08 Jun 2018
My wife and I were picked up promptly (actually ahead of time) by our guide, Diego, who then drove us the two hours to the Hacienda “Los Mortinos”.
Following a comfort stop and a cup of delicious sweet fruit tea we were given our instruction and safety briefing by Oscar, our trekking guide, and mounted up. Neither of us had been on horseback for 30 years, but we were instructed and led patiently and appropriately for our skill level. We never felt pressured or unsafe. Diego, our Latin Adventures guide and an accomplished horseman himself, accompanied us throughout the ride, providing photographic services and translation of Oscar’s instructions.
During the trek through the national park we saw many birds, meadows full of wild flowers and huge herds of wild horses. In three hours we saw precisely 3 other human beings! We dismounted once for water and to stretch our backs.
Back at the Hacienda we had a lovely light lunch and then headed back to our hotel in Quito.
Diego gets regular 5 start reviews and its easy to see why - punctual, friendly, proud of his country, good knowledge, great English and very considerate of the needs of his clients. We had the benefit of extraordinarily good weather and clear skies (use lots of sunblock) which cannot be guaranteed, of course, but for us this was a day that ranks high in the list of “best days in our life”. Highly recommended.