Back

Horse riding Ecuador’s Andes

ecu28-cotopaxi-national-park-free

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

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

  • Sallly
    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

  • Rosie profile
    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.

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • 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.

  • 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!

0 1 2 3 4 5