This program is for 2 to 12 riders. Due to the inherently dangerous nature of equestrian sports we require guests to sign a liability waiver.

This trip will give you a taste of the wild paramos of Ecuador.

We start our ride from Hacienda La Alegria, toward the south of Machachi climbing the slopes of Ruminahui through sandy "wild west" scenery. Once on the high ridge (c.4200m) the magnificent cone of Cotopaxi presents itself. Other peaks visible from here include the Ilinizas 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 releaved 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.

In the morning 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.

We arrange this ride frequently - please phone or email for details.

2 full days riding, 2 nights accommodation (one at Hacienda La Alegria and one at the hostal), all transfers to/from Quito, meals, horses, tack and bilingual guide, support vehicle, city tour, accident insurance, and park tickets. Some rooms at Hacienda La Alegria have private bathroom and fire place.

All meals are tailored for hungry riders and combine delicious Ecuadorian and international cuisine. Our visitors book contains many compliments to the chef at La Alegria! Vegetarian / other special dietary options on request.

Breakfast: coffee, tea, cocoa, oatmeal, eggs and/or French toast, natural fruit juice and fruit of the season.

Lunch: Trail days: high energy pack lunch (sandwiches, fruit, candy). Hacienda days: similar to dinner.

Dinner: typical Ecuadorian soup, chicken, beef, pork or pasta, vegetables, rice or potatoes, dessert. Vegetarian / other special dietary options on request.

Drinks: water, juices, soft drinks.

Airfares, airport tax, alcoholic drinks.

Long underwear or pantyhose (to prevent chaffing), vests / T-shirts, sweatshirts / long-sleeve shirts, fleece jacket, wind stopper / rain jacket, riding boots or lightweight hiking boots, gloves, scarf, high factor sunscreen, sunglasses. We provide riding helmets, half-length chaps, waterproof full-length chaps and ponchos for wet weather.

At Hacienda La Alegria our horses are very important to us. Most have been bred here on the farm from mixed Criollo (native South American), English Thoroughbred and Arabian stock, resulting in a near perfect combination of toughness, agility, calm temperament and "mountain sense". Beginners and experienced riders alike have found them easy to ride, willing and good mannered. If you have previous riding experience you will be given plenty of opportunity to canter.

We have a range of tack including North American style, English style, Mclellan calvary, Chillean and traditional Ecuadorian "Chagra" style with its intricate leather-work and saddle horn.