 days riding. Riding ability on scheduled rides: Intermediate and above…
Meeting point is Quito, where the international airport is. We meet you at the airport and can arrange hotels and city tours etc for you – take care of all your travel arrangements throughout your stay.
With prior agreement, riders over 85kg can be accepted, but there is a surcharge to be paid - 2 horses are needed due to the demands on the horse on hills and rough terrain at altitude.
Following a confirmed booking detailed travel advice and equipment and clothing lists will be available.
Key: AB= cooked breakfast, L= lunch, PL= picnic lunch (different menus, never just a sandwich), T = tea, D=dinner.
A variety of snacks and also bottled water all provided each day. Ponchos and saddlebags for each guest. Please refer to general notes for further details about equipment, clothing lists, horses, pace, climate etc.
Paramo Places (Ride Andes) terms and conditions apply.
Guests are strongly advised to bring and use their own riding helmets. A booking is confirmed only upon receipt of the corresponding deposit.
We reserve the right to alter the itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.
Appropriate medical insurance is mandatory and the responsibility of each guest/booking agent.
It is the responsibility of the individual guest/booking agent to ensure that participants have the necessary riding skills to take part in the tour chosen.
Guests will be required to sign a responsibility release before starting a tour.

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 horses to suit riders of all abilities (it is vital that guests give us accurate riding details), saddlebags and ponchos, snacks and water bottles for each rider. Ride Andes is recommended by all the major guidebooks and guests continue to comment on the excellent quality and health of our horses.
Longer rides, set date departure rides and more adventurous rides with more modest accommodation also available, please request details.

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.