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Ecuador: the volcanoes' way
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Ecuador: the volcanoes' way

Holidays package
Created: Sunday, January 11, 2026
Ref ID: 42429630
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Quito, Ecuador Quito, Ecuador
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
2.542 €
Based on 2 adults
Created: Sunday, January 11, 2026
Themes
Intermediate Itinerant Nature & Landscape Ecuador
Itinerary
Tours
Ecuador: The volcanoes' way
Ecuador: The volcanoes' way
Ecuador: The volcanoes' way
Ecuador: The volcanoes' way
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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
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
Ecuador: The volcanoes' way
Ecuador: The volcanoes' way
Ecuador: The volcanoes' way

Day 1: Quito

A horseback riding experience in Ecuador means discovering the breathtaking beauty of the Andes. We will ride along part of what the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt, who visited these lands at the beginning of the 19th century, famously called the “Avenue of the Volcanoes.”
This adventure offers a different experience every day, crossing volcanoes, mountains, valleys, high plateaus, and archaeological sites of the pre-Inca civilization. We will meet the friendly “chagras,” the cowboys of the Ecuadorian Andes—true horsemen who will share with us their lifestyle, traditions, and equestrian culture.
Our journey is the perfect combination for those seeking adventure, immersion in local culture, and outstanding natural beauty. One of the unique features of this trek is the great variety of landscapes. In the first part, we will get acquainted 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, but today they are considered endangered ecosystems.
In the second part of the trek, we will gain altitude and temperatures will change accordingly. The vegetation will transform dramatically as we experience a drier volcanic environment filled with canyons, rocky peaks, and the Toachi River. We will ride along mountain ridges and cross from the Eastern to the Western Andes, spotting high-altitude Andean wildlife in an area covering approximately 12,500 square kilometers. We will then reach the spectacular crater lake of Quilotoa. Along the way, we will discover the Corazón, Rumiñahui, Quilindana, Chalupas, and of course the majestic Cotopaxi volcano.
Your only means of transportation will be your horse, carrying you day after day through these stunning mountains. In the evenings, we will stay in traditional and comfortable haciendas, and around the campfire it will be a pleasure to share the day’s adventures.
ITALY / QUITO (-/-/D)
Pick-up at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport (UIO) and transfer to Hacienda Alegría. If time allows, there will be a short walk to get acquainted with the horses. Dinner and overnight stay.


Day 2: Quito

QUITO / MACHACHI (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we ride to familiarize ourselves with the horses and the equipment we will use in the coming days. We will ride around the hacienda and the western Andes area. Lunch at the hacienda and, in the afternoon, a visit to ancient caves. Dinner and overnight at the hacienda.


Day 3: Quito

MACHACHI (B/L/D)
Another day riding around the hacienda to better prepare for the long days in the saddle ahead. Dinner and overnight at the hacienda.


Day 4: Quito

MACHACHI / BOMBOLI (B/L/D)
Today we will cross eucalyptus forests and vast pastures with beautiful views of the “Volcano Avenue” and the green, fertile Machachi Valley. We will ascend the slopes of Corazón Volcano up to 4,000 meters, then descend through the forest, where we will notice incredible biodiversity: orchids of every kind and many species of birds. Late in the afternoon, we arrive at Hacienda Bombolí at 3,000 meters. Dinner and overnight at the hacienda.


Day 5: Quito

BOMBOLI / MACHACHI (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we stroll through the hacienda gardens, learning about the characteristics of different plant varieties. We then continue on horseback through the forest and follow the ancient road built in 1873 to connect Quito with the coast. Arrival at Hacienda Alegría in time for lunch, followed by a relaxing afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hacienda.


Day 6: Quito

MACHACHI / SIGCHOS (B/L/D)
Today will be a long day in the saddle. We will be transferred by vehicle about one hour south of the hacienda, where the horses will be waiting to begin our adventure in the southern Andes. We will take the ancient Inca trail to the village of Sigchos, riding through forests and rocky peaks. After a full day on horseback, we arrive at Hacienda San José, a working farm and guesthouse. Time to enjoy the sauna and jacuzzi before an excellent dinner and a restful night.


Day 7: Quito

SIGCHOS / QUILOTOA (B/L/D)
Breakfast and departure south toward the Quilotoa crater lake. Descending into the canyon, we will notice a different, arid, volcanic terrain shaped by the eruption of the Quilotoa volcano 1,280 years ago. We reach the summit in the afternoon at 3,800 meters. Our host awaits us for the night. From here, we can admire the 3 km-wide crater, the westernmost volcano of the Ecuadorian Andes. Dinner and overnight in a lodge.


Day 8: Quito

QUILOTOA / INSILIVI (B/L/D)
Time for more photos of the magnificent scenery before getting back in the saddle and reaching the canyon in about half a day, passing through postcard-like villages. This is a sparsely populated area due to poor soil fertility. We arrive at the small village of Insiliví, founded in 1857, where we spend the night. Dinner and overnight in a lodge.


Day 9: Quito

INSILIVI / MACHACHI (B/L/D)
Last day on horseback as we return to Hacienda Alegría for our final overnight stay.


Day 10:

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

Notes:The above itinerary is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 10 days / 9 nights
DIFFICULTY: °°°° (Intermediate–Advanced)
ACCOMMODATION: Haciendas
EQUIPMENT: English saddle, North American saddles, traditional Ecuadorian “Chagra” working saddle
HORSES: Criollo horses, accustomed to mountain terrain
RIDING TIME: 4 to 7 hours per day in the saddle. Moderate pace, with opportunities for trotting and galloping
WHAT TO BRING: Layered riding clothing; warm, breathable, and waterproof garments; waterproof boots; water bottle; waist pack; sunscreen; insect repellent; binoculars
MAX WEIGHT: 95 kg
MIN AGE: 10 years
MAX AGE: 70 years
TYPE: Point-to-point trek with overnight stays in haciendas

Accommodation
Accommodation in various local haciendas. Simple and traditional yet comfortable, offering single or double rooms and common areas where meals are served.
Traditional cuisine prepared with fresh local products. Water, soft drinks, juices, and wine are included with meals. Special diets can be arranged upon request.

Nights 1, 2 & 3: Hacienda La Alegría
Night 4: Hacienda Bombolí
Night 5: Hacienda La Alegría
Night 6: Hacienda San Gabriel (Sigchos)
Night 7: Kamay Kirutoa Lodge (Quilotoa)
Night 8: Llullullama Lodge (Insiliví)
Night 9: Hacienda La Alegría

Guaranteed Departure Dates (minimum 4 participants):
Feb 12 – Feb 21
Feb 26 – Mar 7
Jun 18 – Jun 27
Jul 23 – Aug 1
Sep 10 – Sep 19
Oct 18 – Oct 27
Nov 12 – Nov 21
Dec 10 – Dec 19

Additional departure dates are available year-round upon request for a minimum of 4 participants, except between Dec 21 and Jan 3, 2027.

Participants: Min 4 – Max 10

Supplements & Reductions
Extra day full board with horseback activities (double room): EUR 300 per person
Extra day full board with horseback activities (single room): EUR 400
Round-trip transfer Quito Airport (up to 4 pax), payable locally: USD 100 per vehicle
Round-trip transfer Quito Airport – city center (up to 4 pax): USD 50 per vehicle
Supplement for departures with 2–3 participants: EUR 240 per person
Youth discount (ages 12–17): EUR 378

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
2.542 €
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
Spanish
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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