Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you. Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you.

Around Cotopaxi

8 days - Quito to Quito

At the heart of Cotopaxi National Park is the volcano of the same name. The almost perfect cone rises from a high plateau of 3800 metres, and reaches almost 5900 metres. The ride takes you through the stunning Andean Highlands into the heart of "Condor Country" and is planned so as to complete an entire circuit of the perfectly conical, snowcapped volcano. The breathtaking Cotopaxi National Park and the seldom-visited open plains high in the Andes are home to the mighty Andean Condor and other wildlife such as eagles, owls, high altitude hummingbirds, fox and deer.

The terrain is intriguing and diverse - you will ride across arid plains and lava flows, through wetlands and woodland and over grassy hills dotted with wild flowers. The pace is varied, including plenty of chances for long canters across the wilderness mixed with a steadier pace over more challenging surfaces. On some days you will ride along old Inca routes and on others you will pass by adobe cottages and patchwork fields farmed by the charming and very friendly local people.

Day by day itinerary
Day 1
Transfer from Quito to meet the horses and ride to Hacienda San Francisco. (D)
Day 2
Ride on cobbled tracks and through valleys towards Cotopaxi National Park. (B,L,D)
Day 3
Ride up through the high 'paramo' to Ruminahui Peak. Cross streams as you head down to Machachi Valley. (B,L,D)
Day 4
Ride through the 'Avenue of Volcanoes' to the Lasson Plains. Opportunity for some faster riding as the terrain opens out. (B,L,D)
Day 5
Wild grasslands and huge open spaces abound as you head to Hacienda El Tambo. (B,L,D)
Day 6
A long ride today. Follow a wide river floodplain back into Cotopaxi National Park. (B,L,D)
Day 7
Your final ride will pick up pace and then follow a rocky path to the summit of Sincholagua. Enjoy endless views of the Andean peaks before descending back down to civilisation. (B,L)
Day 8
After breakfast, transfer to Quito airport or continue with an extension itinerary. (B)
Please note that we would recommend you arrive in Quito at least one day before the ride starts to help you acclimatise to the altitude.
Ecuador
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Ecuador
  • Departure dates: 11 Jan, 14, 26 Feb, 11, 25 Jul, 08, 29 Aug, 28 Nov, 05 Dec. Other dates may be available on request. We recommend departures from UK to be at least 2 days earlier to allow for an additional night in Quito.
  • Prices (2009 Land only): £1165 per person
  • Includes: Transfers, accommodation, meals as indicated and all riding. Subject to availability a supplement can be paid for rooms with private bathroom.
  • Price with flights from London: From £2,005 depending on the season and availability.
  • Single supplement: None if willing to share and sharer available, otherwise £185.
  • Non-riders: Not suitable.
  • Children: Aged 16 and upwards are accepted if they have the necessary riding skills and are accompanied by an adult rider.
  • Riding ability required: Intermediate
  • Type of ride: Trail ride

    Ecuador

  • Trip Code: EEAC