14 Days Ecuador on Horseback
Ecuador on Horseback
14 Days / 13 Nights
TOUR INCLUDES:
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13 nights accommodation in superior hotels, haciendas, and mountain lodges
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Daily breakfast throughout the tour
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Horseback riding tours as per itinerary
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Guided sightseeing tours in Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi, Riobamba, and Cuenca
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Entrance fees to Mitad del Mundo, Ingapirca Inca complex, and Todos los Santos ruins
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Train ride along the Devil’s Nose
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Cultural experiences including Chagra show and Otavalo handicraft market visit
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Meals as indicated: box lunch on Cotopaxi ride, barbecue dinner in Vilcabamba, and typical local meals during riding excursions
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English-speaking local guides throughout the tour
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Transfers by private vehicle as per itinerary
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Airport assistance and luggage handling
Ecuador on Horseback
14 Days / 13 Nights
ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Quito
Arrival in Quito, located in a hollow at the foot of the Pichincha volcano and surrounded by hills and snowcapped mountains. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 2 – Quito
Sightseeing tour exploring the colorful history of colonial Quito, including the Cathedral and La Compañia Church. Continue to the “Mitad del Mundo” monument.
Day 3 – Quito – Otavalo
Transfer to Otavalo, passing Lago San Pablo with views of Taita Imbabura and the snow-capped Cayambe. Upon arrival at Hacienda Pinsaqui, enjoy a horseback riding tour toward the Imbabura volcano and surrounding landscape.
Day 4 – Otavalo
Visit the famous Otavalo artisanal handicraft market, showcasing a wide variety of ponchos, woolen clothing, and traditional designs. Transfer to Cotopaxi.
Day 5 – Cotopaxi
Horseback ride towards Limpiopungo Lake in Cotopaxi National Park, with stunning views of Rumiñahui Volcano. Box lunch included. Return along scenic park roads.
Day 6 – Cotopaxi – Riobamba
Visit Hacienda Alegria for a “Chagra” cowboy show, experiencing local Ecuadorian traditions. Continue transfer to Riobamba.
Day 7 – Riobamba
Enjoy a full-day horseback riding tour exploring the scenic landscapes around Riobamba.
Day 8 – Riobamba – Cuenca
Take a train ride along the legendary “Devil’s Nose,” one of Ecuador’s most famous rail journeys. Continue to Cuenca, visiting the Inca complex at Ingapirca.
Day 9 – Cuenca
City tour of Cuenca, exploring the “Todos los Santos” ruins and the vibrant flower market, immersing in colonial Ecuadorian history.
Day 10 – Cuenca – Vilcabamba
Transfer to Vilcabamba. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Day 11 – Vilcabamba
Begin a two-day horseback adventure, enjoying mountain views, waterfalls, and pristine forest landscapes. Short hike to a mountain hut for the night and a barbecue dinner with traditional “Canelazo” drink.
Day 12 – Vilcabamba
Three-hour hike through the rainforest, primeval forest, and the “Los Helechos” waterfalls. After lunch, ride back to Vilcabamba with breathtaking valley and mountain views.
Day 13 – Vilcabamba – Quito
Transfer to Loja and flight back to Quito. Remaining day at leisure.
Day 14 – Quito
Transfer to the airport for homebound flight.