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Horse riding Ecuador’s Andes

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Spend a whole week roaming the rugged volcanic landscape of the northern Andes on horseback.

We can arrange a one-of-a-kind horse riding adventure, journeying from hacienda to hacienda with the freedom to explore little-travelled corners of an unspoilt and rustic land.

You’ll ride in a welcoming terrain of rolling hills and pastures framed by jagged peaks and snow-capped volcanoes. Each night you’ll enjoy the hospitality of a different hacienda or country inn, staying in the traditional manor houses of historic estates and experiencing an authentic taste of rural Ecuadorian life at working farms. Some have original features that bring to life diverse periods of the region’s history, from an Inca wall to an old Jesuit chapel.

The scenery is unfailingly picturesque, encompassing patchwork fields, volcanic foothills, woodlands filled with wildflowers and grassy valleys hemmed in by the stone walls of gorges. Enlivening the natural panorama are everyday scenes of highland life, from local ladies in traditional costume peering out of houses thatched with dried grass to a lone ‘chagra’ cowboy riding out to check the cattle.

Activity Rating: moderate

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Real Latin american experts

  • Alex
    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

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    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

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