GTTV – 82 – HACIENDA EL PORVENIR
The Condor Path
Horseback Riding & Hiking in the Cotopaxi
Two Days / One Night
Daily
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: Horseback Riding and Hike
We leave from your hotel in Quito early in the morning (7H00) and head to Hacienda El Porvenir, where we will be welcomed with a hot canelazo and cheese empanadas. After our welcome drink, our guides will give us a brief riding lesson before we venture out on our horses. Wearing the typical dress of the chagra (Ecuadorian cowboys), we set off on our ride over the slopes of the extinct volcano, Rumiñahui. A legendary chagra from the area will come with us and share some of his deep knowledge of the country life. The ride lasts approximately 4 hours. Back in the farmhouse, a tasty local lunch will be ready on our arrival. In the afternoon you will walk on a route through the lower part of the hacienda where you will visit the remains of the andean woods and understory. During the walk you will visit the camping area and the Manto Blanco waterfall, and if we get lucky we will be able to observe the birds of the paramo. You will go across the reforestation project for the restoration of the high andean habitat, a project that we are carry out since 1992. Then you arrive to the San Juanes viewpoint area, where you can observe more than 10 volcanoes, one of them Cotopaxi.
Meals: Lunch
Overnight accommodations at Hacienda El Porvenir.
DAY 2: Cotopaxi National Park
After the hacienda Breakfast we will drive to Cotopaxi National Park (CNP). This is a very interesting drive through ancient lava flows from Cotopaxi’s past eruptions. The location is the perfect place to learn about Andean Geology. On our visit we reach the car park below the Cotopaxi’s Refuge, where we begin our short hike up to the climbing hut (Refugio José Ribas) at 4,800m. (15,744 ft). It is hard not to be overwhelmed by the sheer immensity of the Volcano on this short hike. Once back in the vehicle, we continue on our way driving down to Limpiopungo Lake, where a box lunch will be served.
If there is time, we will visit the Park Visitors Centre, which has interesting descriptions of the local flora and fauna as well as details of the various eruptions of Cotopaxi. We will then continue, crossing rocky valleys, until we reach the Pucará del Salitre, an ancient Inca fortress on the way to the Amazon basin. Near this spot there are some natural springs which rise with the icy water from underground rivers that come from the glaciers of Cotopaxi. Return to Quito and hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch
GROSS TOUR RATES PER PERSON
| GTTV – 82 – HACIENDA EL PORVENIR |
2 Guests |
4 Guests |
| The Condor Path – 2 days / 1 night |
$ 559 |
$ 459 |
TOUR RATE INCLUDES:
One night accommodations (based on double occupancy) at Hacienda El Porvenir
Described meals (breakfast and lunch/packed lunch); One soft drink per meal
Described activities as per itinerary with English speaking guide
Riding gear (chaps, saddle bags, riding helmet, wool poncho and waterproof poncho)
Roundtrip private transport between your hotel in Quito and Hacienda el Porvenir
Entrance to the SPA wet area
NOT INCLUDED:
Dinner and other meals not included in the itinerary; Land services and tours not included in the itinerary; Gratuities and tips for guides and drivers; Expenses of personal nature; Alcoholic drinks.
