TRAIL TO PINAN LAKE - ECUADOR

more photos | enquiry | availability check

Visit the Andean country of Ecuador,  South America as personal guests of the owners of a large working hacienda. They have explored most of the Andes mountains on horseback. They will accompany you on this adventurous trek into the heart of the Andes Mountains. You follow remote valleys and ride over high passes until you reach the isolated and pristine Lake Pinan. The Avenue of the Volcanoes is all around you with the mighty snow covered peaks of Cayambe, Pinchincha, Chimborazo and many more visible throughout your visit. You start and finish your trek at an historical old hacienda and can visit the various production areas of the hacienda, from ultra modern flowers for export to traditional milking cows and vegetable crops. The horses are all very fit and accustomed to trail riding.

Trip length 8 days / 7 nights Ride only price 2009: £1,155 Departure dates 2009: From 1 July-30 Nov; flexible start dates. Approximate riding time per day 4 to 7 hours Riding ability required must be able to walk, trot and canter and have a confident seat over steep terrain. Min age 12. Group size 2 - 8 Meeting point (getting there) Quito Airport Transfer Included from meeting point Flight guide London - Quito return £450 - £650. See below for flight info. Single supplement not possible on this ride

SAMPLE ITINERARY - TRAIL TO PINAN LAKE

Day 1
Arrival in Ecuador and transfer from Mariscal Sucre Airport Quito to the hacienda. The Hacienda is situated 30 minute’s drive north of Quito in the Guayllabamba Valley (2100m altitude). Accommodation and dinner at the Hacienda's own cabins in a hidden valley.

Day 2
Breakfast at 8.30am. We meet the horses, prepare the luggage and equipment for our journey to Piñan. Explanation of the journey. Lunch at the Hacienda. In the afternoon we visit the old part of the hacienda, typical of the colonial era and over 100 years old. We also tour the stables and cow and poultry sheds. Alternatively those feeling tired from the altitude can rest and enjoy the peace. Dinner at 7.30pm

Day 3
Breakfast at 7am. Drive to Conaqui where we start the ride. We have a short break for refreshments and set out into the páramo. After 4 hours riding we reach an altitude of 3800m where we set up or first camp. In this area we have spectacular views of Imbabura Province and the Imbabura and Cotocachi Volcanoes.

Day 4
Breakfast at 7.30am. Pack the horses then continue the journey to Piñan Hacienda. We will pass Cerro Negro (4200m) and observe the typical Andean páramo vegetation. We enjoy a picnic lunch en route and reach Piñan Hacienda after 5 to 6 hours riding. Here we camp for the night.

Day 5
Breakfast at 7.30 and followed by departure for Piñan Lake. Over the next 2 hours of our journey we admire the pristine and beautiful Andean páramo few people see. We set up camp and enjoy the rest of the day swimming, walking, fishing, bird watching and generally enjoying the mountain scenery.

Day 6
Breakfast at 7am and head off towards the hot pools of Nangulbi. Once we start descending on the other side of the Andes range we come across vegetation typical of cloud forest. We will also have a dramatic view of the Imbi Valley. In the afternoon we arrive at the hot pools and have a welcome soak. Accommodation in cabins tonight and dinner.

Day 7
After breakfast we return by vehicle to the hacienda. In the afternoon we can visit the flower plantation of the Hacienda. There you can see summer flowers industry and the unique bromeliad plantation of Ecuador.

Day 8
Departure after breakfast. 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 15st /210 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
The programs include all meals except dinner in Otovalo on the Hacienda stay, accommodation, horses and equipment, riding, English speaking guide, airport transfers.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights to and from Quito airport in Ecuador, alcoholic drinks other than a welcome drink on the first night, sleeping bags.

more photos | enquiry | availability check

conditions of access  booking conditions print  back  top

sitemap