 Ecuador, the tiny country on the Pacific coast of South America, mirrors the variety of the whole continent. In this one small area, only half as big as Great Britain, you will find Amazon rain forests, snow capped Andean peaks, Pacific coastline and the Galapagos Islands. At the same time, the country boasts a cultural variety to rival any of its neighbours, which stems from its high proportion of Indian, Mestizos and Afro-American people. Furthermore, Ecuador ranks alongside Argentina and Chile as one of the safest travel destinations in Southern America and has experienced a huge influx of visitors, especially in the last decade.
In the Andean hi ghland, some 10 miles North of the capital Quito, the 4000-year dormant volcano of Pululahua is situated. Its geographical position, mild climate, the beauty of the surrounding countryside and wide biological diversity make this a real insider trip for tourists and natural scientists alike.
Primarily, you have the opportunity to discover this exciting landscape on horseback, 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.
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 the horses are amiable and easy going, all are sure-footed and have plenty of stamina.
The tours are lead by an experienced multilingual guide. Whether you opt for an hour's ride, a day trip or a long trek, we warmly invite you to take part in this nature experience of a lifetime.
Pululahua - Tour
1 Day
Transport from Quito to the Green Horse Ranch, inside the National Reserve Pululahua, about 40 miles north from Quito. From the ranch you ride through the stunning landscape of this ancient volcanic crater - the biggest one on the whole American continent and one of only two inhabited craters in the world - with its constantly changing sceneries and huge bio-diversity. While circling the inner cone, you witness volcanic history and nature, interesting geological formations, mineral avalanches blooming with wild orchids and traditional Andean agriculture. Riding time about 4 hours. Lunch with panoramic view over valleys and cloud forest covered mountains. Optional photo-stop at the Ecuadorian monument Mitad del Mundo. Transport back to Quito.
Participants: Groups up to 10 people, with or without riding experience, no particular level of fitness is required.
Price 2008/2009:
USD 85, - per person with minimum 4 people
USD 95, - per person with minimum 2 people
USD 110,- with one person
In the price included:
All transfers in the private vehicle, all meals, horses that will be available according to the traveller's experience and requests, guide for the horse trips and equipment for riding.
All parts of the tour can be changed according to the group's interests, budget and time frame. It is also possible to extend or to shorten the tour. Please inform us about your requests when booking the tour.
The tours have been designed for 2-8 people who have a bit of previous riding experiences and are physically in good shape. While travelling it might sometimes be necessary to walk by foot in order to pass difficult parts of the tour. Travellers on this tour should not exceed 85 kg of body weight.
What to bring:
The most adequate clothing consists of long sleeved shirts and long trousers during the day (to protect you against sun and insects). A sweater or a fleece jacket are recommended for colder hours of the day, as well as a gore-tex jacket or a similar kind of jacket to protect you against rain, a hat with a broad rim, sport shoes or even riding boots. We provide you with rubber boots which are more suitable for shorter walks than proper riding boots. Please remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, camera and a water bottle.
Participants: A group of 2 to 8 people, with or without riding experience, no particular level of fitness is required.
Departure from Quito: 7 am
If you need any additional information please write us:
Horseback Riding on the Lagoons Mojanda & San Marcos - Tropical Trail Horseback Riding
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South America 
Quito Tourist Portal