Primarily, you have the opportunity to discover this exciting landscape on horse back, right into the furthest corners of the crater, passing by deep gorges, rushing mountain streams yielding warm volcanic springs, eroded lahar fields blooming with wild orchids, deserted chalk mines and tropical mountain forests.

In addition, Pululahua is the starting point for many interesting rides in the surrounding area, which take you up above the tree line onto the Paramo, into lush rain forests of nature reserves or to the world famous Indigenous handicraft market at Otavalo.

Robust little mountain horses are perfectly suited to this terrain which, as you would expect from the middle of the Andes, gets very steep and overgrown in places. Some are sparkly, some are more laid back, but all of our horses are amiable and easy going, all are sure-footed and have plenty of stamina.

The tours are lead by an experienced guide who speaks four languages.

Whether you opt for an hour1s ride, a day trip or a long trek, we warmly invite you to take part in this nature experience of a lifetime.

ONE DAY TOUR
Transport from Quito to Pululahua crater, a guided 3-hour horseback ride around the central volcanic core Cerro Pondona, via lahar fields and through mountain cloud forests, lunch, horseback ride to the Green Horse Ranch and transport back to Quito. Sections of this route into and out of the crater can be completed on foot, by taking short-cuts through the stunning landscape.
Participants: A group of 2 to 8 people, with or without riding experience, no particular level of fitness is required.

TWO DAY TOUR
Day 1: Transfer to the Equatorial monument Mitad del Mundo, visits to the anthropological museum, the archaeological Inca ruins at Rumicucho, or the Moraspungo geo botanical nature reserve. Transport to Pidulahua crater followed by your choice of hiking, riding, bird watching or simply relaxing in the after-noon. Plant and flower taxonomies are available for research purposes. Accommodation in rustically country cottage.
Day 2: Guided 6-hour horseback ride around Cerro Pondona, and through eroded lahar fields to the HQ of the Chaupisacha reserve. Continuing through mountain cloud forests, rich in natural variety, passing by deep gorges, into the narrow valley of the Rio Blanco, stopping for a picnic on the riverbank. Ride back between fields of sugar cane and grazing Zebu via San Jose de Niebli to Pululahua crater and the Green Horse Ranch. Transport back to Quito.
This route contains a great variety of landscapes and crosses three distinct vegetation zones. A certain level of fitness is therefore required of both horse and rider: approximately 30 minutes must be covered on foot. Beginners may like to choose a shorter variation of this route, taking in warm volcanic springs.
Participants: A group of 2 to 8 people, with at least some riding experience and a reasonable level of fitness. Your help in cleaning and saddling the horses is optional.

HORSE TREKKING EXPEDITIONS

AROUND PULULAHUA ( 3 Days)
Day 1: 5,5h. Transport from Quito to the Green Horse Ranch. Guided horseback ride around Cerro Pondona, and through eroded lahar fields to the HQ of the Chaupisacha reserve. Continuing through mountain cloud forests, rich in natural variety, passing by deep gorges, into the narrow valley of the Rio Blanco, stopping for a picnic on the riverbank. Ride back between fields of sugar cane and grazing Zebu via San Jose de Niebli where we will set up camp in the grounds of a large farm.
Day 2: 6,0h Ride from Niebli through mountain forests which gradually open out at the thermal springs of Calacali on the edge of Pululahua, continuing on to Moraspungo nature reserve where our tents will be waiting for us today. We will enjoy our evening meal against a magnificent backdrop — a panorama view of the whole volcano crater — keep your fingers crossed for clear weather.
Day 3: 4,5h Ride back via Cresta del Gallo to the Pululahua crater and the Green Horse Ranch. Transport back to Quito.

TROPICAL TRAIL (3 Days)
Day I: 4,5h Transport from Quito to the Green Horse Ranch. Guided horseback ride around Cerro Pondona, and through eroded lahar fields to the HQ of the Chaupisacha reserve. Continuing through mountain cloud forests, rich in natural variety, passing by deep gorges, into the narrow valley of the Rio Blanco with its warm climate, we’ll find coffee trees, fields of sugar cane and banana trees. Aguacatal is the name of the very remote and beautiful farm that offers us beds for tonight.
Day 2: 5,5h High on the mountain ridge we overlook the Rio Guayllabamba ‘s turns and follow its direction upstream, leading us slightly east then back south towards the Hacienda of Tanlagua and make our way towards today’s camp — situated close to the Inca Ruins of Rumicucho on the Equator.
Day 3: 5,0h Excursion to the Inca Ruins of Rumiucho. Ride back along hidden paths through thick virgin forest into the Pululahua crater. Journey home to Quito.

THE HISTORY TRAIL (5-6days)
Day 1: 4,5h Transport from Quito to the Green Horse Ranch. Guided horseback ride around Cerro Pondona, and through eroded lahar fields to the HQ of the Chaupisacha reserve. Continuing through mountain cloud forests, rich in natural variety, passing by deep gorges, into the narrow valley of the Rio Blanco with its warm climate, we’ll find coffee trees, fields of sugar cane and banana trees. Aguacatal is the name of the very remote and beautiful farm that offers us beds for tonight.
Day2: 6,5h High on the mountain ridge we overlook the Rio Guayllabamba ‘s turns and follow its direction upstream, leading us to more desert-like landscapes, until we cross the stream. In Perucho, we may have the chance to visit nearby thermal springs before taking in an old hacienda for the night.
Day 3: 5,5h Riding across the fields and pastures of the Paramo, we’ll reach the beautiful lakes of Mojanda in the afternoon, encircled by rugged mountain walls. Here, we spend the night under canvas next to the stars and, with any luck, we’ll be able to catch fresh trout for supper.
Day 4: 5,5h Today’s ride is slightly downhill from the paramo grassland around the Mojanda lake district to the pre-Inca pyramids of Cochasqui, where we may have a guided walk and set up tents in the mystical surrounding of the pyramids.
Day 5: 6,Shk We go through a cacti-studded, dusty, desert-like landscape. There are lots of upward and downward sections today as we criss-cross river valleys, heading south-west towards the Inca Ruins of Rumicucho on the Equator. Our accompanying vehicle will be waiting there to bring us back to Quito.
This trip can also be done in 6 days, riding home to Pululahua crater on horseback.

THE CASITAGUA TRAIL
Day 1: 4;5h Transport to the Green Horse Ranch. Passing by deep gorges, we ride through mountain cloud forest, climbing gently but continually. We only come across a few small farmhouses along the way, where the highland farmers ‘scratch a meagre income from the steep, infertile land beside the forest. Accommodation in a romantic farm hostel and a hot evening meal await us, next to the thermal springs of CalacalL Bring your bathing dress!
Day 2: 4,5h Riding through green, hilly pastures, passing several stately farms, where we can observe fighting bulls and flower crop for exportation, we draw closer to Pichincha volcano, which towers above us at almost 4800 m. We begin our trek along the north-west side to the tiny, picturesque village of Nono, where we set up camp at a farm.
Day 3: 5,0h Outing to the edges of the windy Paramo grasslands of Pichincha, keeping our eyes open for the amazing views and for “Chuquiragua”, the flower of the Andean mountaineer. Camp at El Tablon.
Day 4: 6,0h Ride back over Cerro Casitagua (lonely tree mountain) to the Equator monument Mitad del Mundo. From here, transport back to Quito.
It is possible to extend the tour by one day, if you choose to include the Rio Blanco loop, as described in Tours I. And II.

THE HUMMINGBIRD TRAIL ( 4-6 Days)
Day 1: 4,5h Transport to the Green Horse Ranch. Passing by deep gorges, we ride through mountain cloud forest, climbing gently but continually. We only come across a few small farmhouses along the way, where the highland farmers scratch a meagre income from the steep, infertile land beside the forest. Accommodation in a romantic farm hostel and a hot evening meal await us, next to the thermal springs of Calacali. Bring your bathing dress!
Day 2: 4,5h Riding through green, hilly pastures, passing several stately farms, where we can observe fighting bulls and flower crop for exportation, we draw closer to Pichincha volcano, which towers above us at almost 4800 m. We begin our trek along the north-west side to the tiny, picturesque village of Nono, where we set up camp at a farm.
Day 3: . 5,0h Outing to the edge of the Paramo grasslands of Pichincha keeping our eyes open for the amazing views and for “Chuquiragua”, the flower of the Andean mountaineer. Camp at Alambi /La Sierra.
Day 4: 5,0h Today we leave La Sierra and head down into a lush green region of virgin forests studded with waterfalls toward Tandayapa. From here, there’s a 2-hour trek uphill to the Bellavista nature reserve. 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 sounds of exotic birds.
Alternatively, the tour could end in the Tandayapa fishing resort, having fresh trout for dinner. Overnight accommodation in small holiday cabins.
Day 5: After a hearty breakfast, a tour of Bellavista reserve is open to whoever wishes. We have plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings before our accompanying vehicle will bring us back to Quito after lunch.
lt is possible to shorten this tour (by excluding the Paramo section on Day 3) or to extend it by one day (if you choose to include the Rio Blanco loop at the beginning of the trek as described in Tours I and II) as required. The tour could also be done in 6 to 8 days with the ride to and the return from Bellavista on horseback.

HIKE AND RIDE (3-5 Days)
Day 1: 5,5h Transport from Quito to the Green Horse Ranch. Guided horseback ride around (Cerro Pondona, and through eroded lahar fields to the HQ of the Chaupisacha reserve. Continuing through mountain cloud forests, rich in natural variety, into the narrow valley of the Rio Blanco, stopping for a picnic on the riverbank. Ride back between fields of sugar cane and grazing Zebu via San Jose de Niebli where we will set up camp in the grounds of a large farm.
Day 2: 4,0h Passing by deep gorges, we ride through mountain cloud forest, climbing gently but continually. We only come across a few small farmhouses along the way, where the highland farmers scratch a meagre income from the steep, infertile land beside the forest. Our camp and a hot evening meal await us, in the mountain village of Yungillas.
Day 3: This section of the trip is not suited for horses anymore. In companionship of a local guide explaining about plants and wildlife, we hike along an old smuggler’s path, through thick jungle down to the Maquipucuna nature reserve. Tonight’s accommodation is in comfortable rooms in the reserve’s ecological appropriate lodge. We will enjoy a good, hot shower under the stars, and a fine meal made with local ingredients.
Day 4: The 4000 hectare Maquipucuna reserve is one of the ten richest areas of natural variety in the world and is comprised of more than 80% primary forest. This is where you may have an optional rest day, with opportunities to bathe in the rivers and waterfalls of this virgin forest or find out more about the wide variety of animals and plants under the guidance of experts.
Day 5: Transfer back to Quito, past forests of giant bamboo and the colorful market place of Nanegalito
It is possible to shorten this tour for one or two days, excluding the loop on day I or the rest day on day 4.

THE HIGHLAND TRAIL (5 Days)
Day 1: 4,5h Transport to the Green Horse Ranch. Passing by deep gorges, we ride through mountain cloud forest, climbing gently but continually. We only come across a few small farmhouses along the way, where the highland farmers scratch a meagre income from the steep, infertile land beside the forest. Accommodation in a romantic farm hostel and a hot evening meal await us, next to the thermal springs of Calacali Bring your bathing dress!
Day 2: 4,5h Riding through green, hilly pastures, passing several stately farms, where we can observe fighting bulls and flower crop for exportation, we draw closer to Pichincha volcano, which towers above us at almost 4800 m. We begin our trek along the north-west side to the tiny, picturesque village of Nono, where we set up camp at a farm.
Day 3: 6,0h Today we are heading for to the windy Paramo grasslands of Pichincha keeping our eyes open for the amazing views and for “Chuquiragua”, the flower of the Andean mountaineer. We’ll be climbing continually to an altitude of 4600m above sea level where a mountain refuge gives us shelter for tonight next to the summit of Guagua Pichincha.
Day 4: Optional climb into the active crater of Guagua Pichincha, visiting its “fumerolas” and hot springs
Day 5 4,5h Ride downhill through constantly changing vegetation into the green valleys at the southern slopes of Pichincha and into the picturesque homestead of Lloa, where our vehicle will pick us up for the transport back to Quito.
This trip could be extended for 2 or more days, riding around Pichincha’s western side to Mindo, Bellavista and Pululahua.

THE CLOUD FOREST TRAIL (8-12 Days)
Day 1: 4,5h Transport to the Green Horse Ranch. Passing by deep gorges, we ride through mountain cloud forest, climbing gently but continually. We only come across a few small farmhouses along the way, where the highland farmers scratch a meagre income from the steep, infertile land beside the forest. Accommodation in a romantic farm hostel and a hot evening meal await us, next to the thermal springs of Calacali. Bring your bathing dress!
Day 2: 4,5 h. Riding through green, hilly pastures, passing several stately farms, where we can observe fighting bulls and flower crop for exportation, we draw closer to Pichincha volcano, which towers above us at almost 4800 m. We begin our trek along the north-west side to the tiny, picturesque village of Nono, where we set up camp at a farm.
Day 3: 6,7h Today we pass through a lush green region of virgin forests studded with waterfalls toward Tandayapa.Fromhere there’s a 2-hour trek uphill to the Ilellavista nature reserve. 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 sounds of exotic birds.
Alternatively, the tour could end in the ‘Tandayapa" fishing resort, having flesh trout for dinner. Overnight accommodation in small Holiday Cabins
Day 4: 4,5h Following a hearty breakfast, we ride on the old, unpaved road to Mindo, the ornithologist’s “Mecca”. Overnight stop in a local hostel.
Day 5: The horses stay in the pasture and we use this rest day in Mindo to visit the tropical biological research center Those who wish, may participate in a bird watching excursion.
Day 6-7.: 6-7h After Mindo we turn our backs on the “civilized world”, to part ride, part hike the narrow jungle trail along the west side of the Pichincha range. Simple farm accommodation along the way.
Day 8: Arrival at the village of Lloa, located in the green valleys at the southern slopes of Pichincha mountain. Transport back to Quito.
It is possible to extend this tour for 4 unforgettable days, heading back to Pululahua crater by horse, crossing all over the Pichincha mountain ridge, through endless fields of Paramo, enjoying spectacular views.
Note: There must be at least 4 participants for this tour, which can only be undertaken during the dry months

THE “ FAR OUT “ TRAIL (9-16 Days)
Day 1: 4,5h Transport to the Green Horse Ranch. Passing by deep gorges, we ride through mountain cloud forest, climbing gently but continually. We only come across a few small farmhouses along the way, where the highland farmers scratch a meagre income from the steep, infertile land beside the forest. Accommodation in a romantic farm hostel and a hot evening meal await us, next to the thermal springs of Calacali Bring your bathing dress!
Day 2: 4,Sli Riding through green, hilly pastures, passing several stately farms where we can observe fighting bulls and flower crop for exportation, we draw closer to Pichincha volcano, which towers above us at almost 4800 in. We begin our trek along the north-west side to the tiny, picturesque village of Nono, where we set up camp at a farm.
Day 3: OPEN Outing to the windy Paramo grasslands of Pichincha keeping our eyes open for the amazing views and for “Chuquiragua”, the flower of the Andean mountaineer. We spent another night at our camp on the farm close to Nono
Day 4: 6,7h Today we leave Nono and head down into a lush green region of virgin forests studded with waterfalls toward Tandayapa. From here, there’s a 2-hour trek uphill to the Bellavista nature reserve. 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 sounds of exotic birds.
Day 5 5h Following a hearty breakfast, we set off on today’s long trek to Maquipucuna. At Nanegalito ‘s market place we’ll encounter the hustle of commerce again, after four whole days away. After a short break, we head off into the next nature reserve, where we ride through forests of giant bamboo. Tonight’s accommodation is in comfortable rooms in the reserve’s ecological appropriate lodge. We will enjoy a good, hot shower under the stars and a fine meal with local ingredients.
Day 6: The 4000 hectare Maquipucuna reserve is one of the ten richest areas of natural variety in the world and is comprised of more than 80% primary forest. This is where we have our rest day, with opportunities to bathe in the rivers and waterfalls of this virgin forest or find out more about the wide variety of animals and plants under the guidance of experts.
Day.7: 6,5h Past banana plantations, fields of sugar cane and giant bamboo, we climb to the elevation of Palmito Pamba before going gently downhill to the homestead of Playa Rica or “Rich Beach”, located so deep in the folds of the Andean highland that its about as far from the beach as its possible to be in Ecuador. Tonight’s camp awaits us here.
Day 8: 7,0h Long, demanding day of riding through constantly changing landscapes. Leaving the high grassland behind us, we cross a rushing river over a nerve-racking suspension bridge around lunchtime. Then we walk uphill along a narrow path until we reach a wide, flat bridle-way which we follow today and tomorrow along the side of the river through a picturesque valley between the green walls of the mountains - you can have a really good gallop here. By nightfall we reach the hot thermal springs of Nangulvi - irresistible after a long day’s ride. Accommodation tonight in a rustically holiday home right next to the springs.
Day 9: 4,0h We continue through a beautiful highland landscape with wonderful viewpoints, via the idyllic little town of Apuela, through fique fields on to Azabi or Siempre Verde, where we’ll spend the night in forest huts.
Day 10: 5,5li Today we ride through forest, gently but continually upward into the bleak open Paramo landscape at the foot of the Cotacachi mountain, towering above us at nearly 5000m. We make our camp at the bottom of a sheltered valley.
Day 11: 4,5h Just a few more curves and we’re there.. With a far-reaching view over the next valley and the surroundings mountains, we ride downhill to Otavalo, the picturesque little Andean town, world-famous for its handicrafts. Our base is the Las Palmerax hostel, swathed in green surroundings.
Day 12: NO Rest day in ()tavalo with the chance to visit its lively, colourful Indigenous market or nearby attractions including the Cuicocha crater lake and the Peguche waterfall.
Day 13: 4,5h We follow cobbled streets, paths and Paramo grassland up to the lakes of Mojanda encircled by rugged mountain walls. Here, we spend our last night under canvas and, with any luck, we’ll be able to catch fresh trout for supper.
Day 14: 6,0h . Riding across the fields and pastures of the Paramo, we come to the little “Wild West” town of San Jose de Minas in the afternoon. The view of the town is dominated by a mighty colonial church, under whose stone archways sits a rustical inn, offering us hearty fare for tonight’s meal. Accommodation in a near-by guest house with simple but spotless single and shared rooms.
Day 15: 6,5h A really meaty ride to round off the tour and make our farewell from the horses easier. We go through a cacti-studded, desert-like landscape and past deep gorges to Tanlagua farm atPululahua crater. Our accompanying vehicle will be waiting there to bring us back to Quito.
Route variations:
Whole chunks of the route can be changed or shortened. The tour can be planned for a total of 9 to 16 days, depending on the interests, schedule, budget and stamina of the group. Make sure you tell us your plans before making your reservation as not all parts of the route are open all the time.

Participants for all trekking rides:
4 to 10 people with at least some riding experience and a very good level of fitness. On most treks, it is necessary to cover some difficult sections on foot.
Participants should not weigh more than 85 kg.
Equipment:
We will be crossing different climate zones and the temperature on the Equator drops steeply at sundown. 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 as well as a jacket (Gore-Tex or similar), rain gear, a hat with brim, sport shoes and riding boots, maybe. Wellington boots are available for use, which are better suited to the short marches on foot than proper riding boots. Don’t fQrget your insect repellent, sun cream, sunglasses, camera, water bottle, torch and sleeping bag.

If you like to use a hard hat, please bring yours with you.

For all tours the prices include:
• transport from and to Quito
• an accompanying provisions vehicle for the whole tour
• the return transportation of the horses to Pululahua where necessary
• full catering
• accommodation in 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

Prices do not include:
• travel insurance
• alcoholic drinks and personal purchases
• extra trips or guides on the rest days