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COLONIAL
HACIENDAS, Ecuadorian Andes: 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. |
