Horseback Riding Vacations in Ecuador

Ecuador: Nature in its pure state

The Republic of Ecuador is a country in northwestern South America, on the Pacific coast and on the equator line. It is an Andean country with a large number of active volcanoes.

On the lower slopes of the Andes, at 2,850 metres above sea level, Quito, its capital, is famous for its Spanish colonial centre that has remained intact for a long time. It boasts impressive ornamented palaces of the 16th and 17th century, and religious sites such as the Jesuit Church.

Ecuador is divided into four geographical regions:

• The Coast: one of the country’s most fertile and productive regions.
• The Sierra or Highlands: consisting of a double chain of elevated and solid mountains surrounding a series of plateaus.
• The Oriente or Eastern Jungle: made up of gentle slopes located east of the Andes, covering about half of the territory.
• The Galapagos Islands: comprise six main islands and a dozen smaller islands containing numerous volcanic peaks; most of them are dormant.

The diversity of the four regions has led to the emergence and evolution of thousands of species of flora and fauna, in the midst of rich natural territories. In its small expanse of territory, you can find humid subtropical climate in coastal areas, rainforests in lowlands, jungles, mountains, islands, moors, deserts, valleys and snow-capped peaks.

Ecuador has 10% of all plant species on the planet. It also has 8% of the animal species and 18% of the birds on earth.

Equestrian tourism in Ecuador

Probably, you have already fantasized about exploring the Amazon rainforest on horseback, sunbathing on the immense white sand beaches, climbing to the top of one of its volcanoes or admiring the vastness of the Andes Mountain Range in Ecuador.

Ecuador is a destination where equestrian tourism is still limited. There are many ranches that offer centre-based riding holidays, with 3- or 4-hou horseback rides. Your stay on the ranch can include other activities such as hiking or bike tours.

In the Eastern Cordillera region, you can find some multi-day horseback expeditions in the Andean Highlands of Ecuador.

In the Highlands of Ecuador, you will see some magnificent colonial haciendas, where you can enjoy the amazing views. You will be in contact with authentic Ecuadorian “cowboys” and you will ride the smoothest horses you have ever seen.

On horseback, your journey takes you through virgin valleys surrounded by high mountains. As you ride along the lakes and trails, you also pass by the snow-capped volcanoes and you are likely to see ancient pre-Inca mounds, waterfalls and surprisingly dramatic views beneath the clouds.

Some equestrian tourism outfitters in Ecuador

Green Horse Ranch and Hacienda Zuleta are two companies that offer several routes and we recommend taking a look at them.

Green Horse Ranch

Green Horse Ranch occupies a picturesque area of 34 km². It is located about 40 kilometres north of Quito, at the bottom of the inactive Pululahua volcanic crater, which is one of the only two inhabited in the world and the only one with fields cultivated by the inhabitants.

The ranch itself is one of the best in South America and has existed for more than 20 years; it specializes in adventurous trail rides in the Western Andes.

At the Green Horse Ranch they keep a group of 21 horses: creole horses and several other cross-breads (as American Pinto, Andalusian, Anglo-Arab, Paso Fino, Polo Horse).

All his horses are very well trained, sure-footed and forward going.

They offer 1 to 8 day trips that take you into the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes, passing through many of the most beautiful and diverse areas of the country.

Green Horse Ranch offers the following routes:

• Pululahua Exploration (1-2 days)
• Moonshine Ride (1 day/ night)
• The Trefoil Trail (3 days)
• Sacred Valley Ride (3-4 days)
• The Hummingbird Trail (4-5 days)
• Hike, Ride and Discover (4 days)
• Secrets of the Andes Ride (8-12 days)

All these trips are tailor-made, depending on the experience and interest of each rider.

Find more information on their facebook: www.facebook.com/greenvolcanoranch.

Hacienda Zuleta

Hacienda Zuleta is a historic 17th-century Ecuadorian hacienda located in the Andes, 2 hours north of Quito and minutes from the famous indigenous city of Otavalo, with its large handicraft market.

The hacienda retains its roots as a working farm, producing 6000 litres of milk a day to supply its cheese factory. They are proud to serve you from their organic gardens, and their non-profit Foundation, El Taller, provides you with handmade goods of the highest quality.

If you stay with them, you live in the rooms their family members grew up in and return to, experiencing the personalized service at their antique dining table, life on a farm, some of the most exquisite Andean dishes and a variety of activities.

They offer hiking and cycling tours through forests and trails, bird watching, cooking classes and embroidery classes, carriage rides and, of course, horse riding treks.

Their riding programs

Many of the guests go specifically to Zuleta and book their equestrian programs of 3 to 7 days. Most of these rides are suitable for all riders.

Beginners can participate in horse rides to explore the area around the ranch; while more experienced riders can ride further away towards the valleys and communities of Zuleta, or into the highlands with moors.

If the visitor is a competent rider, he may even be invited to help drive the cattle herd before breakfast.

Depending on the weather conditions, the hacienda runs 15 different tours: Two-hour, half-day or full-day rides. From age 6 and up, children can participate in most rides, except for those rides where the minimum age requirement is 12.

All tours are accompanied by a local guide, although there is always an English-speaking guide available.

Their horses

The Hacienda Zulita was the first to bring purebred horses to Ecuador, first it was Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds and later on Andalusians in the early 1960s.

The Zuleteño is a combination of those three breeds and is known for being a very noble, gentle and versatile horse with the perfect conditions for equestrian tours.

Find out more about their rides on this website: zuleta.com.

The green landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes are ideal for horseback riding, exploring its small villages and staying overnight in guest houses along the way. If you also have the opportunity to venture into the Amazon rainforest or visit the stunning volcanic islands, your horse riding holidays in this country will be unforgettable.

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling the world on horseback?

Argentina is a country with a long-standing tradition of horses. Exploring the country on horseback is something unique – a highly recommended experience. In our eBook "Discover Argentina, the Land of the Gaucho, on Horseback" you will find our options to enjoy Argentina on horseback.