Living Like a Chagra: Ecuador on Horseback

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Quito
Transfer from your international flight to your accommodation and time to settle in.

Day 2. Horseback Adventure on Rumiñahui Volcano and Introduction to Horse Handling
Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel in Quito by your guide, who will accompany you on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Hacienda El Porvenir, located at 3,600 meters (11,808 feet) above sea level. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with a welcome drink and shown to your room. Soon after, you'll meet your local guide—known as a chagra—and set off on horseback along exclusive trails that wind through breathtaking Andean landscapes. As you ascend the slopes of the extinct Rumiñahui Volcano, keep an eye out for wild bulls, native bird species, and other wildlife. If the skies are clear, you may be rewarded with views of up to 12 surrounding volcanoes from the rugged heights of Rumiñahui. After soaking in the high-altitude vistas, you’ll return to the hacienda for a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, you'll reconnect with the chagra to help feed the horses and learn the fundamentals of horse care and handling. You'll also get familiar with the traditional gear used during your ride, including wool ponchos, leather chaps, and western-style saddles. Approximate time on horseback: 3 hours. Overnight stay at Hacienda El Porvenir. -/L-

Day 3. Horseback riding Cotopaxi Volcano to Hacienda El Tambo
Today, you ride from Hacienda El Porvenir toward Hacienda El Tambo, in the eastern Andean range. The journey spans approximately 43 kilometers and takes about 6 to 7 hours on horseback. As we travel with the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano towering nearby, you’ll pass by the historic Pucará del Salitre—an ancient Inca fortress. Midday, you’ll pause for a packed lunch amid nature. The route offers various landscapes, including mountain streams, highland plains, and tranquil lakes. Upon arrival at the rustic El Tambo farmhouse, a traditional dinner and cozy fire await to welcome us after a long day of adventure. B/PL/D

Day 4. Horseback Expedition to Quilindaña Volcano
After breakfast, you’ll set out on horseback toward the foothills of Quilindaña, an ancient volcano that has remained dormant for millions of years. This scenic ride takes us across open plains and up the mountain's gentle slopes, which rise to an impressive 4,878 meters (15,999 feet). Along the way, we’ll encounter untouched forests of native trees like pantza and polylepis (also known as the paper tree). At one point, we’ll dismount to explore these magical woodlands on foot—an enchanting environment covered in moss, lichen, and high-altitude bromeliads. A packed lunch will be provided during the journey. After taking in the serene atmosphere and hearing local tales passed down through generations, we’ll return to Hacienda El Tambo for a hearty dinner and a relaxing evening. B/PL/D

Day 5. Mastering Chagra Skills & Mini Cattle Drive
After breakfast, you'll dive into a hands-on training session to learn the traditional skills of the chagra, the Andean cowboy. You'll be taught how to use a lasso, manage cattle, tie essential knots, and develop the techniques needed to participate in a small-scale rodeo - a local cattle drive, named after the Spanish verb rodear, meaning "to surround." After practicing your newly learned skills, you'll enjoy lunch at the hacienda. In the afternoon, we'll head out for some trout fishing, guided by the chagras, who will demonstrate their traditional methods of catching and preparing this staple of their mountain cuisine. Dinner and overnight stay at Hacienda El Tambo. B/L/D

Day 6. Horseback Expedition Back to Hacienda El Porvenir
After a hearty breakfast at the hacienda, you set out early for our return journey. Riding along the path of the Tambo River toward the base of Cotopaxi, you follow a scenic highland route traditionally used by local chagras - our trail winds across the slopes of Sincholagua Volcano, offering sweeping views of the surrounding terrain. A packed lunch will be provided during the ride. As you return to Hacienda El Porvenir, we’ll traverse Cotopaxi National Park again—this time along a breathtaking panoramic route. Upon arrival at the hacienda, you’ll transfer to your vehicle to return to Quito. B/PL/-

Day 7. Departure
Transfer from your accommodation in Quito to the airport for your journey back home.

Important notes:

- Horse Riders can’t exceed 100 kg/ 220 pounds of weight.
- The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions.
- Horses and saddles provided for the tour are Criollo Horses/Western style.
- Use of a riding helmet is mandatory.
- We recommend you buy a travel health insurance plan.