Ride from the Cloudforest to the Highlands
9 Days / 8 Nights

Day 1: Quito - Nature Reserve Bellavista / no riding
From Quito we'll drive over the western cordillera towards the Pacific cloud forest where our horses await us. On our way we have the chance to visit the Equator Monument 15 km north of Quito. Typical Ecuadorian lunch and drive to "Bellavista" nature reserve where we'll be welcomed to a cosy lodge with hot showers and delicious, wholesome food. From the balcony of our shared room, we can enjoy a breath-taking view far over the cloud forest and listen to the sounds of exotic birds. (Lunch/Dinner).

Day 2: Nature Reserve Bellavista - Nono / Ridingtime 5:30 hrs
On horseback, we'll be heading through a lush green region of virgin forests studded with waterfalls toward Tandayapa fishing resort and then be riding slightly uphill for several hours, drawing closer to Pichincha volcano, which towers above us at almost 4800m. We begin our trek along the north-west side to the tiny, picturesque village of Nono, where we set up camp at a farm. Next to a warm fireplace, the farmer’s family might tell us some interesting stories about people and lifestyles. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).

Day 3: Nono - Calacali / Ridingtime 4:00hrs
We'll be riding along green, hilly pastures, passing several stately farms, where we can observe fighting bulls and flower crop for exportation, getting a good impression of the present and past of the country. Accommodation in the 200 years old walls of a romantic farm hostel and a hot evening meal await us, next to the volcanic springs of Calacalí. Bring your swimming gear in case it's a hot day. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).

Day 4: Calacali - Pululahua / Ridingtime 5:00hrs
After crossing the Equator from the southern to the northern part of the globe, we'll be riding downhill through forests of bamboo into the crater of Pululahua ancient volcano with its magnificent scenery. We only come across a few small farmhouses along the way, where the highland farmers scratch a meagre income from the steep, infertile land beside the forest. At the bottom of the crater, a mystical and very peaceful place, we'll be resting in a nice little country cottage, until the call of a donkey or cockerel awakes us the next morning. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).

Day 5: Pululahua - Aguacatal / Ridingtime 4:30hrs
Leaving the volcano through the small gate in its crater walls, we'll be passing by deep gorges, crossing eroded lahar fields blooming with wild orchids, to finally enter the narrow valley of the Rio Blanco with its warm and tropical climate where we find coffee bushes, fields of sugar cane and a lot of tropical fruits. Pre-historical ruins can be observed along the way. "Aguacatal" is the name of the very remote and beautiful farm that offers us beds for tonight. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).

Day 6: Rest day in Aguacatal / no riding
Having gone half our way to Otavalo, we will make a rest day today, for those who want to of course. Those who could spend their life on horseback, also have the chance to explore the beautiful surroundings by horse on their own. Those who'd’like a change of activity for a while, are invited to accompany us by jeep to the Inca ruins of Rumicucho with their famous sun-channel and after that take an interesting ride by mountain-bike back to El Aguacatal. Last but not least, you can also just hang out for a day, walk around and enjoy the peaceful scenery of our rest place. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).

Day 7: Aguacatal - San José de Minas / Ridingtime 7:30hrs
This is the day for the adventurous! After crossing the bridge over the furious and turbulent river Guayllabamba, we'll be trekking along a nerve-wracking trail above the river for several hours, following its direction upstream, leading us through the most hallucinating and breathtaking landscapes you can possibly imagine. We will have to dismount on several sections of this trail. Fitness required! In the late afternoon we'll reach the village of San José de Minas, which lost its glory as an important mining place when the new road from Quito to Otavalo was built, leaving San José de Minas out of the way. The view of the town is dominated by a mighty colonial church with stories to tell. In its stony archways we'll find shelter and a restaurant in a nice, spotless local hostel. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).

Day 8: San José de Minas - Cuicocha / Ridingtime 6:00hrs
Riding across the fields and pastures of the Paramo into wild and windy heights, we'll reach the beautiful lakes of Cuicocha in the afternoon, encircled by rugged mountain walls. Here, we spend the night in a hostel at an altitude of 3700m above sea-level. Bring warm clothing and a warm sleeping bag; playing cards welcome! (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).

Day 9: Cuicocha - Otavalo - Quito / no riding
After breakfast, our accompanying vehicle will pick us up and drive us down to Otavalo with a far-reaching view over the next valley and the surrounding mountains. In the small Andean town, world-famous for its handicrafts and woollen products, we'll have the chance to visit its lively, colourful Indigenous market. Our main programme has ended and participants will have the choice of either staying in Otavalo on their own (nearby attractions are Peguche waterfall or San Antonio de Ibarra) or driving back with us to Quito, where we will leave you at your hotel. (Breakfast/Lunch)

General Information: This programme is for 4-8 experienced riders. The participant should not weigh more than 85kg. On this ride you have the choice between English and Western Saddles. The passenger has to sign a "Liability waiver" before we start the ride.
Difficulty: Level 3 = Narrow paths with some more difficult slopes. Experience riding in the countryside needed.

Included: Transport Quito - Bellavista and Cuicocha - Otavalo – Quito, Meals as indicated in programme, Accommodation as indicated in the programme, guide, horses, tents, Wellington boots up to size 44. Not Included: Accident and health insurance, sleeping-bag, air-mattress, additional drinks, raincoat.

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CODE: HORECU