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HACIENDA LA ALEGRIA - ECUADORmore photos | book |
Ecuador is the secret country within South America yet it is a magnificent location for a horse riding holiday as well as trips to the Galapagos, the Amazonian region etc. This ride is located in the world renowned Avenue of Volcanoes at a working dairy hacienda. The modern accommodation is excellent and the view from all the bedrooms and the guest lounge is quite stunning. Snow capped Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, can be seen from the grounds and Antisana, just a little lower but still snow capped, is visible when you ride out just behind the farm.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - HACIENDA LA ALEGRIAThe hacienda offers various riding excursions in the area and each visit is tailored to your requirements. On the hacienda groups are split according to ability, so better riders can do more challenging rides. For a supplement there is also an option of a two different 2 day mini trails: to the Cloud Forest and Cotopaxi Volcano. The pace on these mini trails is that of the least experienced rider. Below are some samples of the itineraries, these are only an indication and are flexible.
Hacienda Stay Day 1
Morning transfer from Mariscal Sucre Airport, Quito or any Quito hotel to the hacienda. The hacienda is situated 1 hours drive south of Quito in the Guayllabamba Valley (2100 metres above sea level). You'll drop your luggage in your en-suite bedroom which has a truly spectacular view. Then ride in the arena to get acquainted with the horses and tack that you will be using over the next few days. After a delicious lunch we ride out around the neighbouring haciendas and countryside. The hacienda is surrounded by fabulous riding country, with cobbled tracks winding through lush farmland up to the rolling paramo (high grassland) and the rocky summit cones of the many extinct volcanoes that line both sides of the Machachi valley. Total riding time for the day is 3-4 hours. Dinner and overnight at the Hacienda. Day 2
The day starts with a hearty breakfast. After a short session in the 'round' and then the paddock, we ride out from the farm and ascend the local peak La Viudita ("The Widow", 3760 metres above sea level), from which you can enjoy fine views of the "Avenue of the Volcanoes". Your guide will point out the local flora. Riding time is approximately 5 hours. Return to the hacienda for a late lunch and a rest. In the afternoon you are free to join any non-riding companions. You can stroll out on one of the numerous paths leading from the hacienda. Weather permitting, you'll catch the sun glinting on snow-capped Cotopaxi. Perhaps you would prefer to try your hand milking the farm's herd of dairy cows! Dinner and overnight at the Hacienda. Day 3
After breakfast ride out again in the local countryside. Maybe you'll catch an indiginous family harvesting their potato crop. Return to the hacienda for lunch before setting out on a different track. Return for a hot shower before bidding your hosts farewell. Transfer back to Quito. Cotopaxi mini trail
Day 1 Ruminahui and Cotopaxi Area
We start our trail ride towards the south of Machachi, entering the slopes of Ruminahui upwards to Panzaleo through the sandy hills next to the rock, where the magnificent Cotopaxi presents the most imposing scenery. You will also be surrounded by the Corazon, Ilinizas, Sincholagua mountains, and the different valleys providing a perfect spot to take a break for lunch at 4000 metres above sea level. In the afternoon we continue surrounding the Ruminahui rocks and slopes up to Limpiopungo lake, part of the Cotopaxi valley. Later that afternoon we arrive at a cozy lodge for dinner and a hot shower. Here we spend a warm and resting night (3,750metres above sea level). Total riding time for the day is approximately 7 hours. Day 2 Cotopaxi-Machachi-Hacienda
Next day early in the morning you will be able to appreciate the incredible view of the Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world just in front of us. We continue our ride in the Cotopaxi valley and Pasochoa old Volcano, which is now on way back to our hacienda base. We cross Salitre Incas ruins of a fortress, ride downhill by farms and through chagras (local cowboy) Machachi city. Late afternoon finds us back at La Alegria where we can relax before an excellent dinner. Riding time is approximately 5 hours. Overnight at the hacienda. Cloud Forest mini trail
One of the unique features of the environment around Hacienda La Alegria is the endangered habitat of the Ecuadorian cloud forest. These subtropical montane rain forests used to cloak much of the steep western slopes of the Andes between 1,000 and 2,500 meters, but are now classified as threatened. The hacienda is extremely fortunate to have an area of unspoilt primary forest nearby. These luxuriant forests rank among some of the most bio-diverse habitats on the planet, with an astonishingly profusion of plant life, including orchids, epiphytes ("air plants"), tree ferns, bamboo, wax palms, podocarpus and aliso. Bird-watching is popular, with hummingbirds, nightjars, and other exotic species present in the forest (Ecuador boasts more bird species than any other country). Please note: Please note that all itineraries are subject to change depending on local conditions at the time of your visit. They are given as a guideline only.
The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS All meals, accommodation, horses, riding and English speaking guide. Riding equipment provided: helmet, wellington boots up to size 12, wool ponchos, rain ponchos and half chaps. For price details click here WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED Flights to and from Quito airport in Ecuador, transfers ($45 per car in 2011), alcoholic drinks and personal items such as tips. Riders who booked this ride also considered: Western Ranch - France Estancia Los Potreros - Argentina more photos | book | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
   
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