Horseback Tour in the Ecuadorian Andes

Ecuador is an attractive option for adventure travellers looking to experience the magic of the Andes. You’ll have the time of your life on this horseback tour exploring the rugged and magnificent mountains staying in some of the finest haciendas in Ecuador.

There are many attractions to draw tourists to the country - The capital city of Quito is the historic centre of Latin America and a protected UNESCO world heritage site, a perfect start and end point for the tour. As the trips are fully customizable, you may also want to allow time to tour the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands, which need no introduction!

Another point of note is Ecuador’s highest peak, Mount Chimborazo. Contrary to what you may think, the peak of this mountain is technically the furthest point from the Earth’s centre (two kilometres further than Everest’s summit, owing to the bulge around the planet’s equator.) There are around thirty volcanic mountains in mainland Ecuador, all of which scale over 10,000 feet, so the country is literally asking to be ridden around on horseback!

It has to be said that this horseback tour is exceptionally well put-together. The guides are experts in their fields, and the horses are an absolute pleasure to ride with as they’re specially bred for the climate and landscape and have a lovely temperament. You’ll be riding at a high altitude (and we mean high - anywhere between 2,000 and 4,000 meters) so you can expect some of the most amazing panoramas this side of the Himalayas.

Aside from the thrilling sense of adventure, incredible scenery and immersive culture, you will also get to wear a poncho while riding, giving you the perfect opportunity to pretend to be Clint Eastwood (optional.)

There are a number of considerations to be taken before booking a horse riding trek through the Andes. Obviously, a degree of fitness is a must since you’ll be in the saddle for a long period of time. On this particular tour previous riding experience is essential. You need to be comfortable at faster speeds in open country.

The operator has a strict rule on the weight of riders limited to 85kg (roughly 13.5 stone.) It’s important also to make sure you’re good with altitude - although the guides go to great lengths to make sure you acclimatise properly, getting up to 4,000 meters can have some adverse effects. As always, double check with your doctor if in doubt and make sure you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance.