Highland Family Adventure 4D/3N

Horseback Ride to El Mirador and High Ropes Course

In the morning we will have a delicious, nutritious farm breakfast, followed by a brief riding lesson from our guides before we set out on our horses. Wearing the typical dress of the chagra (Ecuadorian cowboys), we start a ride of 2 hours through exclusive trails at the hacienda. The first portion of the ride we will get acquainted with our horses and ride on dirt roads. Then we will ride through open paramo where we can learn about the native flora and fauna of the area. We will reach the 3,800 mts. (12,500 ft) at “El Mirador de los Guardianes del Volcán” where we will enjoy a magnificent view of the Cotopaxi Volcano, then we will start our descent towards the hacienda. The pace of the horses in mainly walking, but we have the opportunity to trot and canter on portions of the ride. Good possibilities of spotting Andean birds on this ride. Return to the hacienda. Back in the farmhouse, a tasty local lunch will be ready on our arrival. During the afternoon we will participate in the High Ropes Course. This is a high adventure activity with low environmental impact, letting people with little or no knowledge of climbing techniques have a unique experience in a safe environment. You will traverse ladders, nets, tightropes, swinging logs, wobbly bridges, and more fun surprises at 20 ft from the ground (6m). Overnight stay at Hacienda El Porvenir. (Breakfast/Lunch).

Rumiñahui Volcano Trekking

After a wholesome country breakfast, we begin our trek to Rumiñahui Volcano, crossing vast highlands swept by the cold breath of the Andes. In one single picture one can take in valleys, mountains and neighboring volcanoes. On a cloudless day, we will even have the opportunity to admire in the distance Ilinizas peaks and Chimborazo, the highest snow-capped mountain of Ecuador. Hiking takes about 5 hours total round trip. Hiking difficulty is middle. We will trek along with a local guide that will share with us his knowledge about the mountains, the páramo and the local culture. We will take a packed lunch and then you will go back to Hacienda El Porvenir, a warm fireplace will be waiting for you. Overnight stay at Hacienda El Porvenir. (Breakfast/Packed Lunch).

Cotopaxi National Park Visit

After breakfast we leave the Hacienda and drive to Cotopaxi National Park. This is a very interesting drive through ancient lava flows from Cotopaxi’s past eruptions.  The location is the perfect place to learn about Andean Geology. On our visit we reach the car park below the Cotopaxi’s Refuge, where we begin our short hike up to the climbing hut (Refugio José Ribas) at 4,800m. (15,744 ft).  It is hard not to be overwhelmed by the sheer immensity of the Volcano on this short hike.. Once back in the vehicle, we continue on our way driving down to Limpiopungo Lake, where a wholesome box lunch will be served. This is an interesting site that is ideal for descriptions of the local flora and fauna, as well as details of the history and environmental conservation of the Park. Return to Quito. (Breakfast/ Packed Lunch)