Introduction:

We will be crossing different climate zones and the temperature on the Equator drops steeply at sundown. Calculate a temperature variation between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius. Both light and warm clothes are therefore a must.

The best equipped wear light, long-sleeved tops during the day (these provide protection from sun and insect bites, too). A sweatshirt, pullover or fleece jacket are required for the cooler parts. Furthermore you should bring a jacket (Gore-Tex or similar), rain gear, a hat with brim, swimming suite, small towel, flip-flop shoes and riding/trekking boots with a good grip. Wellington boots are available for use, which are better suited to the short marches on foot than proper riding boots.

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Itinerary:

Day 1: Transport from Quito to the Green Horse Ranch inside the ancient crater and National Reserve Pululahua with its big selection of beautiful sceneries. Once on our horses, we enter a tropical climate with a lot of bamboo, sugar cane and banana trees along the way, until we start climbing gently but continually in order to leave the crater to the south-west. On our trail up the mountain, we only come across a few small farmhouses, where the highland farmers scratch a meagre income from the steep, infertile land beside the forest. Accommodation in a more than 300 years old beautiful colonial Hacienda and a hot evening meal await us, next to the volcanic springs of El Cachaco. Bring your bathing dress for the mineral water Jacuzzi!

Day 2: We'll be riding across the Valley of Nono, along green, hilly pastures, passing several stately farms, where we can observe fighting bulls and flower crop for exportation, getting a good impression about present and past of the country. Some extensive canters along fields and pastures make our way shorter this time. This picturesque valley is also the home and breading place of many beautiful horses. Drawing closer to Pichincha volcano, which towers above us at almost 4800 m, we begin our trek along the Northwest side to the tiny, colonial village of Nono, where rustical country-style-suits with a beautiful view over the valley await us. Next to a hot chimney fire, the farmer’s family might tell us some interesting stories about people and lifestyles and spoil us with the chefs cuisine.

Day 3: Today we leave Nono, climbing up to the edge of the paramo grassland, catching views on the ashy slopes of Pichincha Volcano and the surrounding valleys. After crossing a ridge that divides the Interandean Valley from the Pacific Andean slopes, we start heading downhill into a lush green region of virgin forests studded with waterfalls toward the fishing resort of Tandayapa. Once back on the road, we say goodbye to the horses and shall meet our accompanying vehicle that brings us up the rest of way to Bellavista nature reserve, where hundreds of hummingbirds have found their home. We'll be welcomed into a comfortable lodge with hot showers and delicious, wholesome food. From the balcony of our shared room, we can enjoy a breath-taking view far over the cloud forest and listen to the sound of exotic birds.

Day 4: After a hearty breakfast, a tour of Bellavista reserve is open to whoever wishes. Self-guided maps help you to design your adventure through this Andean jungle. We have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the variety of plant- and bird-life, before our accompanying vehicle will bring us back to Quito after lunch.

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Prices per person: $395 per person (4-8 pax)
The Price includes: transport from and to Quito an accompanying provisions vehicle for the whole tour transportation of the horses full catering accommodation in farms, hotels, reserve lodges and tents your horse and its equipment the tour guide and helpers entrance to national parks, pools and other fees tours of the natural reserves wellington boots	Doesn't include: travel insurance breakfast of the first / dinner of the last day extra drinks tips
Note: This trip can be designed as a 5-day-ride, combining it with the Pululahua Exploration Trail A (+ USD90)
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