From Pululahua Volcano to Bellavista Bird Lodge

In the Andean highland, some 10 miles North of the capital Quito, the 4000-year dormant volcano of Pululahua is situated. 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.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Quito – Pululahua – El Cachaco
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 your horses, you enter a tropical climate with a lot of bamboo, sugar cane and banana trees along the way, until you start climbing gently but continually in order to leave the crater to the south-west. On your trail up the mountain, you 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 you, next to the volcanic springs of El Cachaco. Bring your bathing dress for the mineral water Jacuzzi! -/L/D

Day 2: El Cachao – Nono
You will be riding across the Valley of Nono, along green, hilly pastures, passing several stately farms, where you 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 your way shorter this time. This picturesque valley is also the home and breading place of many beautiful horses. Drawing closer to the Pichincha Volcano, which towers above you at almost 4.800 m, you begin your 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 you. Next to a hot chimney fire, the farmer's family might tell you some interesting stories about people and lifestyles and spoil you with the chef's cuisine. B/L/D

Day 3: Nono – Tandayapa – Bellavista
Today you 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, you start heading downhill into a lushy green region of virgin forests studded with waterfalls toward the fishing resort of Tandayapa. Once back on the road, you say goodbye to the horses and shall meet your accompanying vehicle that brings you up the rest of the way to Bellavista nature reserve, where hundreds of hummingbirds have found their home. You will be welcomed into a comfortable lodge with hot showers and delicious, wholesome food. From the balcony of your shared room, you can enjoy a breath-taking view far over the cloud forest and listen to the sound of exotic birds. B/L/D

Day 4: Bellavista – Quito
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. You have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the variety of plant- and bird-life, before your accompanying vehicle will bring you back to Quito after lunch. B/L/-

B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / D: Dinner

Prices per person 2011

• USD 535 - with minimum 4 people
• USD 595 - with minimum 2 people
• USD 1,075 - with one person
• Single supplement USD 90

Participants: Group of up to 8 people, with at least some riding experience

Included

• Transportation
• An accompanying provisions vehicle for the whole tour
• Accommodation
• Meals as mentioned in the program.
• Horse and equipment
• Tour guide
• Entrance fees
• Rubber boots

Not included

• Tips
• Drinks
• Personal equipment
• Personal expenses
• Insurance

What to bring

You will cross different climate zones and after sunset the temperature drops steeply. Therefore you need light clothes as well as warm ones. 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, a water bottle, a torch and sleeping bag.