Ecuador is a magnificient country that is South America's secret. Perhaps you've already ridden in the more well known countries of Argentina, Chile or Peru. Then come to Ecuador - it will not disappoint.
Although small by Latin American standards it offers an incredible diversity of landscapes making it ideal for combining a once in a lifetime horse riding holiday with a non-riding extension. The avenue of volcanoes in the mighty Andes is home to the world's highest non-extinct volcanoes and makes for magical horse riding. Then you can take in the incredible Amazon jungle, or the swirling cloud forest which is a paradise for bird lovers, or perhaps a relaxing stay on the beautiful Pacific coast or - surely the icing on the cake - the truly magical Galapagos Islands. How can a single country hold so many jaw dropping locations and experiences? We offer some fantastic opportunities for you to extend your holiday here in Ecuador by visiting the amazing Galapagos Islands.
Ecuador spans the equator and visitors delight in having a photograph taken with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. It has land borders with Peru and Colombia and a superb Pacific coastline.
Horse riding is based at haciendas. These are the equivalent of family run ranches or farms. Accommodation and food are always excellent and apart from horseriding you may be able to participate in the day to day farming activities. The surrounding scenery will always be magnificent.
We have created several horse riding holidays exploring the Andes Mountains.
Why not try one of our riding adventures based at, or organised by, Hacienda La Alegria. Cattle Drives are always very popular and here in the Avenue of Volcanoes we can offer a very special chance to join in the annual cattle round up. You'll ride and work alongside the 'chagras' - horsemen of the mountains - rounding up the bulls that have been grazing on the paramor above 3500 metres high. This is authentic cowboy work - not a tourist arranged event - and is an adventure not to be missed. We highly recommend the Cotopaxi Cattle Round Up.
Extensions to your holiday in Ecuador
Having travelled as far as Ecuador for your riding holiday why not then extend your stay with some brilliant add-ons. We have a selection of totally reliable and professional guided extensions so contact us to arrange any non-riding additions to your stay.
For a truly unbelievable 'holiday of a lifetime' you should follow in Darwin's footsteps and take a trip to the amazing Galapagos Islands. Imagine snorkelling with playful sealions or swimming with turtles as big as you. The fish are stunning, including several types of rays. Many vistors see sharks (all non harmful to humans!) and whales. On land you can watch the noisy and comical courting rituals of albatrosses and blue footed boobies, and see the male frigatebirds balloon up their red chests in an effort to attract the ladies. Trek over desolate young lava fields, through dense vegetation or along stunning empty white-sand beaches. The animals have no fear of humans so you can get up close and personal to giant tortoises, iguanas, sealions and all the many species of birds. If you think this sounds like paradise just wait until you arrive - the Galapagos will exceed your expectations.
We can offer you 3, 4 or 7 days on a luxury yatch/boat taking a maximum of either 48 or 98 people. The boats visit the best locations in the islands and travelling between the islands is either overnight or during lunch, so unlike with smaller boats, you waste no activity time sailing to the next location. The naturalist guides are first class and the groups are small. These cruises are not cheap but offer an unbelievable experience that you will remember for ever.
We can also offer a one or two day tour from Quito to the Cloud Forest. This is a very magical place where in the afternoon the cloud comes down into the valley and swirls around. The mountains suddenly disappear only to reappear a few minutes later. From sunny higher ground you can look down on the cloud. Bird lovers will adore this place, it teems with many varieties of hummingbirds, flycatchers and tanagers as well as amazing butterflies. The flora is magnificent - orchids, bromeliads, flowers etc. You'll stay in a cosy lodge surrounded by feeders to attract the hummingbirds.
If you have a little more time you can take a wonderful tour into the Amazonian Region - i.e. Rain Forest. You'll stay in a lovely lodge and a first class guide will take you out into the jungle on foot or boat where you'll encounter amazing birds, animals and insects.
You will almost certainly fly into Quito, the capital of Ecuador. We can arrange accommodation here before or after your riding holiday. We have a choice of several small boutique hotels from the seriously plush to the more relaxed and intimate. From here you can take a city tour including a visit to the Equator line, a tour north to visit the bustling Otavalo market or for the more active a hike around a volcanic crater or maybe up the famous Cotopaxi volcano.
Whatever you decide to do in Ecuador we will be delighted to arrange for you.
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