HACIENDA STAY - ECUADOR

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Visit the Andean country of Ecuador, South America as personal guests of the owners of a large working hacienda. You are welcomed into this diverse family who are delighted to share their fascinating history and culture with visitors. Everyone can visit the historical old hacienda, the various production areas of the hacienda, from ultra modern flowers for export to traditional milking cows and vegetable crops. Visit the Indian town of Otovalo and admire their traditional dress while bargaining for fine wool bags or hammocks on the market. Ride on beautiful, fit horses accompanied by your hosts who are expert riders with a long history of exploring the highlands on horseback. 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.

Trip length 8 days / 7 nights Ride only price 2008: £825 2009: £989 Departure dates 2008: Oct 17 - 24, Nov 7 - 14 2009: Flexible start dates from 10 Jan-30 Jun. Approximate riding time per day 4 - 6 hours Riding ability required from beginner on Group size 2 - 8 Meeting point (getting there) Quito Airport, Ecuador Transfer Included from meeting point Flight guide London - Quito return £450 - £650 Single supplement none if willing to share

SAMPLE ITINERARY - HACIENDA STAY

Day 1
Arrival in Ecuador and transfer from Marsical Sucre Airport Quito to the hacienda. The Hacienda lies 30 minutes 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 about 8.30am. We then depart on a 2-3 hour ride around the hacienda to familiarize ourselves with the horses. We will ride through flora typical of a dry Andean Valley zone: bromeliads, cacti, agaves etc Return to the hacienda for lunch. 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 7.30 a.m. today. We depart on a mini trail to Otovalo. For those not fit or experienced enough to undertake the 2 day trek to Otovalo by horseback various different routes riding out can be enjoyed from the hacienda, tuition undertaken, followed by a car journey to the hotel in Otovalo. The start of our ride takes us down a steep descent to the Pisque River (1800m altitude), crossing and then ascending to the valleys of Tanda and Malchinguí (2600m) with spectacular views of the river Gauyllabamba. We stop along the way for a picnic lunch. We continue into the hills of Mojanda were we set up camp and enjoy our dinner around a bonfire.

Day 4
Breakfast at 7.30am, pack up and continue our journey on horseback to the lagoons of Mojanda (3600m). On the way we see the vegetation of the páramo of the Andes of Ecuador along with beautiful views of snow covered mountains and volcanoes such as Cayambe, Cotopaxi, Cotocatchi, Imbabura etc. This portion of the Andes is also known as the Avenue of the volcanoes. Lunch at the Mojanda crater, an extinct volcanic crater which now contains Lake Cuicocha. We will cross the cordillera at 4000m and then descend to the traditional Indian market town of Otavalo. Here we overnight in a small hotel.

Day 5
Breakfast at 8am in the hotel followed by free time to visit the Indian craft market. This market is famous throughout Ecuador and has a large variet5y of crafts with sellers dressed in traditional costume. Return the Hacienda by car in time for lunch. In the afternoon can relax or enjoy a walk to observe the more than 50 bird species present in the area. Hummingbirds are especially numerous. Dinner and overnight at the hacienda.

Day 6
Breakfast at 7.30am. Depart on a 4 hour ride through the orchards of avocado, chirimoyas and citrus. Return to the hacienda for lunch. Ecuador is one of the leading producers of fresh flowers and in particular roses, of the world, and this hacienda has its own flower plantation. In the afternoon we can the flower plantation on the hacienda and receive a first hand look at this fascinating export industry. Dinner and bonfire at the hacienda.

Day 7
Breakfast at 8.30am. Visit the forest and plantations of bromeliads endemic to the regions and explanation of their cultivation. We visit (and walk across for the brave) a swing bridge over a ravine on the hacienda. In the afternoon we visit the Quito Zoo where you can see the typical Andean animals.

Day 8
Transfer back to the airport and 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.

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, dinner in Otovalo, sleeping bags for on camping night.

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.

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