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Arrival in Quito – City Tour (optional)
AM: As soon as you land at the new Quito international airport, you will be welcomed and driven to a local B&B for your first-night stay.
PM: This afternoon, you will have time to explore Quito on your own, or a city tour can be arranged for you (extra). Quito, with its beautifully restored historic district, became the planet’s first UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site, in 1975. Among the sights in this quarter is the La Compañía Church, which – with 15 tons of gold along its walls, roof, and altar – is said to be the most richly decorated church in the world.
Quito – Chimborazo – Ambato
AM: We will drive you by car, southbound on the Pan-American Highway, passing through Bolivar Province on our way to the city of Ambato. The landscape will change rapidly as we drive through small villages and past fields where farmers raise their crops on steep slopes. On your left, you will see a huge mountain that dominates the entire area: the Chimborazo Volcano.
PM: This afternoon we will arrive in Ambato, which has been dubbed the “City of Flowers and Fruit.” After checking in, you will have time to relax before dinner and turning in for the night.
Ambato – Simiatug
AM: After a hearty “Ambato Breakfast,” we will all mount up, as the only form of transportation for the day will be on horseback. We will begin with visits to the Carihuayrazo and Pan de Azucar volcanoes, though you will, of course, see the majestic Chimborazo Volcano from as many different angles as possible throughout our journey. Our itinerary incorporates trips through dozens of authentic working haciendas that produce regional dairy products, potatoes, broccoli, and flowers.
PM: This afternoon, we will ride along the famous Inca Trail, as well as pre-Inca routes. This evening, you will settle in at a hacienda in the town of Simiatug, where you will spend the night. Sitting together around the hacienda’s cozy fireplace, we will recall the day's events and discuss the local culture and traditions of this area, particularly those related to the chagras (Andean cowhands).
Simiatug Market – Salinas de Bolívar – Guaranda
AM: This morning we will visit the colorful Simiatug animal and produce market.
PM: After lunch, we will ride by horseback along narrow forest paths that are surrounded by literally thousands of plants and animal species. One can't help but be amazed by the sheer biodiversity of this area. Many riders have exhausted their cameras' memory chips and batteries in attempts to record the amazing and endless sights here. Passing through the town of Salinas de Bolívar, we will make our way to Guaranda, where you will spend the night.
Guaranda – San Miguel de Bolivar – Chillanes
AM: On today’s ride, you will experience a diversity of geography and weather. Be prepared for a period of intense equatorial sun followed by the chill of the Andes' wind - all within the space of a few hours. From this, you will understand why locals say that all four seasons are experienced on the same day while in the highlands. As we ride through the paramos, you will see large alpaca and llama herds that roam free at this altitude. The shaggy coats that protect them from the harsh elements of mountain life are also the key components of great sweaters and ponchos. Seeing these herds galloping with Cotopaxi in the background is a truly amazing experience!
PM: Continuing our ride, we will cross extensive plots of land, some with more than 400 acres. Mounted on our sturdy and well-trained horses, we will also climb to altitudes exceeding 12,000 feet (4,200 m) above sea level, and later ride down into hidden valleys. Passing through the town of San Miguel de Bolivar, we will make our way to Chillanes, where you will spend the night.
Chillanes – Bucay – Echandia
AM: This morning we will head out on a spectacular 6-hour ride that follows the main Inca trail, the one that once linked Quito with Cusco, Peru. Close by is another route that runs west; one previously used by the Incas to travel through the coastal rainforest.
PM: This afternoon, we will ride up and over a series of ridges before starting our descent from the Andean Highlands down into the Bucay Valle. Following well-traveled horse trails, you will note how the ground is covered with wildflowers. In this area, hummingbirds and birds of prey are often spotted – sometimes even mighty Andean condors. Passing through the town of Bucay, we will make our way to Echandia, where you will spend the night.
Echandia – Chillanes
AM: Today we will ride across the Echandia Valley to Chillanes, through green hilly pastures and past several stately farms on which you can observe fighting bulls and flower crops. This picturesque valley is also the home and breeding place of many beautiful horses. All of this will give you a good impression concerning the present and past of the country. Our horseback riding will include some extensive canters along fields and pastures to make the trip quicker.
PM: Drawing closer to the Chimborazo volcano, which towers above us at an altitude of almost 6,300 meters above sea level, we will reach the colonial village of Chillanes, where we find shelter in a traditional farmhouse that was built during the colonial era. Sitting next to a blazing fireplace, our host (known as the “Wild West Cowboy”) is always willing to tell some interesting stories about the local people and lifestyle while sharing tea and locally produced “burnt brandy” (Pajaro azul).
Chillanes – Guayaquil (Departure)
AM: Following breakfast, you will be driven to the Guayaquil airport in time for your flight home or onward.
Price per person
Tourist
USD$ 3200
