Great Escape Riobamba: Hacienda Abraspungo

The highlands of the central Andes offer a great backdrop for a beautiful trip. This three night stay at Hacienda Abraspungo near Riobamba includes activities such as hiking in National Parks, visiting colourful indigenous markets and travelling on the famous Devil’s Nose Train Ride. The order in which the trip takes place may vary to accommodate the Devil’s Nose Train Ride which currently runs from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Day 1  Quito – Cotopaxi National Park – Riobamba
Your English speaking guide and private vehicle will pick you up in Quito. Begin your journey south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to visit the Cotopaxi National Park. Enjoy a hike through this wonderful world of the Ecuadorian paramo, visit the Limpiopunga Lake and its surroundings. The majestic snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Lunch at a local hacienda within the national park. In the afternoon continue on to Hacienda Abraspungo. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Abraspungo. (L,D)

Day 2  Devil’s Nose Train Ride
After an early breakfast at the hacienda, travel south to Alausi. From here you will embark on your journey by train along the famous Devil’s Nose route which dramatically zigzags down the edge of the Andes, one of the most exhilarating train rides in the world! The train then returns to Alausi, the round trip takes around 2 and a half hours in total and includes a light snack. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon return to Riobamba. Stop off at the Colta Lake, home to the country's oldest remaining church built on the shoreline in 1534, which in more recent times has been restored due to earthquake damage. Also the site of the original city of Riobamba which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1797. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Abraspungo. (B,L,D)

Day 3  Chimborazo Faunistic Reserve
After breakfast at the hacienda enjoy a full day visit to the Chimborazo Faunistic Reserve. At 6,310m, Chimborazo is Ecuador's tallest mountain. It was believed to be the tallest mountain in the world until Mt. Everest was surveyed in the mid-19th century. In the morning after arriving at the reserve you can either hike or drive up to one of the ‘huts’ which is found at 4,900m. Look out for the resident herds of wild vicuñas! Lunch at a local mountain lodge. In the afternoon, weather permitting, it is possible to hike from the mountain lodge or one of the huts down to base camp. This is a stunning three hour hike. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Abraspungo. (B,L,D)

Day 4  Riobamba – Quito
Breakfast at Hacienda Abraspungo. Depending on the day of the week visit one of the wonderfully colourful Andean markets that this area is famous for. Lunch at a local hacienda. In the afternoon continue your return journey back to Quito. (B,L)

Duration: 4 Days
Included: Private transportation with English speaking guide, accommodation in Hacienda Abraspungo, meals as specified (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner), activities specified and entrance fees to visitor sites specified, train tickets.
Not included: soft & alcoholic drinks, any extra activities, tips and personal expenses.

Please contact us for more information or to book on-line.