Located just south of Quito, (the capital of Ecuador), close to the village of Aloag, the Hacienda La Alegria is ideally situated for riding vacations on the lower slopes of Volcan Corazon (4788m) in the heart of the "Avenue of the Volcanoes", a spectacular valley dividing the eastern and western ranges of the Andes. From the garden of the hacienda you can enjoy breathtaking views across the valley to the extinct volcanoes of Ruminahui, Pasochoa, Atacazo, and in the distance the mighty cone of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. Your host Gabriel comes from a long tradition of equestrian sports. His grandfather bred race horses close to Quito, while his father, Renato Espinosa was a keen polo player. Gabriel followed in the same footsteps as a young man, horse-jumping and playing competitive polo. Gabriel and Paty's three daughters are all keen riders, and the enthusiasm of the whole family is reflected in the quality of the horses at the farm.

Hacienda La Alegria is situated in the verdant valley of Machachi, to the south of Quito. Surrounded by eleven volcanoes, this region is often referred to as “The Volcano Avenue”.

Activities

Most of the horses have been bred on the family farm and include mixed Criollo (native South American), English Thoroughbred and Arabian stock, resulting in a near perfect combination of toughness, agility, calm temperament and "mountain sense". Beginners and experienced riders alike have found them easy to ride, willing and good mannered. If you have previous riding experience you will be given plenty of opportunity to canter. There is a range of tack including Western style, English style, Mclellan calvary, Chillean and traditional Ecuadorian "Chagra" style, with its intricate leather-work and saddle horn.

There are rides with fixed itineraries which allows you to meet other like-minded travelers and enjoy the experience of a lifetime in great company. For groups of two or more, customized rides can be arranged.

Volcano and Haciendas Ride
This riding vacation incorporates visits to the Corazon, Ruminahui, Quilindaña, and Chalupas volcanoes. And, of course, you will see the majestic Cotopaxi volcano from many different angles throughout our journey. Each morning brings new experiences and a chance to contemplate the beauty of the mountains and valleys. This horseback riding vacation will give you a taste of the wild paramos of Ecuador.

Cattle Round Up Horse Drive and Colonial Haciendas
This extraordinary horse holiday will introduce you to a side of our spectacular country that few Ecuadorians, let alone visitors, ever see. You will participate in a traditional "rodeo", literally "round-up", of fighting bulls in the remote fastness of the Cordillera Oriental of the Andes. This is not a spectacle organized for the benefit of tourists, but a time-honored annual event in the calendar of a working ranch. You will ride with real chagras (Andean cowboys) whose life and work has changed little for generations. The spectacle of chagras at work, resplendent in their traditional ponchos and llama or goat hair chaps and intricately carved wooden bucket stirrups, will leave you with life-long memories of the "real Ecuador".

Chargras Parade and Around Cotopaxi Ride
This horse riding tour includes haciendas rides, green valleys, mountain slopes, Volcanoes, a visit to the capital of the Chagrass and participate in a parade with around 2000 chagras. See lassoing and learn more about chagra culture. Transfer to Quito after your journey to end your trip with a city tour, a visit to a handcraft market, the old city, churches, and lunch and dinner in town.

Accomodations

The Hacienda can accommodate up to 24 people both in the farmhouse and a recently completed extension. The extension has been tastefully restored with solid cypress floors and beams and modern en-suite bathrooms with plenty of hot water and powerful showers. There are also split-level family rooms which sleep five in comfort.

Food

The family and staff provide full board including all meals that are tailored for hungry travelers, riders and hikers, and combine delicious Ecuadorian and international cuisine. Breakfast includes coffee, tea, cocoa, oatmeal, eggs and/or French toast, natural fruit juice, and fruit of the season. Dinners are typically Ecuadorian soup, chicken, beef, pork or pasta, vegetables, rice or potatoes, and dessert. Lunches on trail days are high energy pack lunch (sandwiches, fruit, candy). Hacienda days include meals similar to dinner. Vegetarian / other special dietary options on request.

Area Attractions

Ecuador's Volcanoes and Haciendas is dedicated to low impact tourism. A variety of activities are available for those interested the ecology of this immensely bio-diverse region.