Weather pattern on given day and over course of season is difficult to predict with any precision. October, February, March and April are rainiest months and there is generally very little rain from July through September. With August and September often producing dusty, less lush environment. Still it can end up the other way around relative to rain. Trips can generally be done whole year round, as even the rainy season; we usually do have sunny mornings and nice views. Unpredictable rain patterns dictate that you bring good rain gear including jacket and trousers. Complicating picture is the ability of temperature to change with altitude and sunlight. Altitude ranges from 1400 to 3400 meters (4600' to, 5000'). Temperatures range from 7 to 28 degree Celsius (44 to 82 Fahrenheit).

Transport from Quito to the Green Horse Ranch, inside the National Reserve Pululahua, about 25 miles north from Quito . Robust and amiable mountain horses will take us through the stunning landscape of this ancient volcanic crater - the biggest one on the whole American continent and one of only two inhabited craters in the world with its constantly changing sceneries and huge bio-diversity. Riding time about 4 hours. Lunch with panoramic view over valleys and cloud forest covered mountains. Optional photo-stop at the Ecuadorian monument Mitad del Mundo. Accommodation and delicious dinner in art-style country-hotel. Wake up to the amazing view of the the crater walls.

On horseback, we enter a tropical climate with a lot of bamboo, sugar cane and banana trees, until we start climbing gently but continually in order to leave the crater to the west. Take a glance on pre-inca ruins along the way. We only come across a few small farmhouses, where the highland farmers scratch a meager income from the steep, infertile land beside the forest. Next to the volcanic springs of El Cachaco, we'll find accommodation in the up to 1 meter thick and 300 years old walls of a colonial Hacienda, reminding us of an old European castle. On the spot we'll learn some more about its fascinating history. Bring your bathing gear for the mineral water Jacuzzi!

We'll be riding along green, hilly pastures, passing several stately farms, where we can observe fighting bulls and flower crop for exportation, getting a good impression about present and past of the country. Some extensive canters along fields and pastures make our way shorter this time. This picturesque valley is also the home and breading place of many beautiful horses. Drawing closer to Pichincha volcano, which towers above us at almost 4800 m, we begin our trek along the Northwest side to the tiny, colonial village of Nono , where we find shelter in comfortable country homes. Next to a hot chimney fire, the farmer's family might know to tell us some interesting stories about people and lifestyles.

Good-buy-ride to sight-seeing-point over the"Avenida de losVolcanes" on Viudita mountain upon desire. Transfer out to Quito.