Sample Itinerary

ITINERARY FOR 7 DAYS AND 6 NIGHTS

DAY 1 : Arrival at Hacienda Primavera Wilderness Ecolodge -

Pick up anywhere in Quito, a three hour drive passing through the flower plantations of Cayambe, over the Andes Mountains and down to the valleys of the Imbabura province, passing the San Pablo lake and the Otavalo Indigenous Market into the city of Ibarra down by lake Yaguarcocha into the sugar cane valley of Salinas, along the Mira river and over the Guallupe bridge along Gualchan river to the Hacienda Primavera Wilderness Ecolodge. Enjoy the surroundings of the beautiful cloud forest with full luxury and gourmet food for the rest of the day, lunch and dinner will be served.

DAY 2 : Horseback Ride

Breakfast served starting at 7 am. Familiarize yourself with the cowboys and guides while preparing the horses for the day. Horses available for all types of riders: beginners to experts. The trail follows the Rio Blanco River to the neighboring town of El Carmen. You will see the typical daily activities of the neighborhood mountaineers, enjoy the lush vegetation along the trail, and spot the beautiful blue Morpho Eugenia butterfly and local birds. The trail last for around two hours. After lunch relax or walk around the hacienda visiting the many crops and fruits in production. Pick as many as you like, our staff will make delicious juice with them. (Papayas, pineapples, oranges, lemons, guayavas, guavas, bananas). Meet the friendly local people and visit a local school for some remedial Spanish/English lessons.

DAY 3 : Train ride

Leaves Ibarra every morning around 7 am. One hour ride down the valley will take you to Primer Paso, were our vehicle will pick you up and drive you for the remaining 30 km to the Hacienda.

DAY 4 : White Water Rafting Expedition

with our expert partner company Yacu Amu Rafting. There are two rivers to chose from, a great experience and a lot of action. This expedition lasts five hours. Come back for lunch and rest in our hammocks overlooking the forest.

DAY 5 : Cloud Forest Combination Expedition Horseback/Hike

Ride the horses half way up the river trail and then the hike starts at the trout farm and goes along the river towards the water fall (rubber boots recommended). Keep an eye out for the giant bromeliad orchids and enjoy the mountain lemons while walking over the stream to the spectacular waterfall. Trip duration is around three hours. In the afternoon take a swim in our unique fresh water pool.

DAY 6 : Hacienda Trail Hike with Magnificent Views of Andes Mountains

Photography opportunities. Hike the hacienda trail with the cowboys towards the herd and see the west side of the Andes Mountains from the Hacienda. Experience a day of work milking the cows and maybe delivering babies from the female horses, llamas, or cows, it is a true experience. Trip duration is four hours. In the afternoon pay a visit to our cheese factory and taste the flavor of a freshly made cheese

DAY 7 : Visit Otavalo Market and Return to Quito

After breakfast, travel back to Quito and stop in San Antonio, the wood craft town, continue to the town of Otavalo and it's Indigenous craft market. Lunch in Hacienda Cusin near the lake San Pablo , continue on in the afternoon to Quito.

Note: Guests who want a shorter itinerary can choose from these activities. Scheduling is completely flexible and guests may choose their activity on a day-by-day basis with the guide. However, white-water rafting and the train ride must be reserved prior to arrival.