Haciendas by Horseback

Trip Itinerary

Days 1-2: Quito

Day 1 - Welcome to the Sierra

Welcome to Ecuador! Today you'll be met by our Wayfairer Travel representative at the airport, who will then take you to your charming Quito hotel in the Centro Historico. 

Quito is renowned for its gorgeous cobbled stone streets, Baroque architecture and incredible arts scene. Quito's elevation in the Andes is at a staggering 2,850 meters above sea level. This gorgeous city, encircled by conical volcanoes and mountains, is one of the highest capitals in the world.

As you arrive at your hotel Mama Cuchara, you'll be greeted into a historic boutique emanating contemporary elegance through its high ceilings and beams joined with indigenous decor. 

Day 2 - Cobblestones & Culture

This morning you'll enjoy a generous breakfast before heading off to uncover some of the best things to do in Quito, accompanied by our expert guide.

You will begin in Quito's cobblestoned colonial centre, the best preserved colonial centre in all of South America. As you walk through the Main Plaza, you'll be introduced to the Government Palace, La Compañia and some of the most important Baroque-style churches built around the 16th and 17th centuries. From here, walk up La Ronda Street whilst learning about traditional work in Quito all the way to the Panecillo. From the hill that dominates the south of the city, admire the famous statue of Our Lady of the Panecillo. 

After a spot of lunch, get ready for afternoon tea and a famous Quito chocolate tour. Cocoa has been revered in Latin America for over 5,000 years. This afternoon you'll be introduced to the Republica del Cacao, a group of passionate producers who create the most authentic chocolate whilst  developing sustainable fine cocoa production. 

Days 3-5: Otavalo

Day 3 - Magical Markets

This morning you will be picked up by your driver for a journey north to Otavalo market. On the way, you'll stop off at the Quitsato Sundile to learn about the astronomical aspects and Cosmo's vision of prehispanic cultures that have historically lived on this land.  

The town's famous craft market is known as one of the best places to visit in Ecuador, and with good reason. To help you navigate, we've lined you up with some local residents who know the area inside and out. You'll visit the local workshops of handcrafts in Agato and Peguche before having a local lunch in a sublime setting. 

This afternoon your driver will take you to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve for a visit to the interpretation centre. The centre is located beside the Cuicocha Lagoon, a deep-blue crater lake on the southern flanks of Mount Cotacachi. In the early evening, just in time for sunset, you'll arrive at Hacienda Zuleta , a historic Ecuador lodge previously owned by the Ecuadorian president Mr Galo Plaza Lasso. 

Day 4 - Condor Conservation

Following a colourful breakfast alfresco in Hacienda Zuleta, experience the best of hiking in Ecuador in the spectacular Andean mountains. Join in on the hacienda's condor reintroduction project, stopping along the way to see some pre-Inca mounds.

When you return, saddle up and choose a route from one of the many surrounding Zuleta. Horse-riding at Zuleta is a unique experience, as they have their own breed of horses called Zuleteños for every level. There are six hours' worth of routes just outside the door of your luxury  hacienda. In your bags, you'll be provided with lunch, generous snacks and refreshing drinks to keep you going along the way. 

Day 5 - Life on a Working Farm

We encourage you to spend this morning riding and exploring the truly spectacular scenery. Hacienda Zuleta will also host a tour of the cheese museum, where you may learn how to make 14 different types of fresh, semi-aged and aged cheeses. Each variety is handmade here with local milk by people from the local community with Zuleta spirit! 

Visit the organic gardens, feed baby calves, count sheep, talk to the vaqueros and enjoy the embroidery museum. This truly is a countryside idyll, epitomising the way in which your Ecuador holiday encapsulates the country's free spirit.

Days 6-8: Machachi Valley

Day 6 - Set Off and Saddle Up 

Today after a hearty breakfast, you'll travel further south to Hacienda La Alegría in Machachi. The journey will take just under three hours, but it will be an incredibly scenic drive as you traverse the mountain range. 

La Alegría is a warm, luxury eco-lodge that celebrates the traditions of the local chagras - the highland people. These people welcome tourists and demonstrate their centuries-old techniques for herding cattle. Their skill on horseback and knowledge of Andean paramo surroundings are nothing short of legendary, offering you an unmatched introduction to the land.

This is where your proper riding excursions begin. With the chagras as your inspiration for the journey, you'll explore the grasslands framed by ancient volcanoes, highland plateaus, and rivers that flow down the Andes all the way to the Amazon. 

Nestle in for nights by the hacienda's roaring fire and eat delicious Ecuadorian cuisine.

Day 7 - Riding up the Mountain Chain

Today set off on a ride towards Machachi Valley up to the east mountain chain, stopping at a hacienda for a warming lunch. Follow off-the-beaten-track pathways to Pedregal Valley to finish the ride surrounded by sublime vistas. The total riding time today is six hours, with plenty of pit stops and lunch along the way. 

Day 8 - Higher Altitudes

Today, you'll enter the National Park and encircle Rumiñahui Volcano working your way up to 4,300 meters above sea level. By now, you would've had plenty of time to acclimatise to higher altitudes, so this will be no hurdle, and you'll be able to enjoy views of the uninterrupted landscapes surrounding. This is the longest ride, so prepare yourself for eight hours at the saddle, but not to worry, sundowners at our spectacular viewpoint will feel well deserved. 

Days 9-12: Cotopaxi

Day 9 - Cotopaxi National Park

This morning, you'll head off to  Cotopaxi National Park. As you drive towards the park, you'll be greeted by the snowcapped summits of the Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes. 

Visit the Interpretation Centre to learn about the history of this spectacular volcano, as well as the unique local flora and fauna. You'll be escorted to Laguna de Limpiopungo and stretch your legs around beautiful surroundings mirrored in the deep blue waters. 

For those wanting a more challenging hike, which will take you to the spectacular views of the Mount Cotopaxis J. Ribas refuge at 4,800 meters above sea level, before journeying onwards to Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge. This luxury Ecuador lodge is a traditional Andean setting with warming fireplaces and cosy rooms overlooking the epic mountain range and volcanoes.  

Day 10 - Andean tales 

Wake for a delicious homemade breakfast before setting off for a slow-paced exploration of the surrounding, authentic markets. These are the social centre for the local indigenous people, and your cultural exchange here will feel deeply enriching and meaningful. 

Next, you'll visit the Quilotoa Volcano crater, where you'll be stunned by its serenely mysterious, green lake. As you encircle the crater's rim, condors soar above and deer dance in the grasslands around you. 

On the way back, stop to visit the art galleries in the community of Tigua, where paintings representative of the local folklore are showcased.  These days there are a lot of painters in Tigua, but Julio Toaquiza remains number one. You'll meet Julio in his studio to discover why his vibrant work is so highly appreciated - for the level of meticulous detail and the stories that the paintings bring to life. 

Day 11 - Unique Horse Trails

Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge offers unique horse-riding trail options, which uncover the untouched parts of Cotopaxi National Park. Meet with the chagras and set off towards Cotopaxi and Ruminahui, chasing those amazing views. Meet wild horses along the way, and gallop in coordination with your expert guide.

Day 12 - A romantic departure

 On your way back to the airport, you'll stop off at a world-class rose producer's garden. Ecuadorian roses are recognised as being some of the finest in the world and are exported globally. 

Your guide will show you the process of producing high-quality roses and explain the research that has gone into producing the flowers' marvellous colours. Many products created by this beautiful blossom are also available to enjoy and sample, such as rose honey, sea salt, vinegar, chocolate and marmalade. 

Following this romantic affair, our guide will escort you to Quito Airport. Sadly, your flight will be waiting to take you back home after your unparalleled Ecuador holiday around its lesser-seen highland regions. 

Interested in this trip?

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