Valley Vistas Trek

After having breakfast, we will travel outside of town for approximately 25 minutes to a Ranch, which will be your country home for the next two days. At the ranch, you will be introduced to the horses that will be assigned to each rider based on their personality and comfort.

Our first ride will commence at around 10 am, taking us along picturesque country roads and trails that lead up into the mountains. The pace of the ride will include all gaits, allowing you the freedom to walk, trot or canter depending on the trail conditions.

During this ride, which lasts for over four hours, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the stunning views as the trails wind around mountain vistas. It will serve as a great way to familiarize ourselves with the terrain.

Upon our return to the ranch in the early afternoon, we will indulge in a traditional Ecuadorian lunch. If you have any special dietary requirements, they can be accommodated throughout the trip. The rest of the afternoon can be spent relaxing, engaging in conversation, and enjoying special drinks until a light dinner is served. It's recommended to get to bed early in preparation for the long ride scheduled for the following day.

Overnight: Ranch

We will have a typical Ecuadorian breakfast before embarking on a six-hour ride, starting at approximately 10 o'clock. For lunch, we will prepare a packed meal to enjoy on the trail, at a beautiful picnic spot located high up in the Andes. The breathtaking vistas are matched only by the impressive skills of your horse in navigating and ascending mountain paths. Following our picnic lunch, we will return to the Ranch for relaxation and a delicious dinner. As you sit beside the outdoor fire pit, you can once again purchase drinks to accompany your evening.

Overnight: Ranch

Our adventure starts after breakfast when you are transported across town to another community to ride a mountain ridge that world class endurance horses use for training (approximately 5 hours).
Your mount will await you at the beginning of the route. You will make spectacular climbs at 6 different levels as you ascend to over 3000m. You will cross several mountain ranges and valleys as you move out at a more aggressive pace of trotting, cantering and running on country roads that have almost no traffic.
We will again have a light picnic lunch at a rest spot for both humans and horses. Upon reaching the final destination, you will be picked up and taken back into town to your original hotel for showers, rest and dinner on your own.

Overnight: in a hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a day of sightseeing within blocks. Museo Remigio Crespo tells the story of Cuenca's formation, with wonderful rooms filled with artifacts and pictures from long ago.

Museo Pumapungo has detailed history of Ecuador from ages dating back 8000+years ago. Behind the museum lies the archeological site including methods of water retention. There is a botanical gardens below. Watch for the free ranging llamas!

All museums and exhibits are free! Don't forget to visit the Museo de Paja Toquilla for your "Panama hat". Purchase before you go home. 

Fun fact: Panama Hats are made in Ecuador, not Panama. Prices start from $35. In two hours your choice of hat, band, and rim design will be completed and packed in an airline safe transport box.

Today, lunch on your own. We will meet for a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant (included).

Overnight: in a hotel.

You will have breakfast at the hotel (included) and will be transported to the airport for departure.