Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I make a reservation?
Send us an e-mail! You can use the contact form or simply write an email to our address listed at the bottom of every page. We're happy to give advice and answer all your questions before you make a decision. Once decided for a ride and date, we will send you our reservation form, and only when this returns to us and we have received a deposit, we consider your booking binding.
What is included in the tour?
All prices listed on our page include private door to door transport from and to Quito, horses and equipment, professional multilingual guide, all meals and beverages during the trip and accommodation in case of multiple day rides.
Where and when does the tour start and end?
All our tours are full day round trips and include your private door to door transport from and to Quito.
Pick up at 8 am.
Return to Quito between 5 and 6 pm.
What level of riding expertise is required?
We cater to riders of all experience levels and choose the trails and horses accordingly.
What is the average pace on rides?
This depends mostly on the terrain, duration of the tour and experience level of all riders in the group and your guide will make sure to choose the adequate speed.
Is there any age limit for the rides?
We have suitable horses and the experience with all ages of riders, so children and families are always welcome and we can adjust the ride accordingly.
Can I do a solo ride?
You can book all the tours as solo rides for an additional fee of 50,- per day.
What type of tack is used on the tours?
We only use high quality equipment and custom made, individually fitted trail saddles for our horses.
The style could be described as something between a western and an english saddle, and is very comfortable for both horse and rider on long rides.
How is the weather in the crater?
A question no one is able to answer, as the weather in the Andes is extremely local, fast changing and really unpredictable. The weather in the crater is also very different from the weather in Quito.
Very roughly, the rainy season runs from November to May, dry season from June to October, but it can always rain in the dry season and be totally dry for weeks in the rainy season.
If it is sunny, the sun is very strong and intense, since we are at the equator and the sun shines closer and directly.
If rainy, it typically rains in the afternoon when we're finished or nearly finished with the ride. The rainy season is especially nice, as the landscape is green, lush, and everything is blooming.
Therefore, the only correct answer to this question is: always bring good sun- and rain-protection for the ride.
What do I need to bring?
Layers! - The average temperature in our riding area, located directly on the Equator, is the same all year round and generally very pleasant, yet there are big and quick temperature changes between sun-out, sun-off, day and night, or higher and lower elevation. Be prepared from hot to cold, dress comfortably and robust with solid shoes and bring good sun-, mosquito- and rain-protection.
Do I need any special vaccination?
No, there are no risky diseases in our riding area, nor dangerous animals or plants.
No yellow fever or malaria prophylaxis necessary.
But the common vaccines always make sense.
Would I have any trouble with adjusting to the altitude?
The slightly lower elevation than Quito, with its clear and fresh air, has been proven to be very helpful for acclimatization and effective against altitude disease. But in case you are feeling light headed just let us know and we’ll assist you.
What risks do I take?
The biggest risk is a sun-burn for those who do not protect their skin and are expecting to get a nice tan.
Our horses are all very well trained, very good willing and sure-footed. Therefore, we register an extremely low percentage of accidents. Nevertheless, horses are living beings, so could get scared by certain circumstances, could slip or act in unforeseen ways.
Trails are demanding. Most problems we witnessed have been caused by riders not following the rules. You have to be aware that you will be riding on your own responsibility and that neither guide nor ranch can be held liable for any damage.
Yet, with highly professional guides, good natured horses, clear safety instructions, as well as helmets and other safety equipment at your disposal, you're choosing one of the best riding options with us.
What type of accommodations can I expect on multiple day rides?
The quality of accommodations and food are a big part of the overall experience. For that reason we work with the best, local lodging options available.
I have special nutritional requirements…
Since we specialize in customized rides, adjusting to any type of requirements or preferences is already included. Of course we have several delicious vegetarian and vegan options and can adapt to any other special requests as well.
Just let us know…
Can you offer special arrangements for special occasions?
Yes we can.
Please contact us about what you have in mind and we will make it work.
Can we make a stop at the Mitad del Mundo (the equator line)?
If you'd like to take advantage of the fact that our road passes by the Mitad del Mundo, and avoid traveling to San Antonio again on another day, we can offer you two options:
Either a free 5 minutes foto-stop at the main Equator monument on the way back to Quito, or if you wish to visit the interesting Intiñan sun museum on the GPS equator (guided tour of about an hour), we can include that stop for an additional $10 fee (entrance fee not included).