At Hacienda El Porvenir we ride close to herds of wild horses and fighting bulls. We can also see various species of high-altitude birds (condors are frequently spotted) and native flora against a backdrop of spectacular scenery. Some rides take us up to 4,200m. Near the summit of Rumiñahui, from where there is a unique, unbeatable view of Cotopaxi. After relishing the freedom of nature at its wildest and enjoying the exhilaration of galloping with the pure wind of the high Andes. The rides take us inside the exclusive trails of our Hacienda at the majestic páramos and native forest of the Cotopaxi area, where our native guides intertwine legends, history and tradition in their tales.
Every ride is led by our experienced and knowledgeable Chagras (Andean Cowboys), expert riders that manage all our safety standards (prevention, mitigation and evacuation plans). These Chagras are Spanish speaking guides.
We provide riding accessories in the form of a woolen poncho, waterproof poncho, saddlebags, riding helmets and zamarros (sheepskin chaps) in the style of the chagras.
Daily Departures
This amazing ride that visits “El Mirador Guardianes del Volcán” and lasts 2 hours, this program takes place at: 09h00 & 14h30 and any one is invited to join!
After a briefing of how to handle the horses 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. We will pass by the Tentadero, a bull ring where we test our bravo cattle. Then we will ride through open paramo where we can learn about the native flora and fauna of the area. We will reach 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 is 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.
- This horse ride operates everyday on fixed schedules without a minimum of guests.
- You don’t need experience to participate on this ride.
- This ride is not private, you’ll be sharing the experience with more people.
| Length | Price per person | Schedule |
| Mirador Guardianes del Volcán (2 hours) | $35+12% | 09h00 & 14h30 |
| Mirador Guardianes del Volcán (2 hours) High Season | $39+12% | 09h00 & 14h30 |
- High Season: June 15th to August 20th, December 15th to January 15th, and Holidays
Private Departures
If you would like to have a more exclusive experience and ride only with your family or group of friends, and also choose your departing time, then is the option you’ve been looking for.
- These departures need to be confirmed in advance.
- Last-minute requests (48 hours) are subject to availability.
- These horse rides operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
| Length | Price per person | Choose your departing time |
| Low Hacienda trails (1 hour) | $56.00 | From 09h00 to 16h00 |
| Mirador Guardianes del Volcán (2 hours) | $78.00 | From 09h00 to 15h00 |
| Rumiñahui Heights (3.5 hours) | $90.00 | From 09h00 to 14h30 |
| Owl’s Refuge (4 hours with packed lunch) | $101.00 | From 09h00 to 12h00 |
| Hacienda & Cotopaxi National Park Limits (6 hours with packed lunch) | $135.00 | Only at 09h00 am |
- Low Hacienda trails (1 hour): After a briefing of how to handle the horses we start a short ride of 1 hour. This ride will take us through the agricultural land of the hacienda. The road that we ride is a gravel and dirt secondary road. This is a good ride for families with young kids. On the way will can see the native tree reforestation project where more than 600.000 trees for conservation purposes. We can see the bravo cattle grazing on their fenced fields as well. Return to the hacienda.
- Rumiñahui Heights (3.5 hours): After a briefing of how to handle the horses we set off for our spectacular ride to the heights of Rumiñahui. The first portion of the ride we will walk, until we get acquainted with the horses. There are great possibilities of going at a faster pace, either trot or canter on the high plateau of Rumiñahui. We reach the base of the Central Summit of Rumiñahui and stop for a hot drink. High possibilities of spotting Andean birds, herds of wild horses and herds of wild bravo cattle. This is a superb ride that allows riders with no experience and experienced riders to immerse themselves in the local Chagra culture, enjoy the opportunity to ride “off road”, through ancient wild horse tracks, and on clear days, have spectacular scenery of more than 12 volcanoes.
- Owl’s Refuge (4 hours): After a briefing of how to handle the horses we set off for our famous Owl’s refuge ride. This ride traverses the South – Western slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano through exclusive roads, tracks and trails within the Hacienda. The ride takes 4 hours round trip. The first portion of the ride we will walk, until we get acquainted with the horses. There are great possibilities of going at a faster pace, either trot or canter on the high plateau of Rumiñahui. Then a single track trail will lead us to the Owl’s Refuge or Chusigmachai in Quichua (Native language). It’s named after Chusig, the Great Horned Owl, a resident of the cave. It also helds dozens of hummingbird nests. This geological formation is a wide cave, protected from the wind and rain, that has been a shelter for both animals and humans for millennia.
- Hacienda & Cotopaxi National Park Limits (6 hours): After a briefing on how to handle the horses, we start our ride towards the limits of the hacienda and the Cotopaxi National Park. On our way we will traverse the slopes of the Rumiñahui Volcano on exclusive paths inside the hacienda. As we travel across majestic Andean panoramas, we will see herds of wild bulls, birds and spectacular landscapes. We will eventually arrive near the rocky peaks of Rumiñahui where one can see 12 more volcanoes on a clear day. Additionally, we will stop by Chusigmachai, or the Owl Refuge, before riding back to the farm house.
Important notes
- Horse riders can’t exceed 220 pounds of weight.
- Riders are escorted by a Chagra (Local Guide doesn’t Speak English).
- Does not include English Speaking Guide.
- Activities are not private, we reserve the right to join guests of different groups in the activities we offer
- TO PARTICIPATE ON THIS ACTIVITY, YOU MUST SIGN OF WAIVER OF LIABILITY.