The mountainous topography of the Ecuadorian Andes, combined with the natural wonders existent, such as volcanoes, lakes, forest, plus the ethnical component, makes up the right components for wonderful horse riding experiences.  Our trips intend to show visitors the remote countryside landscapes by following small trails used by locals, which can only be reached by foot or by using the most ancient way of land transportation. On our journeys we pass by small hidden villages, farming areas and unique landscapes.

Our trips range from beginners to experienced riders, but in all of them you must like horses, have some degree of fitness, but most important is to have self confidence. Our horses are well trained and are used to carrying passengers with different skills. Some are very calm for those with little experience and some are hot blooded for riders that love adrenaline.

For our trips we use different family haciendas for accommodation and facilities. Each one has its own magic, its own natural ecosystems and unique traditions. Some are very old from colonial times, others are located on the skirts of volcanoes, some are surrounded by forest and wonderful natural landscapes and others are modern with beautiful decoration. however the common issue among all of them, is the fact that are very comfortable, charming and welcoming for visitors that would like to experience the Ecuadorian countryside life, without been in a hotel, but more like feeling at home. 

See:

Horse riding at Hacienda Totorillas
Full moon ride
Totorillas countryside
Southern haciendas
Behind the Inca´s footsteps
Horse riding in Pululahua
Ride from hacienda La Alegria to Cotopaxi

Horse riding at Hacienda Totorillas

Private, Any Day, Full Day

After a half hour drive from Cuenca, we reach Totorillas, a charming farm in an amazing natural spot, located in the area known as the mountains of Tarqui. Horse riding is definitely the specialty and little experience is required, on a trip aimed at passengers that would like to witness and experience daily countryside life. Once on the horses, we will ride along countryside trails through indigenous and private farming sites, areas of primary forest, the ancient Inca trail and small hidden villages. The old trails from the colonial era follow the top of the mountain ridge, providing amazing views from the saddle. Horses are professionally trained for any level of experience. Lunch included.

Optionally we offer activities such as: involvement in farming duties (agricultural, animal raising or dairy processing), rural walks, biking or simply relaxation and enjoyment in a pleasant environment.

Shared Basis, Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun, Full Day

Visit also:

Full moon ride
Totorillas countryside
Southern haciendas
Behind the Inca´s footsteps
Horse riding in Pululahua
Ride from hacienda La Alegria to Cotopaxi

 

Full Moon ride

Private, 2-3 days a month, 4 Hours

There is no experience compared to ride along the Andean trails under a full moon. Our trips leave around mid afternoon, so we get on time to start riding after sunset. The ride is along an easy open trail, so no experience is required, just the willingness to enjoy a great adventure. At the end of the trip we will have a snack at the farm and then return back to Cuenca.

Visit also:

Horse riding at Hacienda Totorillas
Totorillas countryside
Southern haciendas
Behind the Inca´s footsteps
Horse riding in Pululahua
Ride from hacienda La Alegria to Cotopaxi

Totorillas countryside

Private, Any Day, 2 Days / 1 Night
Shared Basis, Thursdays, 2 Days / 1 Night

The country side of Totorillas is only half an hour south of Cuenca and it offers some of the most beautiful southern Andean landscapes; showing us cloud forest, indigenous agricultural grounds, cattle raising farms and rugged topography. The area is also crossed by the ancient Inca trail that connected Tomebamba (today Cuenca) with the north and the south of the ancient tahuantynsuyo Inca empire.
The program includes 2 days of full riding adventure in an amazing rural and natural surrounding, following the rural trails used by local indigenous, passing by and visiting the most remarkable sites. During this program, visitors can also get involved in the daily farming activities (agricultural, animal raising or dairy processes), do rural walks, biking or simply relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere and facilities of our charming and comfortable hacienda Totorillas.
 
This tour could be extended to 3 or 4 days with daily rides to different destinations with overnight at the hacienda.

Overview:

• 1 night in private hacienda
• moderate activities of 4 – 6 hours a day
• beginners to intermediate riding skills required
• highland terrain elevations from 2,600 to 3,400 mts

Visit also:

Horse riding at Hacienda Totorillas
Full moon ride
Southern haciendas
Behind the Inca´s footsteps
Horse riding in Pululahua
Ride from hacienda La Alegria to Cotopaxi

Southern haciendas

Private, Any Day, 3 Days / 2 Nights

This trip aims to follow country trails connecting private haciendas around the Tarqui area, allowing visitors to witness and share the real rural life and its environment. Each hacienda has its own particularity and beauty, some are colonial with lots of history, others are modern and charm and others are the typical Andean cowboy farms where horse and cattle growing are the main interests. the common factor in every hacienda is the warm and welcoming touch provided by the owners, without skipping comfort and details, opposite to feel in a normal hotel, but more like at home.

Sample itinerary
Day 1: Totorillas - cumbe
Day 2: cumbe – San Agustin
Day 3: San Agustin – Totorillas

Overview:

• 2 nights in private haciendas
• moderate activities of 4 – 6 hours a day
• intermediate riding skills required
• highland terrain elevations from 2,600 to 3,400 m

Visit also:

Horse riding at Hacienda Totorillas
Full moon ride
Totorillas countryside
Behind the Inca´s footsteps
Horse riding in Pululahua
Ride from hacienda La Alegria to Cotopaxi

 

Behind the Inca´s footsteps

Private, Any Day, 2 or more days

The Incas had a highly developed road and communication system that connected important points and settlements along the Andean mountains. However, with the construction of modern roads, the Inca trail was not that important anymore, except for local people that still use it and follow many part of this ancient road system for connecting with other remote villages and commerce.

After long research we have been able to re-discover the portions between Riobamba (central Ecuadorian Andes) to Cuenca and Cuenca to Loja (southern Andes). We could cover and offer the whole long trip in approximately 10 days or better recommend a couple smaller journeys picking up the best portions of the trail, considering the scenery, highlights on route and level of difficulty. 

These trips are aimed at skilled riding adventure lovers. The route taken is along mountain ridges and up and down the narrow Andean valleys providing a very active riding experience, passing by the remotest indigenous villages and amazing Andean landscapes, witnessing the most hidden and least visited sites in the Ecuadorian Andes.

The 2 portions of the Inca trail that we recommend the most are:

Achupallas – Ingapirca
Day 1: achupallas – culebrillas
Day 2: culebrillas - ingapirca

Gualaceo –Totorillas
Day 1: San Juan de Gualaceo – Aguarongo
Day 2: Aguarongo - Totorillas

Totorillas – Saraguro
Day 1: Totorillas – Gima
Day 2: Gima - Cochapata
Day 3: Cochabamba – Ona
Day 4: Oña - Saraguro

Overview:

• overnight at local indigenous villages, camping, or haciendas
• some difficult riding of 6 – 8 hours a day
• intermediate to advanced riding skills required
• highland and subtropical terrain elevations from 2,600 to 4,000 m

Visit also:

Horse riding at Hacienda Totorillas
Full moon ride
Totorillas countryside
Southern haciendas
Horse riding in Pululahua
Ride from hacienda La Alegria to Cotopaxi

Horse riding in Pululahua

Shared Basis, Any day, Full Day

Green horse ranch, inside the Pululahua Geobotanical reserve is about 25 miles north of Quito. Once at the ranch, robust and amiable mountain horses will take us through the stunning landscape of this ancient volcanic crater - the biggest one on the whole American continent and one of the only two inhabited craters in the world - with its constantly changing sceneries and huge bio-diversity. While circling the inner cone, we witness volcanic history and nature, interesting geological formations, mineral avalanches blooming with wild orchids and traditional Andean agriculture. The riding time is about 4 hours and experience is not required.  Packed lunch included.

Visit also:

Horse riding at Hacienda Totorillas
Full moon ride
Totorillas countryside
Southern haciendas
Behind the Inca´s footsteps
Ride from hacienda La Alegria to Cotopaxi

Ride from hacienda La Alegria to Cotopaxi

Private, Any Day, 2 Days / 1 Night

We start our ride from hacienda la Alegria, toward the south of Machachi climbing the slopes of Rumiñahui through sandy "wild west" scenery. Once on the high ridge (4200m) the magnificent cone of Cotopaxi presents itself. Other peaks visible from here include the Illinizas and Sincholagua. We take a break here for lunch and marvel at the scenery. In the afternoon we continue around the rocky shoulder of Ruminahui and into the Cotopaxi basin. The bleak and windswept terrain is revealed by the appearance of an idyllic lake, Limpiopungo, close to the base of Cotopaxi. In the late afternoon we arrive at a cozy lodge where hot showers and a filling dinner are the fitting reward for seven hours in the saddle.

On day 2 you will be able to appreciate the incredible view of the Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world, just in front of us. We continue the ride through the valley at the base of the mountain towards the older volcanic cone of Pasochoa, which will be our guide back along the old still used by "chagras" - Andean cowboys - who we are likely to encounter on our way.

Overview:

• overnight at haciendas
• moderate riding of 5 – 7 hours a day
• beginners to intermediate riding skills required
• highland terrain elevations from 2,800 to 4,200 m

Visit also:

Horse riding at Hacienda Totorillas
Full moon ride
Totorillas countryside
Southern haciendas
Behind the Inca´s footsteps
Horse riding in Pululahua