From EcuadorWiki

A Trip to Cotopaxi and a Hacienda

Here is the Hacienda where we stayed.

What a WEEKEND!!

After an exhausting day climbing Cotopaxi (for most, not all), we all were able to wake up at the Hacienda to a great breakfast and decide if were going to hike to a gorgeous waterfall in the morning and then ride horses in the afternoon or vice versa. After we all split into the two groups, we were on our way to yet another packed day!

The Waterfall

Hiking to the Waterfall and trying to avoid all the vegetation and mud.

What a TREAT!

After hiking for an hour and hearing about a variety of birds and plants that are native to the Andes Mountains as well as slipping and falling down the slippery sides of the trails we had to take, we finally reached our destination of the waterfall.

What a sight! We listened as the water poured down the side of the mountain and were in awe of its grace and beauty. How cool it was for us to see something so beautiful that was almost like a secret to anyone else!?

We took many pictures and some of us came back to the Hacienda a bit more muddy than we had anticipated, but, nonetheless, the view of the waterfall was AMAZING! It was worth all we went through to get there!

The GORGEOUS Waterfall that was worth all the mud and slipping! Not to mention some classy Alma College and U of M gals, too!

Riding Horses

The horses loved the open countryside of the mountains. They allowed for us to see some amazing views.

What a RIDE!

We had an option to choose whether we considered ourselves experienced or not experienced with horses and then we were given a horse of the Hacienda´s staff´s choosing. Some people were given horses that fit them "just right", but some were given horses that just didn´t want to cooperate! (When the person would give a command, the horse would turn and bite!)

A quick view of our fancy outfits we wore out on the range.

We were even given authentic garb to wear, such as a poncho and a chaps to match! We were then led off to the mountain countryside to ride up and see a gorgeous view. This was after many chances to gallop (yes, speed off on a horse that wants to go way faster than you intend to go up a rocky and hilly side of a mountain), watch "Chagras" (cowboys) round up some wild bulls, laugh at the two dogs going alongside the horses for two exhausting three hour trips, as well as chances to talk to the guides Miguel or Sixto about the Hacienda and other things.

Needless to say, we were all exhausted for the two and half plus hour ride "home" to Quito. Who knows, we may be still walking like cowboys tomorrow!

Too cute and way tired! Here is the little puppy who lasted for TWO three-hour horse rides! She was so tired she passed out in Kirsten's lap!