Horse riding in Ecuador

Our horse rides in Ecuador offer breathtaking scenery through volcano lined valleys. Our English local partner, Sally Vergette, has been leading horse riding tours in Ecuador since 1996. The tours have been featured in major publications and are highly recommended in the major guide books.

From the farm, home of Sally’s horses, in the foothills of snow-capped Antisana volcano just outside Quito, we offer a range of short riding tours for riders of all levels of ability and experience. Longer rides, set date departure rides and rides between luxurious historic haciendas are also available. There is something for everyone - families, small groups, singles and couples!

Price inclusions: Horses, guide, grooms, all meals, accommodation, park fees, transfers, transport of bags and taxes.

See below for details of our group departures. Please contact us for details of our private tailormade tours. From US $2600 (7 days) ex flights
This trip runs every 4 - 8 weeks, with a special cattle round up departure in November

This ride takes you through some of Ecuador's most stunning high altitude scenery, below the icy glaciers of conical, snow-capped Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Our ride allows us to experience the diverse highland landscapes, flora and fauna, and indigenous communities of this fascinating, compact Andean country. The pace is also varied, from steadily crossing wetlands to cantering across the vast plains of the altiplano. Nights are spent in a wonderful mixture of haciendas, farmhouses and highland lodges. You will need a sleeping bag (we have some available for rent).

Itinerary

Day 1:	Ride into Cotopaxi National Park
Day 2:	Ride across Cotopaxi National Park
Day 3:	Ride through Avenue of Volcanoes
Day 4:	Ride into high plains
Day 5:	Ride across plains to Inca Tambo
Day 6:	Ride back to Cotopaxi National Park
Day 7:	Final ride, return to Quito

From US $2585 (8 days) ex flights
This trip runs every 4 - 8 weeks, with a cattle round up special in November and Christmas special in December (US $150 supplement)

This ride takes us through breathtaking scenery of Ecuador’s high Andes. We journey along ancient Inca Highways, staying at beautifully preserved haciendas, skirting the towering, snow-capped peaks of Cayambe and Cotopaxi (one of the highest active volcanoes in the world) and cantering through the maze of patchwork fields below. Our ride allows us to experience the diverse highland landscapes, flora and fauna, and indigenous communities of this fascinating, compact Andean country. The pace is also varied, from steadily crossing wetlands to cantering across the vast plains of the altiplano.

Itinerary

Day 1:	Introductory ride. Otavalo market
Day 2:	Ride through highlands to hacienda Cuson
Day 3:	Ride to hacienda Merced
Day 4:	Ride below Cayambe to hacienda Carriona
Day 5:	Ride through avenue of volcanoes to hacienda la Cienega
Day 6:	Cotopaxi foothills to hacienda la Cienega
Day 7:	Open plains of Cotopaxi national park. Return to Quito
Day 8:	Depart Quito

Altitude: These rides takes place above 3000metres and we ride at above 4000metres. We advise arriving early in Ecuador to acclimatize. Guests must seek medical advice as to whether they are able to be at these altitudes.

Riding ability: Intermediate and above – able to canter in open spaces, prepared for long days in the saddle and steep slopes and tricky terrain. At various points guests will be leading their horses (but not normally over long distances). It is the responsibility of the individual guest to ensure that he or she has the necessary riding skills to take part in the tour chosen. Riding lessons can be arranged prior to the departure - please contact us for details.
 

Horses: Local criollo breed crossed with Andalusian, Arab, thoroughbred, Peruvian Paso – ideally suited to the terrain.

Equipment/tack: Western style saddles with sheepskin seats (note, easy to ride English style), horses used to neck reining and English style ‘2 hands’. Ponchos and saddlebags are provided for each rider.