Ecuador: The volcanoes' way
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Ecuador: The volcanoes' way

holiday package
Created: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Ref ID: 21043934
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Quito, Ecuador Quito, Ecuador
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
2.928 €
Based on 2 adults
Created: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Themes
Ecuador Intermediate Advanced Itinerant Nature & Landscape
Itinerary
Tours
Ecuador: The volcanoes' way
Ecuador: The volcanoes' way
Ecuador: The volcanoes' way
Ecuador: The volcanoes' way
Ecuador: The volcanoes' way
Ecuador: The volcanoes' way Ecuador: The volcanoes' way Ecuador: The volcanoes' way Ecuador: The volcanoes' way Ecuador: The volcanoes' way

Day 1: Quito

ITALY/QUITO (-/-/D)

A horseback riding experience in Ecuador means discovering the breathtaking beauty of the Andes… We will ride through part of what was called “the Avenue of Volcanoes” by the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt, who visited these places in the early 19th century. This adventure will offer you a different experience every day, through volcanoes, mountains, valleys, highlands, and archaeological sites of the pre-Inca civilization. We will meet the friendly "chagras," the Ecuadorian Andean cowboys, men of horses who will share with us their lifestyle, traditions, and equestrian culture. Our offer is the perfect combination for those seeking adventure, immersion in the local culture, and natural beauty. One of the unique features of our trek is the variety of landscapes. In the first part, we will get familiar with the horses at the Hacienda and explore the rainforest; these subtropical forests once covered much of the steep western slopes of the Andes between 1,000 and 3,000 meters, and now are considered endangered ecosystems. In the second part of the trek, we will increase the altitude, and the temperatures will change. The vegetation will radically change: we will experience a more arid volcanic environment filled with canyons, rocky peaks, and the Toachi River. We will climb mountain ridges and cross from the eastern Andes mountain range to the western range, where we will spot high-altitude wildlife typical of the Andes in an area that covers about 12,500 square kilometers. We will then reach the spectacular crater lake of Quilotoa. We will discover the Corazon, Ruminahui, Quilindana, Chalupas, and, of course, the majestic Cotopaxi volcano.
Your only means of transportation will be your horse, which will take you day after day to discover these beautiful mountains. In the evening, we will stay in traditional and comfortable haciendas, and around the campfire, it will be lovely to share the day’s adventures.

Pick-up from Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport (UIO) and transfer to Hacienda Alegria. If time allows, there will be an opportunity for a short walk to get familiar with the horses. Dinner and overnight stay.


Day 2: Quito

B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will mount the horses to get familiar with them and the equipment we will use in the coming days. We will ride around the hacienda and the western Andes region. Lunch at the hacienda, and in the afternoon, we will visit ancient caves. Dinner and overnight stay at the hacienda.


Day 3: Quito

B/L/D)
Today, we will continue riding around the hacienda to better prepare for the long days ahead in the saddle. Dinner and overnight stay at the hacienda.


Day 4: Quito

B/L/D)
Today, we will cross eucalyptus forests and vast pastures with beautiful views of the "Avenue of Volcanoes" and the lush Machachi Valley. We will ascend the slopes of the Corazon volcano up to 4,000 meters and then descend through the forest, where we will notice incredible biodiversity, such as orchids and a variety of birds. In the late afternoon, we will arrive at Hacienda Bomboli at 3,000 meters, where we will spend the night. Dinner and overnight stay at the hacienda.


Day 5: Quito

B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will stroll through the hacienda gardens, learning about the different plant varieties. We will then continue riding through the forest and take the old road built in 1873 to connect Quito with the coast. We will arrive at Hacienda Alegria in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon of relaxation. Dinner and overnight stay at the hacienda.


Day 6: Quito

B/L/D)
Today will be a long day in the saddle. We will be transferred by vehicle to about an hour south of the hacienda, where the horses will be waiting for us to begin our adventure in the southern Andes. We will take the ancient Inca trail to the village of Sigchos, passing through forests and rocky peaks. After a full day of riding, we will arrive at Hacienda San Jose, a farm that also serves as a guest house. We will have time to enjoy a sauna and jacuzzi before a delicious dinner and restful night.


Day 7: Quito

B/L/D)
Breakfast and departure south to the Quilotoa Lake crater. As we descend into the canyon, we will notice a different terrain, arid and volcanic, due to the eruption of the Quilotoa volcano 1,280 years ago. We will reach the summit of the volcano in the afternoon, at 3,800 meters. Our host for the night will be waiting for us at the top, where we can admire the 3 km wide crater, the westernmost of the Ecuadorian Andes. Dinner and overnight stay in a hostel.


Day 8: Quito

B/L/D)
Time for some final photos of the magnificent landscape before getting back in the saddle. We will reach the Canyon in half a day, passing through postcard-like villages. The area has a low population density due to poor soil. We will arrive at a small village called Insilivi, founded in 1857, where we will spend the night. Dinner and overnight stay in a hostel.


Day 9: Quito

B/L/D)
The last day of riding will bring us back to Hacienda Alegria for the final overnight stay.


Day 10:

QUITO/ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Italy.

Note: The itinerary described above is indicative. It may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.

Notes:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°°° (INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED)
ACCOMMODATION: Haciendas
EQUIPMENT: English saddle, North American saddle, “Chagra” traditional Ecuadorian working saddle
HORSES: CRIOLLO, accustomed to mountain terrain
RIDE TIME: 4 to 7 hours per day in the saddle. Moderate speed, with opportunities for trotting and galloping.
WHAT TO BRING: Layered riding clothing, warm and breathable clothing, waterproof items, waterproof boots, water bottle, fanny pack, sunscreen, repellent, binoculars.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 95 kg
MINIMUM AGE: 10 years
MAXIMUM AGE: 70 years
TYPE: Touring with overnight stays in haciendas
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation in various local haciendas. Simple and traditional structures. Comfortable, offering single or double rooms, common areas where meals are served.
Typical local cuisine prepared with fresh products. Water, soft drinks, juices, and wine are provided with meals. Special diets can be arranged upon request.

Night 1, 2, and 3: Hacienda La Alegria
Night 4: Hacienda Bomboli
Night 5: Hacienda La Alegria
Night 6: Hacienda San Gabriel in Sigchos
Night 7: Kamay Kirutoa Lodge in Quilotoa
Night 8: Llullullama Lodge in Insilivi
Night 9: Hacienda La Alegria

Guaranteed departure dates with a minimum of 4 participants:
From 09/01 to 18/01
From 13/03 to 22/03
From 24/07 to 02/08
From 04/09 to 13/09
From 16/10 to 25/10

Additional departure dates are available year-round upon request, with a minimum of 4 participants, except between 21/12 and 03/01/26.
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 4 MAX 10

Extra day with full board and horse activities (double) → Price per person: €300
Extra day with full board and horse activities (single) → Price per person: €400
Single supplement (when not staying in a hacienda) per night → Price per person: €180
Round-trip transfer from Quito Airport (up to 4 pax) – to be paid on-site → Price per person: €100
Round-trip transfer from Quito Airport to city center (up to 4 pax) – to be paid on-site → Price per person: €50
Supplement for departure base 2/3 pax → Price per person: €240

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
2.928 €
Based on 2 adults
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Trip summary
2 Adults
Nights 9
This idea includes
Destinations 1
Accommodations 5
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Español
Included
Transfers by the means indicated in the program
All meals as per the program
9 nights in local haciendas
8 days of horseback riding
Horses and equipment provided (ponchos and warm cloaks)
Experienced local guide speaking Spanish and English
Basic insurance for medical assistance, repatriation, and baggage damage
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Excluded
International flights to/from Quito
Round-trip transfer from Quito airport (to be paid locally)
Any additional nights and extensions
Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, drinks outside of meals, tips, personal extras
Alcohol
Anything not mentioned under "The fee includes"
Supplemental or cancellation insurance
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Accommodation
- Hacienda La Alegria
- Hacienda Bomboli
- Hacienda San Gabriel a Sigchos
- Kamay Kirutoa Lodge a Quilotoa
- Llullullama Lodge a Insilivi
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