Day 3 : Pastoral Zuleta Valley

A stunning ride into the beautiful pastoral Zuleta Valley (5-6hrs). Along country lanes then through eucalyptus forests, we rise out of San Pablo Valley enjoying wonderful views across the lake and also of Imbabura volcano, riding onto the plains beyond for some fast-pace riding. Views of Zuleta valley, the verdant gorges and the 'paramo' (the unique Andean habitat of high grasslands) as we pass dewponds and hedges of aloe vera and spikey agave (sisal) atop mud walls. Following sandy tracks, we then descend into the Zuleta valley with dramatic views across to the hanging valleys and rocky ridges above. With views of the ancient tumili and earth pyramids erected by the pre-Inca population ride on to a working farm in the middle of this tranquil valley seldom visited by tourists. A chance of seeing the mighty Andean Condor as well as other species such as hummingbirds and bright scarlet flycatchers. Andalusian horses, fighting bulls and a dairy herd are among the farm inhabitants.
Afternoon visits to see examples of the hand embroidery that has made the valley famous and enjoy observing the activities on this working farm. Overnight in Hacienda. Fireplaces in most rooms.

Day 5 : The avenue of Volcanoe and Iliniza twin peaks
The day starts with a short drive south through the 'Avenue of Volcanoes'. The views are magnificent, with the verdant horseshoe shaped crater of Pasachoa, the twin Iliniza peaks sprinkled with snow and a host of other summits lining the central valley. Riders meet fresh horses and we ride south out of the Machachi valley and into the foothills of the Iliniza peaks - very different scenery to the previous days' rides. Our destination, on the Lasso plains, is a very ornate hacienda steeped in history (6hrs).
The wide sandy tracks and grassy paths are ideal for some more fast-pace riding as we ride the length of a valley scraped out by glaciers at the end of the ice age. In places we ride over layers of pumice stone - deposited by the volcanoes, and during the ride the horses expertly negotiate two steep gorges. We often pass the local ladies wearing brightly coloured, pleated skirts and their traditional hats chasing errant donkeys. The original houses in this area are built of dried grass laid over a wooden frame and, from the back, look like haystacks rather than dwellings, nevertheless happy children come piling out to chase their llamas, pigs and sheep off to open pastureland.
Arriving down a very impressive avenue of eucalyptus trees, we dismount at the portico of a magnificent hacienda that holds a very special place in history: the scene of several independence battles and used as a base by many explorers and scientists such as Condamine and Humboldt during their expeditions to the 'new world'. Overnight in Hacienda.

Day 6 : The local market and the Cotopaxi foothills

A morning visit by vehicle to the nearby rural Saquisili Indian market. Guests can amble through the squares and streets buying local crafts or a traditional poncho or simply watching the locals trading on this, the most important market day. Men sit behind old sewing machines putting the collars on new ponchos or behind stone wheels grinding knives for people, ladies pass through the market selling a multitude of wares…
Once back at the hacienda we mount up and head for the hills. Leaving the historic hacienda by the fountains and rose gardens we soon reach flat, sandy lanes. There is again, if desired, a chance of some faster pace riding as we ride towards the perfectly conical shape of Cotopaxi Volcano. Passing adobe huts with grass-thatch roofs, we up into the gently undulating grasslands, across the Cotopaxi foothills and into the pine forests. Chimborazo (Ecuador's highest peak) and the presently active Tunguragua Volcano are often among the volcanoes visible as we enjoy incredible views of the plains and surrounding peaks.

We join the main Inca highway and ride to a hacienda built around a very important Inca structure. Complete Inca walls, incorporated skillfully into the hacienda built by the Agustinians, still stand and guests can marvel at the Inca workmanship as they walk around the second most important Inca site in Ecuador. We leave the horses at a tiny hamlet and head back for a second night at yesterday's Hacienda, with its ornate facade and fountains, beautifully carved chapel doors and manicured gardens. We will visit a rose plantation - Ecuador now proudly exports magnificent roses with metre long stems.

Day 7 : Cotopaxi, Wild horses and Incas highways
A spectacular ride (6-7hrs). We rejoin the horses and ride up into the National Park to canter across the wide, barren plain at the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano (the highest active volcano in the world). Several herds of wild horses inhabit the park and to ride along side these long-maned horses galloping freely across the rugged terrain is an exhilarating experience. The curiosity of the young stallions often overcomes their fear, and they leave their herds to take a closer look.
Part of this ride follows the main Inca highway which linked Quito with Cusco, Peru. Close by, there is a route running eastwards, along which the Incas went to the Amazon rain forest, in the distance we can see remnants of the Inca hilltop fortress that guarded this route. The ground is covered with tiny pumice stones and lichen on this arid plain created by lava and ash from the mighty Cotopaxi volcano. Passing a shallow lake on the high plains we continue onto a small restaurant with a stunning view of Cotopaxi for a delicious lunch. We then ride across a very surprising 'luna landscape' - huge boulders and hard baked ocre-coloured mud and onto rolling grassy hills. Arriving at a small hamlet outside the national park, we leave the horses and descend into the Machachi Valley by vehicle and drive back to Quito for a night in a very comfortable hotel.

Day 8 : After the breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight.