Welcome to the Green Horse Ranch!

• flexible rides from 1 to 10 days, tailor made to your experience and interests
• a choice of great sensible horses that rank from very calm to very sparky in order to offer you the horse that suits you
• no problem for beginners, no bore for experts
• your choice of using Western or English tack
• security and friendliness for being accompanied and introduced by an experienced multi-lingual guide
• exploring an ancient volcano and natural park from the inside
• breathtaking scenery, composed by rough mountains, deep gorges, volcanic springs, crystal clear rivers, eroded lahar fields blooming with wild orchids, cloud forests and tropical vegetation
• the chance to visit "Mitad del Mundo" on the way and take the obligatory photo on the line that divides the world into two hemispheres
• transport from and to your hotel in Quito and all entrances included
• day trips leaving every day on request with a minimum of only one person

Pululahua Exploration Trail A 1 Day

Transport form 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. Riding time between 3 and 4 hours.

Lunch with panoramic view. Optional visit to the Ecuadorian Monument. Transport back to your hotel.

Price: 55,-USD
Participants: 1 to 12 persons with or without riding experience

Pululahua Exploration Trail B 2 Days

Transport form Quito to the Green Horse Ranch inside the National Reserve Pululahua, about 25 miles north from Quito. Optional visit to the Ecuadorian Monument. 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. Riding time on the first day about 4 hours, on the second day about 5 hours.
These trips will take us from areas of Andean agriculture to lush tropical vegetation, passing by eroded volcanic avalanches blooming with wild orchids, cloud forests, deep gorges and clear mountain streams. We will also find prehistoric ruins along our way. We get a good impression of the present and past of the country life in Ecuador, of its geology and botany. But most of all we'll discover the pleasure to explore healthy nature on horseback!
Accommodation in a cosy country cottage in the mystical surroundings of the crater walls. Larger groups also in tents.

Price: 120,-USD
Participants: 1 to 10 persons with or without riding experience
Pululahua Exploration Trail C 3 Days

Day 1: Transport from Quito to the Green Horse Ranch inside the National Reserve Pululahua. 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. Passing by deep gorges, we'll enter the narrow valley of the Rio Blanco with its warm climate, coffee bushes, fields of sugar cane and banana trees. Lunch at the riverbank. Ride back between pastures of grazing Zebu cattle to the Green Horse Ranch. Accommodation in a cosy country cottage in the mystical surrounding of the crater walls. Larger groups also in tents.

Day 2:
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 romantic farm hostel and a hot evening meal await us, next to the volcanic springs of Calacalí. Bring your bathing dress!

Day 3:
After breakfast in the mighty colonial chamber we start our trail along the mountain ridge towards Moraspungo, the second entry to Pululahua National Reserve. We might enjoy our lunch against a magnificent backdrop - a panorama view of the whole volcano crater - keep your fingers crossed for clear weather. The road is winding downhill now and once again at the crater bottom, a hidden trail will lead us all around the central volcanic core, showing us last evidences of its geological activity, decorated by beautiful orchids.

Price: 195,-USD
Participants: 2-10 participants with riding experience

All Around Pululahua 4 Days

Day 1: Transport form 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 farm-houses, 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 Yacuzzi!

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. 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 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 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" and take a glance on pre-Inca ruins, abandoned 600 years ago. Transport back to Quito in the afternoon.

Price: 280,-USD
Participants: 3-10 persons with riding experience.

The Hummingbird Trail 4 Days

Day 1:
Transport from Quito to the Green Horse Ranch inside the ancient crater and National Reserve Pululahua. Passing by deep gorges we enter a tropical climate. A lot of bamboo, sugar cane and banana trees along the way, until 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 romantic farm hostel and a hot evening meal await us, next to the volcanic springs of Calacalí. Bring your bathing dress for the mineral water yacuzzi!

Day 2:
We'll be riding along green, hilly pastures, passing several stately farms, where we can observe fighting bulls and flower crop for exportation, getting some good impression about present and past of the country. Drawing closer to Pichincha volcano, which towers above us at almost 4800 m, we begin our trek along the north-west side to the tiny, picturesque village of Nono, where we set up camp at a farm. Next to a hot chimney fire, the farmers family might know to tell us some interesting stories about people and lifestyles.

Day 3:
Today we leave Nono and head down into a lush green region of virgin forests studded with waterfalls toward Tandayapa. From here, there's a 2-hour trek uphill to the Bellavista nature reserve. We'll be welcomed into a comfortable lodge with hot showers and delicious, wholesome food. From the balcony of our shared room, we can enjoy a breath-taking view far over the cloud forest and listen to the sounds of exotic birds.

Day 4:
After a hearty breakfast, a tour of Bellavista reserve is open to whoever wishes. We have plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings before our accompanying vehicle will bring us back to Quito after lunch.

Price: 295,-USD
Participants: 4-8 persons with at least some riding experience. This trip can be extended for one or several days, leading further to Mindo - the ornithologist's favourite place in Ecuador - and to Paramo sections of Pichincha volcano. Each extra day 75,-USD per person.

Hike and Ride 4 Days

Day 1:
Transport from Quito to the Green Horse Ranch inside the National Reserve Pululahua. 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. Passing by deep gorges, we'll enter the narrow valley of the Rio Blanco with its warm climate, coffee bushes, fields of sugar cane and banana trees. Lunch at the riverbank. Ride back between pastures of grazing Zebu cattle to the Green Horse Ranch. Accommodation in a cosy country cottage in the mystical surrounding of the crater walls. Larger groups also in tents.

Day 2:
Forests of bamboo are marking our way, while we start climbing gently but continually in order to leave the crater to the west. On our way, we'll enjoy a close look on "Cerro Portalanza", a pre-Inca site that has been abandoned 600 years ago. From here, we only come across a few small farmhouses, where the highland farmers scratch a meagre income from the steep, infertile land beside the forest. Our cottage camp and a hot evening meal await us in the mountain village of Yungillas.

Day 3:
This section of the trip is not suited for horses anymore. In companionship of a local guide explaining about plants and wildlife, we hike along an old smuggler's path, through thick jungle down to the Maquipucuna nature reserve. Tonight's accommodation is in comfortable rooms in the reserve's ecological appropriate lodge. We will enjoy a good, hot shower under the stars, and a fine meal made with local ingredients.

Day 4:
The 4000 hectare Maquipucuna reserve is one of the ten richest areas of natural variety in the world and is comprised of more than 80% primary forest. You'll have the opportunity to bathe in the rivers and waterfalls of this virgin forest or find out more about the wide variety of animals and plants under the guidance of experts. Transfer back to Quito after lunch.

Price: 230,-USD
Participants: 2-10 persons with or without riding experience

From Cloud Forest to the Highlands 9 Days

Day 1:
From Quito we'll drive over the western cordillera in direction to the Pacific cloud forest where our horses await us. On our way we have the chance to visit the Ecuadorian Monument 15 km north from Quito as well as the Inca-Ruins of Rumicucho with their famous sun channel. Typical Ecuadorian lunch on the Equator and drive to "Bellavista" nature reserve where we'll be welcomed into a cosy lodge with hot showers and delicious, whole-some food. From the balcony of our shared room, we can enjoy a breath-taking view far over the cloud forest and listen to the sounds of exotic birds.

Day 2:
On horseback, we'll be heading through a lush green region of virgin forests studded with waterfalls toward Tandayapa fishing resort, as one of the lowest points of our journey, and then be slightly riding uphill for several hours, drawing closer to Pichincha volcano, which towers above us at almost 4800 m. Just before reaching the tiny, picturesque village of Nono, where we set up camp at a farm, we'll be crossing over a ridge that divides the Western Cordillera from the Interandean Valley where we shall be surprised by the dramatic change of scenery . Next to a hot chimney fire, the farmers family might know to tell us some interesting stories about people and lifestyles.

Day 3:
Today, we'll be riding along green, hilly pastures, passing several stately farms, where we can observe fighting bulls and flower crop for exportation, getting some good impression about present and past of the country. Some extensive canters between fields and pastures make our way shorter this time. Accommodation in the 300 years old walls of a romantic farm hostel and a hot evening meal await us, next to the volcanic springs of Calacalí. Bring your bathing dress for the springs or the mineral water yacuzzi!

Day 4:
After crossing the Equator from the southern to the northern part of the globe, we'll be riding downhill through forests of bamboo into the crater of the ancient volcano "Pululahua", offering us it's magnificent scenery. We only come across a few small farmhouses along the way, where the highland farmers scratch a meagre income from the steep, infertile land beside the forest. 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 5:
Leaving the volcano through the small gate in its crater walls, we'll be passing by deep gorges, crossing eroded lahar fields blooming with wild orchids, to finally enter the narrow valley of the Rio Blanco with its warm and tropical climate where we shall find coffee trees, fields of sugar cane and a lot of tropical fruits. Pre-historical ruins can be observed along the way. "Aguacatal" is the name of the very remote and beautiful farm that offers us beds for tonight.

Day 6:
Having gone half our way to Otavalo, we will make a rest day today,- enjoying some leisure activities. In the morning we invite you for a 2-hours ride towards the river, were we shall take a wonderfully refreshing “bubble-bath”. Those who want to also have the chance to explore the beautiful surroundings by horse on their own. Those, who'd like to change activity for a while, can fetch a mountain bike, go for a walk, collecting tropical fruit, head for a shower under a natural waterfall or just hang out for a day, enjoying the peaceful and unique scenery of our rest place. Good end to a great day: Pizza from the stone-oven.

Day 7:
This is the day of the adventurous! After crossing the bridge over the furious and turbulent river Guayllabamba, we'll be trekking along a nerve-wrecking trail above the river for several hours, following its direction upstream, leading us through the most hallucinating and breathtaking landscapes you can possibly imagine. You should not be afraid of heights. We will have to dismount on several sections of this trail. Fitness required! In the late afternoon we'll reach the village of San José de Minas, which has lost it's glory as an important mining place when the new road from Quito to Otavalo was built, leaving San José de Minas out of the way. The view of the town is dominated by a mighty colonial church with stories to tell about. In its stony archways we'll find shelter and restaurant in a simple but nice and spotless local hostel.

Day 8:
Riding along the fields and pastures of the authentic, charming Andean Highland, we'll reach the beautiful Cuicocha crater lake in the afternoon, encircled by rugged mountain walls. A boat trip around the islands in its midst can be organised. Here, we spend our last night in holiday cabins with a romantic view over the lake.

Day 9:
After breakfast, our accompanying vehicle will pick us up and drive us down to Otavalo with a far-reaching view over the next valley and the surrounding mountains. In the small Andean town, world-famous for its handicrafts and woollen products, we'll have the chance to visit its lively, colourful indigenous market. Our main program has ended and participants will have the choice either to stay in Otavalo on their own (nearby attractions are the lakes of Mojanda and the Peguche waterfall) or to drive back with us to Quito, where we will leave you at your hotel.

Price: 795,-USD
Participants: 4-8 persons with riding experience. Also possible with less participants against extra charge. Ask for our open dates. Fitness and adventurous spirit required. Participants should not weigh more than 85 kg.

• transport from and to Quito
• an accompanying provisions vehicle for the whole tour
• the return transportation of the horses to Pululahua where necessary
• full catering
• accommodation in farms, hotels, reserve lodges and tents
• your horse and its equipment
• the tour guide and helpers
• entrance to national parks, pools and other fees
• tours of the natural reserves
• wellington boots

• travel insurance
• extra drinks
• tips