| COTOPAXI ADVENTURE:
A ride for experienced riders capable of riding in a multitude of challenging terrains and spending
long days in the saddle. We strongly advise a few days acclimatisation prior to the ride and, to
this effect, can arrange a few days riding and a visit to the famous Otavalo market, ‘derust’ riding
instruction & many other activities in a very different area of the Andean highlands.
OPTIONAL jumping!
A circuit of the perfectly conical, snow-capped
Cotopaxi volcano, midst the breathtaking, wild
highlands including Cotopaxi National Park and
seldom-visited open plains high in the Andes. A
chance of seeing a lot of the Andean wildlife (the
mighty Andean condor, eagles & owls, high
altitude hummingbirds, foxes and deer) as we
cross a variety of terrain including rugged
passes, barren, luna-like landscapes and rolling,
grassy hills. The pace is varied, including plenty
of chances for long canters across the wilderness mixed with a steadier pace over more
challenging surfaces. Where there is a break in the sea of high Andean grasslands, the ground is
carpeted with wild flowers and we pass through primary woodland with native trees and shrubs.
We cross old lava flows dotted with rocks catapulted out from the erupting volcano, where only
lichens grow and traverse rivers fed by snowmelt. As well as being surrounded by Andean peaks,
the glacial retreat -followed by the volcanic activity, have helped sculpt the area producing
intriguing landscapes.
On some days we ride along old Inca routes, on
others we pass by adobe cottages and patchwork
fields farmed by the charming and very friendly local
people. The children are often out and about herding
errant pigs and donkeys.
Nights are spent in a wonderful mixture of historic
haciendas, inns & isolated farmhouses, built of a
variety of materials: from adobe with thatched roofs
to original Inca stone and even a very comfortable
lodge built of straw bales plastered with adobe.
The ride is planned as a complete circuit around the volcano but, due to the varying weather
conditions, flexibility is needed and the actual route and accommodation may not be
finalised until just before the ride.
Day 1: Guests are met in their hotels (Mariscal district).
We drive out of Quito and meet the horses (1h). This first
day offers stunning Andean scenery and a first taste of the
distinct Andean ‘paramo’ vegetation. Once riders are
comfortable with their horses we set out, accompanied by
a local ‘chagra’ (horseman). The views are spectacular;
looking out across the green valleys to the jagged rocky
summits and snow capped peaks beyond as we traverse
the Antisana foothills, Quito in the distance. There is a
good chance of seeing an Andean condor, this very much
depends on flying conditions! We ride to an old hacienda,
still a working farm seeped in history & enjoy tea with our
gracious hostess in the sun room or in front of a log fire.
Guests can explore the farm – walking to the dairy to
watch the milking & also learn about life in Ecuador and
Ecuador’s history from our English speaking hostess. A
traditional home-cooked dinner and overnight at this
hacienda with an interior covered patio, gardens & working farm. PL, D. Twin/double rooms with
private en suite bathrooms.
Day 2: A short drive and guests rejoin the horses, we follow tracks and cobbled roads through
deep gorges then up the valley to a very large hacienda (ranch).
Taking to huge grassy fields we enjoy some exhilarating canters
across the pastures and ride towards Cotopaxi National Park
approaching the perfectly conical shape of the snow-capped Cotopaxi
Volcano (the highest active volcano in the world) (7-8hrs).
Sincholagua, a rocky summit that dominates the skyline, 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 the fighting bulls (this hacienda is famous for it’s feisty Spanish bulls!), we turn
westwards, cross a river and arrive at a working farm at the base of Ruminahui Volcano for
overnight in this cosy, very traditional adobe and thatch farmhouse. AB, PL, D. Partitioned twin
rooms with shared bathrooms (single rooms available & rooms with private bathroom).
Day 3: Today we climb up through the huge pastures
of the hacienda –cautiously, this hacienda is also
breeding fighting bulls, into the high ‘paramo’ (the
Andean vegetation between cultivations and the snow
line), through a sea of long grass then areas of low
bushes and lichen covered ground. Some steep
ascents and descents. 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 and deer grazing. We have seen
puma (mountain lion) prints. We often meet some of
hacienda horses and also the wild horses that roam
the area, long manes and tails flowing as they gallop
alongside us, curious to ‘check us out’. Crossing streams and wetlands at the head of a valley and
following the tracks made by the wild horses and bulls close to the craggy Ruminahui peak we
reach 4000m then descend back to the traditionally built hacienda for a second overnight. Guests
can enjoy a hot drink in front of one of the open log fires, or head off for a walk and closer look at
the Hacienda’s Llamas & Alpacas. AB, PL, D.
Day 4: Today we ride south through
the Cotopaxi national park. The ride
starts with some exhilarating canters
across the arid expanses and lunalike
landscapes. Then we ride down
into the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’ aptly
named such by Von Humboldt, an
early explorer, who spent a lot of time
studying in this area. The views are
magnificent, with rocky, rounded,
glacier-covered and snow sprinkled volcanoes lining the central valley (6hrs). Our destination is a
small hamlet in the Lasso valley. Riding by pine and native forests we make our way along sandy
tracks -ideal for some more fast-pace riding. In places we ride over layers of pumice stone –
deposited by the volcanoes. We 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. We leave the horses
in 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.
AB, PL, D.
Day 5: We 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) we cross the beautiful paramo grasslands,
without a house in sight. After another delicious picnic in the
breathtaking scenery, we 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. A good chance of seeing the mighty Andean
condor, deer and Andean fox. We occasionally meet a lone
‘chagra’ (Andean cowhand) with his trusty dog riding out to check the cattle. As we round a hill and
cross some native scrubland we often sight Antisana Volcano complete with the massive glacier.
The house we 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. AB, PL, D.
Day 6: Today we turn west and ride back into Cotopaxi National Park, through the northern foothills
of the Volcano. Leaving the ‘tambo’ (Inca overnight stopover point) we have a long ride ahead (7-8
hrs) firstly following a wide river floodplain
we 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 we 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. We ride onto
some wonderful grassy plains allowing for some long canters – often joined by the wild horses that
roam the area, until we arrive at our 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, this design very successfully keeps the
cold Andean nighttime temperatures outside. The hosteria is a new building and very thoughtfully
decorated. Again, the location is unbelievable, surrounded by four Andean peaks and enjoying a
stunning view of the mighty Cotopaxi Volcano. Twin/double rooms with one bathroom per two
rooms (option to pay supplement for room with private bathroom). AB, PL, D.
Day 7: We ride out for a final day in the wild Andes
(6-7 hrs). After some fast paced riding, we climb up
along grassy trails then along paths over ridges
close to the summit of Sincholagua. As we cross
the expanses of grassland and admire the
seemingly endless views -not a fence or even a hut
for miles around, we 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. We pass near native Andean
woodlands and also enjoy the sight of brightly
coloured tiny Andean wildflowers – Indians’ paintbrush, gentians, deer’s head,
lupins, all seemingly too fragile to survive in the highlands. The ‘chagras’ (local
horsemen, dressed in brightly coloured ponchos) that guide us across this
haunting landscape spend their lives here and carefully lead us between the
muddy wetlands, across mountain streams and the steep slopes. This is
another good spot to see the Andean condor and, as well as the condoreagles,
falcons, hawks and caracara are often seen soaring or hovering
overhead while hunting for food. Descending Sincholagua, we meet a track
that takes us back down to civilization. Saying farewell to our local guides
(chagras) and trusty steeds guests are driven back to Quito for overnight.
Twin/double rooms with private bathroom. AB, PL.
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. CB. End of services.
Cost of ride: US Dollars1995 per person (4 riders or more)
Cost of ride: US Dollars 2690 per person (2-3 riders) –NOTE if less than 4 riders one month
prior to ride we offer to MAINTAIN the 4 or more rider price & provide an excellent alternative
itinerary that reduces our operating costs.
Single supplement for single room (limited numbers): USD290
2012
DATES set date departures (7 nights, 7 days riding):
7th-14th January, 14th-21st January, 11th-18th February, 25th February-3rd March, 3rd-10th March,
9th-16th June, 23rd-30th June, 1st-8th July, 21st-28th July, 4th-11th August, 22nd-29th August, 8th-
15th September, 22nd-29th September, 3rd-10th October, 24th November-1st December, 1st-8th
December, 27th December-3rd January. REQUEST LATEST UPDATE ON RIDE AVAILABILTY.
Please request options for PRIVATE groups, private departures possible almost all year. The
above itinerary can be adapted to suit each individual group.
SPECIALS, please request details: February annual roundup, June annual fiesta ride, September
annual fiesta ride.
See notes below on accommodation etc.
Fully inclusive package including: horse (spare horse taken), guide and groom(s), 3 meals per day
(see below), snacks and water on rides, 7 nights accommodation, national park/private reserves
etc., entrance fees, transport to and from Quito (normally from/back to your hotel, depending on
hotel location), transport of bags between lodgings and all local taxes. Saddlebags and poncho for
each guest.
Transfer to and from Quito international airport also included (see conditions).
Not included: gratuities and personal expenditure such as bar bills & laundry. Dinner day 7.
Sample of extensions: Galapagos Island cruises (8
days), Amazon jungle trips (minimum 3 days), famous
Otavalo market (1 day), cloud forest visits (minimum 2
days) white water rafting (1 day), relaxing at the historic
haciendas, city tours (half day) and much more.
Please request our extensions document.
Please request general features document for details
about horses, pace, climate and many other aspects
(following a confirmed booking, detailed travel notes will
be sent out).
IMPORTANT NOTES
Cotopaxi Volcano is currently dormant, monitored and currently showing no signs of activity.
Tour length: 8 days, 7 nights, 7 days riding.
Tour ‘very dependent’ on weather conditions – if adverse weather conditions in the isolated part,
south-east of Cotopaxi we have to change the route. We do have some excellent alternatives to the
itinerary published.
Meeting point: Quito (Mariscal area). The international airport is in Quito. We can take care of all
your travel arrangements during your stay – booking extra tours.
Following a confirmed booking detailed travel advice including equipment and clothing lists will be
available.
Altitude: guests very, very rarely experience any problems but please note that the ride takes place
above 3000 metres and sometimes we ride at around and above 4000 metres (up to 4250m),
sleeping at lower altitudes than 4000 metres. We advise arriving early in Ecuador to acclimatize.
Guests must seek medical advice if they have any doubt as to whether they are able to be at these
altitudes.
Riding ability: intermediate and above – able to canter in open spaces and also be prepared to
ride on steep slopes and tricky terrain. Guests need to be riding fit – long days in the saddle with
some tough riding. At various points guests may be leading their horses (but not normally over long
distances). Please consult with us if you have any doubts.
7
Horses: local criollo breed crossed with Andalusian, Arab, Thoroughbred, Peruvian Paso – ideally
suited to the terrain.
Equipment/tack: Let us know if you have a preference to English or Western style riding.
‘McClennan’ style saddles used with sheepskin seats (easy to ride either ‘western’ or ‘English’
style), horses used to neck reining and/or English style ‘2 hands’. English saddles on some horses.
Ponchos and saddlebags for each rider. Towel and sleeping bags are NOT needed.
Guides: expert rider leading the trip, bilingual with much experience. Also a skilled, local horseman
that knows the backcountry accompanies the group. Grooms: will be present to help guests with
the horses. Guests are not expected to care for nor tack and untack their horses.
Food & drinks: hot breakfast, varied picnic lunches with hot drinks, 3 course hot dinner. Snacks
and bottled water provided each day. Guests can buy soft drinks & alcohol each evening.
Key: AB= cooked breakfast, CB= continental breakfast PL= picnic lunch (different menus, not just a
sandwich), D=dinner.
Accommodation: 7 nights in double/twin bedded rooms (mixture of rooms with & without private
bathrooms. Single room possible (limited availability, extra charge applies).
The ‘cut off’ point is one month prior to the start date –i.e the itinerary (and/or cost) will be
determined depending on numbers booked one month prior to the tour start date. Any reduction in
cost that we may be abe to offer after one month prior to the tour start date will be returned to
clients minus any bank fees/money transfer costs etc paid by Ride Andes both receiving or
returning payments.
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. |
