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CLOUD
FOREST TO THE HIGHLANDS (8 days)/
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[
reservations
]
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| Day
1 |
From
Quito we'll drive over the western cordillera in
direction to the Pacific cloud forest where our
horses await us. On our way we have the chance to
visit the Ecuadorian Monument 15 km north from Quito.
Typical Ecuadorian lunch and drive to "Bellavista"
nature reserve where we'll be welcomed into a cozy
lodge with hot showers and delicious, whole-some
food. From the balcony of our shared room, we can
enjoy a breath-taking view far over the cloud forest
and listen to the sounds of exotic birds. |
Day
2
5,5h
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On
horseback, we'll be heading through a lush green
region of virgin forests studded with waterfalls
toward Tandayapa fishing resort and then be slightly
riding uphill for several hours, drawing closer
to Pichincha volcano, which towers above us at almost
4800 m. We begin our trek along the north-west side
to the tiny, picturesque village of Nono, where
we set up camp at a farm. Next to a hot chimney
fire, the farmers family might know to tell us some
interesting stories about people and lifestyles. |
Day
3
4,0h |
We'll be riding along green, hilly pastures, passing
several stately farms, where we can observe fighting
bulls and flower crop for exportation, getting some
good impression about present and past of the country.
Accommodation in the 200 years old walls of a romantic
farm hostel and a hot evening meal await us, next
to the volcanic springs of Calacalí. Bring
your bathing dress in case it's a hot day. |
Day
4
5,5h |
After
crossing the Equator from the southern to the northern
part of the globe, we'll be riding downhill through
forests of bamboo into the crater of the ancient
volcano "Pululahua", offering us it's
magnificent scenery. We only come across a few small
farmhouses along the way, where the highland farmers
scratch a meagre income from the steep, infertile
land beside the forest. At the bottom of the crater,
a mystical and very peaceful place, we'll be resting
in a nice little country cottage, until the call
of a donkey or cock awakes us the next morning. |
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Day
5
4,5h |
Leaving
the volcano through the small gate in its crater
walls, we'll be passing by deep gorges, crossing
eroded lahar fields blooming with wild orchids,
to finally enter the narrow valley of the Rio Blanco
with its warm and tropical climate where we shall
find coffee trees, fields of sugar cane and a lot
of tropical fruits. Pre-historical ruins can be
observed along the way. "Aguacatal" is
the name of the very remote and beautiful farm that
offers us beds for tonight. |
Day
6
free |
Having
gone half our way to Otavalo, we will make a rest
day today,- for those who want to of course. Those
who could spend their life on horseback, also have
the chance to explore the beautiful surroundings
by horse on their own. Those, who'd like to change
activity for a while, are invited to accompany us
by jeep to the Inca ruins of Rumicucho with their
famous sun-channel and after that take an interesting
ride by mountain-bike back to El Aguacatal. Last
not least, you can also just hang out for a day,
walk around and enjoy the peaceful scenery of our
rest place. |
Day
7
7,5h |
This
is the day of the adventurous! After crossing the
bridge over the furious and turbulent river Guayllabamba,
we'll be trekking along a nerve-wrecking trail above
the river for several hours, following its direction
upstream, leading us through the most hallucinating
and breathtaking landscapes you can possibly imagine.
We will have to dismount on several sections of
this trail. Fitness required! In the late afternoon
we'll reach the village of San José de Minas,
which has lost it's glory as an important mining
place when the new road from Quito to Otavalo was
built, leaving San José de Minas out of the
way. The view of the town is dominated by a mighty
colonial church with stories to tell about. In its
stony archways we'll find shelter and restaurant
in a nice and spotless local hostel. |
Day
8
6,0h |
Riding
across the fields and pastures of the Paramo into
wild and windy heights, we'll reach the beautiful
lakes of Mojanda in the afternoon, encircled by
rugged mountain walls. Here, we spend the night
under canvas next to the stars, at an altitude of
3700m above sea-level. Bring warm clothing and warm
sleeping bag; playing cards welcome!
Depending on the season, alternatively ride to the
lakes of Cuicocha and overnight in hostel. Scenery
and riding time similar. |
| Day
9 |
After
breakfast, our accompanying vehicle will pick us
up and drive us down to Otavalo with a far-reaching
view over the next valley and the surrounding mountains.
In the small Andean town, world-famous for its handicrafts
and woolen products, we'll have the chance to visit
its lively, colorful Indigenous market. Our main
program has ended and participants will have the
choice either to stay in Otavalo on their own (nearby
attractions are the Cuicocha crater lake and the
Peguche waterfall) or to drive back with us to Quito,
where we will leave you at your hotel. |
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Trip
type: Adventure
Participants: 4-8 passengers (passengers
should not weight more than 90kg)
Level: difficult
Horses: Andean Criole Horses
Tack: English or Western
Riding pace: walk / trot / gallop / dismount
on several sections
Accompanying
Staff:
- main guide: experienced rider, multilingual
- blacksmith and helper
- extra helper on certain parts of the trail
- bilingual driver and cook
Fixed
departure dates 2002:
25.01.-02.02.
08.03.-16.03.
26.04.-04.05.
07.06.-15.06.
19.07.-27.07.
30.08.-07.09.
18.10.-26.10.
29.11.-07.12.
The
price includes:
· Trip as indicated above
· Horse and its equipment
· Accommodation as indicated (single rooms
not available)
· Full board during the tour (3 meals daily)
· Water supply during the tour
· Transfer Quito - Bellavista and Otavalo
- Quito
The
price NOT includes:
· alcoholic drinks
· tips
· accident and health insurance
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