Hacienda La Alegria

Hacienda La Alegria
With its towering volcanoes and vast plains, Ecuador is every rider's dream. Hacienda La Alegria is a family-run organic farm and ranch nestled in Ecuador's ‘Avenue of Volcanoes', one hour south of the capital city of Quito. It caters for all abilities, from simple day rides for beginners ascending local volcanoes, to multiday trips through cloudforests and the paramo (high grasslands) and exhilarating cattle-round ups. Each expedition can include a maximum of 12 people and visitors may at times see wild horses, deer, spectacled bears, Andean foxes and condors, an iconic symbol of the Andes. Cotopaxi, the largest active volcano in the world, dominates the skyline, with its beautiful snow-capped summit and conical shape.
The hacienda prides itself on its horses which are all bred on the farm from a mixture of English Thoroughbred, Arabian and Criollo (native South American) horses. This results in the perfect combination of toughness, agility, stamina, calm temperament and ‘mountain sense', ensuring they have horses suitable for all abilities. Visitors can choose from a range of excellent quality tack, ranging from Chilean to North American. Alternatively, riders may opt for the native Ecuadorean tack with its intricate leatherwork and saddle horn. The hacienda itself can accommodate 18 guests in its new extension built in the traditional style which boasts modern ensuites and family rooms. The farmhouse itself is built in a colonial style and is full of photographs and memorabilia that remind visitors of the ranch's heritage. Also, the delicious cuisine comprises of both Ecuadorean and international specialities, with vegetarians and all other dietary needs catered for.