Volcano Ride 5D/4N

Cotopaxi National Park – Hacienda El Tambo ride

After breakfast, we set off from Hacienda El Porvenir towards Hacienda El Tambo located on the eastern mountain range. The ride takes 6 to 7 hours and covers roughly 43 km. With the colossal Cotopaxi looming over our trails, we will eventually visit the Pucará del Salitre, an ancient Inca fortress. The ride takes us through a wide variety of landscapes such as mountain rivers and small lakes. Pack lunch is included during the the trip. When we finally reach the farmhouse of El Tambo, we will be rewarded with a traditional dinner and a warm fire. (Breakfast/Pack lunch/Dinner).

Quilindaña Volcano ride

After breakfast, we will ride over the foothills of Quilindaña, an old volcano that has been dormant for millions of years. The trek crosses the plains and slopes of this beautiful peak of 4,878m. (15,999 ft).  Here there are still pristine woods of native trees such as the pantza or polylepis (paper tree). We will get off our horses for a while and wander through a gorgeous woods full of moss, lichen and high-altitude bromeliads. Pack lunch is included during the the trip. After strolling in the woods and hearing some local legends, we ride back to the farmhouse at Hacienda El Tambo, where a delicious dinner awaits us. (Breakfast/Packed lunch/Dinner).

Horse pack expedition towards Hacienda El Porvenir

After enjoying breakfast, we will ride out early in the morning, heading back to civilization. Following the course of the River Tambo towards the base of Cotopaxi, we take the high route used by the locals and ride towards Chirimachai. We cross the Curipugyo Canyon (“place of gold” in Quichua), where we can see clear evidence of past volcanic eruptions. Pack lunch is included during the the trip. On the way back to Hacienda El Porvenir, we once again cross Cotopaxi National Park on a spectacular, panoramic route. We will reach Hacienda El Porvenir for lodging. (Breakfast/Packed lunch).

El Pedregal Valley ride

After breakfast we will prepare for our last ride. Today we will loop through cobalt stone roads of the village of El Pedregal, where we will have the chance to experience the local culture of the area. We will ride to the Pita river area, where we will have a packed lunch. We will keep riding with the Pita River by our side until we reach the northern entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park, and then return to the Hacienda El Porvenir to leave our horses and prepare for our return to Quito. (Breakfast/Packed lunch).