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All Around Pululahua 4 days
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
Transport from Quito to the Green Horse Ranch inside the National Reserve Pululahua, about 25 miles north from Quito. Robust and amiable mountain horses will take us through the stunning landscape of this ancient volcanic crater with its constantly changing sceneries and huge bio-diversity. Forests of bamboo are marking our way as we start climbing gently but continually in order to leave the crater to the west. 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 the 300 years old walls of a 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:
After breakfast in the mighty colonial chamber we start our panoramic trail along the mountain ridge towards Moraspungo, the second entry to Pululahua National Reserve. We’ll enjoy wide open views over the surrounding valleys and across to the summits of the Pichincha mountain range. On our way, we’ll be crossing the village of Calacalí, located right on the equator, giving us the chance to take a picture on horseback below the equator mark. A panorama view of the whole volcano crater accompanies us, as we’re riding downhill back to Pululahua and the ranch. At the bottom of the crater, a mystical and very peaceful place, we'll be resting in a nice little country cottage, until the call of a donkey or cock awakes us the next morning. Larger groups also in tents.
Day 3:
Today it's the eastern part of the crater we're going to explore. A hidden trail will lead us all around the central volcanic core, showing us last evidences of its geological activity, decorated by beautiful orchids. On our way to the HQ of the Chaupisacha research station in the midst of lush mountain cloud forests, we'll come across eroded lahar fields where volcanic mineral water is oozing out of the ground. Finally leaving the volcano through a small gate in the crater walls, we'll enter the narrow valley of Rio Blanco with its warm climate, coffee bushes, fields of sugar cane and banana trees. Some walking sections necessary. Aguacatal is the name of the very remote (no electricity!) and beautiful farm that offers us beds for tonight.
Day 4:
Really breathtaking views will accompany us on our way back to the Green Horse Ranch, this time riding along the nerve-wrecking canyon ridge of Rio Blanco. The same river will invite us for a cooling bath, when crossing it over after a 2-hours ride. We'll get to know a so-called "Trapiche", where sugar cane is converted into “Schnapps” and take a glance on pre-Inca ruins, abandoned 600 years ago. Over 1000-year-old stone carvings in some fallen rock along the trail also evidence the historical interest of the area. Transport back to Quito in the afternoon.
Participants: 3 to 8 persons with at least some riding experience.
Route run against surcharge also with less participants possible.
TOUR OPERATORS OFFERING THIS TOUR: