Ecuador horse riding vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION:
This luxury itinerary has been designed to ensure that it has a positive impact on the planet. We encourage travelers to plan a longer trip farther away and stay longer in one place instead of taking multiple short trips each year.
Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge aims to keep its carbon footprint as minimal as possible. The lodge is built from natural materials blending into the surrounding area. Other ecofriendly practises are used such as; composting the lodges organic waste, using a water and energy saving program and only using glass bottles instead of plastic.


ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE:
When in conservation areas, we hand-pick lodges that have a positive impact on the environment and actively preserve this for future generations.
For example, Hacienda Zuleta has an environmental project called Condor Huasi. The project helps condors in captivity to reintroduce them back into the wild, one of the main goals of the project is to educate the local community on the importance of wildlife and protecting natural resources in the moorland region of the country. To do this they focus on a few initiatives, such as keeping Andean Condors who have suffered mistreatment and captivity to improve their health and kept in good conditions. Securing a pair of Andean Condors to be able to establish new colonies in Ecuador for future generations.

All the operators used within our trips are extensively vetted by our in-house specialist which communicates directly with the lodges to ensure the horses welfare is up to international standards. There is a strict weight limit for guests when going on riding trips to ensure that the horses are matched to the right rider and don't have to carry excessive weight. They have regular health checks from professionals and are on a regular trimming/shoeing routine to ensure healthy hooves and an efficient worming program. The horses tack is very well maintained and fitted correctly to each individual horse. The horses are kept in a healthy and happy environment in a herd with sufficient turn out and shelter as required for their environment. All horses are conditioned to their environment and not overworked with sufficient down time.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY:
It is very important that we promote small lodges that have a positive impact on their surroundings and give back to the local community.
Haciendas Zuleta Foundation allows space for local women to sell the handicrafts that they make by hand. This group of women makes a living from beautiful embroidered products, this is so important for the local economy.
The foundation has also started a community restaurant receiving tourists visiting the area as well as several families opening their homes to tourists, which brings in income to the community. Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge offers activities within the local community such as, learn to horseback ride like a local and going fishing to catch your dinner! By partaking in these activities allows income to go back into the local community.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY:
All the guides referred to in this itinerary are employed locally and offer incredible knowledge about the history and communities of Ecuador. We believe it is essential to have local guides as this provides a more authentic and cultural experience for travelers. Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge employs their team from the local community, receiving social security and their wages being above the average in the area, this ensures money is going back into and helping the local community.