Brief Itinerary 5D/4N

This is the opportunity to horse ride through the magical Andes following the path of different volcanoes and valleys inside exclusive hacienda trails, private ecological reserves and the beautiful Cotopaxi National Park. 

  • Day 1: Rumiñahui Volcano ride
  • Day 2: Cotopaxi National Park to Hacienda El Tambo ride
  • Day 3: Quilindaña Volcano ride
  • Day 4: Horse pack expedition towards Hacienda El Porvenir
  • Day 5: El Pedregal Valley ride

Level of Difficulty

Technical Level: Moderate
Physical effort: Moderate

Detailed itinerary

Rumiñahui Volcano ride

We will leave Quito in the morning and head towards Hacienda El Porvenir. After a brief riding lesson, our ride begins towards the slopes of the dormant Rumiñahui volcano on exclusive paths.  As we travel across majestic Andean panoramas, we will see herds of wild bulls, birds and other wildlife. We will eventually arrive near the rocky peaks of Rumiñahui where one can see 12 more volcanoes on a clear day. Additionally, we will stop by Chusigmachai, or the Owl Refuge, before riding back to the farm house. Pack lunch is included during the the trip. We will arrive at Hacienda El Porvenir for an overnight stay. (Packed lunch).

Cotopaxi National Park – Hacienda El Tambo ride

After breakfast, we set off from Hacienda El Porvenir towards Hacienda El Tambo located on the eastern mountain range. The ride takes 6 to 7 hours and covers roughly 43 km. With the colossal Cotopaxi looming over our trails, we will eventually visit the Pucará del Salitre, an ancient Inca fortress. The ride takes us through a wide variety of landscapes such as mountain rivers and small lakes. Pack lunch is included during the the trip. When we finally reach the farmhouse of El Tambo, we will be rewarded with a traditional dinner and a warm fire. (Breakfast/Pack lunch/Dinner).

Quilindaña Volcano ride

After breakfast, we will ride over the foothills of Quilindaña, an old volcano that has been dormant for millions of years. The trek crosses the plains and slopes of this beautiful peak of 4,878m. (15,999 ft).  Here there are still pristine woods of native trees such as the pantza or polylepis (paper tree). We will get off our horses for a while and wander through a gorgeous woods full of moss, lichen and high-altitude bromeliads. Pack lunch is included during the the trip. After strolling in the woods and hearing some local legends, we ride back to the farmhouse at Hacienda El Tambo, where a delicious dinner awaits us. (Breakfast/Packed lunch/Dinner).

Horse pack expedition towards Hacienda El Porvenir

After enjoying breakfast, we will ride out early in the morning, heading back to civilization. Following the course of the River Tambo towards the base of Cotopaxi, we take the high route used by the locals and ride towards Chirimachai. We cross the Curipugyo Canyon (“place of gold” in Quichua), where we can see clear evidence of past volcanic eruptions. Pack lunch is included during the the trip. On the way back to Hacienda El Porvenir, we once again cross Cotopaxi National Park on a spectacular, panoramic route. We will reach Hacienda El Porvenir for lodging. (Breakfast/Packed lunch).

El Pedregal Valley ride

After breakfast we will prepare for our last ride. Today we will loop through cobalt stone roads of the village of El Pedregal, where we will have the chance to experience the local culture of the area. We will ride to the Pita river area, where we will have a packed lunch. We will keep riding with the Pita River by our side until we reach the northern entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park, and then return to the Hacienda El Porvenir to leave our horses and prepare for our return to Quito. (Breakfast/Packed lunch).

 

Tour Includes

  • Accommodation based on double occupancy (at El Tambo only machai rooms available)
  • Described meals
  • Described activities
  • Licensed English speaking guide
  • Riding gear (riding helmets, wool poncho, water poncho, saddlebags and chaps)
  • Transport from and to Quito and within the tour days
  • Safety backup vehicle
  • Entrance fee to Hacienda El Tambo Private Conservation Area
  • Entrance to APU Mountain SPA wet area

Tour does not include

  • Dinner at El Porvenir
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • International Airfare to Quito
  • Anything else not described on the tour

Important notes

  • Horse riders can’t exceed 220 pounds of weight
  • Itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions.
  • TO PARTICIPATE ON THIS TOUR, YOU MUST SIGN OF WAIVER OF LIABILITY.
  • Horses and saddle provided for tour are Criollo Horses/Western style.