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Andes Adventure: Cotopaxi Volcano Exploration
One of the best experiences in the Andes Mountains near Quito City. Cotopaxi is considered the highest active volcano in South America. If you love outdoor activities, this is for you. Enjoy horse riding in the highlands and hiking to the José Ribas Refuge at 4864m (15958ft). A wealth of flora and fauna are part of these great adventures.
One of the best experiences in the Andes Mountains near Quito City. Cotopaxi is considered the highest active volcano in South America. If you love outdoor activities, this is for you. Enjoy horse riding in the highlands and hiking to the José Ribas Refuge at 4864m (15958ft). A wealth of flora and fauna are part of these great adventures.
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Parque Nacional Cotopaxi - The Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike with Horseback Riding for Beginners provides an unforgettable adventure in the Andes. Departure is at 7:30 AM from your location, traveling along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, where you can admire stunning views of potato fields, cattle farms, and the breathtaking scenery surrounding…
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Parque Nacional Cotopaxi - The Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike with Horseback Riding for Beginners provides an unforgettable adventure in the Andes. Departure is at 7:30 AM from your location, traveling along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, where you can admire stunning views of potato fields, cattle farms, and the breathtaking scenery surrounding Cotopaxi National Park.
The horseback riding segment lasts 1.5 hours at an altitude of 12,800 feet, guided by a local cowboy. No prior experience is necessary! Following this, a 35-minute drive will take you to the parking area, where the hike begins.
The hike ascends from 14,763 feet to 15,958 feet, reaching the José Ribas high camp, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the Andes. Although this hike is challenging, experienced guides will maintain a steady pace to ensure comfort. Frequent stops, along with water and snacks, will keep participants energized.
For a more relaxed option, a hike around the Limpiopungo Lagoon at 12,800 feet is available, featuring a flat, easy trail.
To conclude the day, enjoy a taste of local cuisine and the opportunity to feed llamas, creating an unforgettable experience.
This is a LOOP TRIP, with a return to the hotel around 5 PM.
What's Included
- Horse Riding rental included
- All entry fees covered
- Delicious lunch provided
- Enjoy in-vehicle air conditioning
- Horse Riding rental included
- All entry fees covered
- Delicious lunch provided
- Enjoy in-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(100 Ratings)
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976kristinh
Jul 14, 2025
Amazing trip to Cotopaxi - The tour was amazing. The guide, Pato was great, very nice and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed the horse riding, and the scenery was awesome. We hiked up to the refugio of Cotopaxi in cold wind and rain, but we were prepared for bad weather and it was really worth it, The view up there is amazing! Can highly recommend the trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicolelz230lz
Jul 9, 2025
Amazing experience - Beautiful Mountain! - Pato was an amazing guide! Everything from correspondence before to dropping us off at our hotel. The horseback riding was fun. The hike up Cotopaxi was grueling...and so windy it almost blew me over a few times. Thankfully, Pato had an extra windbreaker jacket he lent me. At times, it felt like the volcanic rock was sand blasting my face. Haha! He told me it would be like that for about 3-5 minutes and he was right. After that, we tucked into a little valley and slowly hiked up. I wanted to quit half way when it started to get windy again and he said the Refuge was right there...and pointed. So I continued...and I'm glad I did!! What an awesome feeling getting to the top. Pato knows everything about Ecuador. He does tons of private tours (not just this one) so just ask, and I'm sure he can even do it. I was surprised he even did day trips to Banos! This is definitely a great tour and I would highly recommend Pato (it's his company)!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John_b
Jul 5, 2025
Most fun thing ever - It extremely fun but the hike is somewhat strenuous. The horseback ride will be the best thing you’ve ever done. Ismael was the best tour guide we have ever had. My wife and I were absolutely blown away by how kind and accommodating he was. He made multiple stops on the way for us to buy things we needed/show us cool stuff. It was amazing. He is the absolute best.
Review provided by Viator
117leticiaq
Jun 23, 2025
Powerful Cotopaxi! - Powerful Cotopaxi! Impermeable!
We love the experience. The ride with the horses, the climb to the refuge in the volcano. The guide Joshua was excellent. Lots of information, kind and attentive. Lunch is that could have been better.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lginpa2
May 30, 2025
We made it, thanks to our personal guide! - We had the pleasure of doing 2 tours with Ecuador A Color, both with Pato as our guide. He sure knows everything about Quito and Ecuador! The pick up and drop off at our hotel was included and greatly appreciated. And as an added bonus Pato’s picture taking skills are great, now we have more memories of our 2 days.
- Horseback riding was a lot of fun and we were given clear instructions and always felt safe. The Cotopaxi national park area we rode in was so beautiful with a view of Cotopaxi the entire time. The time spent here helped us adjust to the altitude.
- Hiking to the Cotopaxi refuge was a goal of our trip and it sure was challenging. We’re so glad we booked a private guide since we’re seniors in our 70’s, and if it weren’t for the encouragement and patience of Pato I would not have made it, but I did! I almost forgot to mention that he provided hiking poles which really helped. It was a really awesome experience!
- After our hike we were treated to a great Ecuadorian meal at Rondador.
So, while it costs more than a group tour, if you want a great personalized guide with lots of patience, I can highly recommend going with Ecuador A Color.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessica
May 27, 2025
Hammer Good excursion as well as great guide - We had a super great day with Patricio (guide). He showed us a lot and explained it. Was always friendly and accommodating. Great view had during the tour. The tour is highly recommended with Patricio.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A376pfsarar
May 26, 2025
Highlight of our trip - This was the highlight of our Ecuador trip. Pato put a lot of effort into designing the perfect day trip in Cotopaxi National Park. You'll get a one-of-a-kind experience exploring Ecuador's highlands, pushing yourself to try new and unforgettable activities. I can't recommend Pato & this excursion enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ddachille
Apr 9, 2025
Amazing tour with awesome tour guide - We are a family of 2 adults and one 5 year old (infant ticket) and we had one of the best vacation experiences ever on this tour. Kathy, our awesome tour guide, picked us up at our hotel in Quito with her truck and was our private guide for the day. First the easy part, which was the horseback riding. My son got to ride on my horse, and we rode for one of the fastest hour ever around the foot of the volcano. Then we went to the hike which-- the weather and son's wardrobe malfunctions were not in our favor. We got unlucky to have a very hard headwind and cold rain in addition to the very steep hike. Regardless, Kathy was the utmost of patient with us and we eventually made it to the Rivas shelter. Unfortunately we did not have time to enjoy the lagoon because our hike took so long, but she did take us to the gift shops to get my son his hard earned souvenir. Despite the challenge, this was his favorite day and we loved Kathy so much we hired her for another tour the next day. Five stars!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisa_e
Apr 3, 2025
Must do tour! - This was the best tour we did in Quito! Pato was so friendly and knowledgeable! He made the day fun for our entire family, including 2 young kids. He even carried our 5 year old part of the hike so we could make it to the top of our hike. He made sure we were safe and comfortable the entire tour. This tour is definitely a must do while in Quito!
Review provided by Viator
Lisak2685
Apr 2, 2025
Must do your! - This was the best tour we did in Quito! Pato was so friendly and knowledgeable! He made the day fun for our entire family, including 2 young kids. He even carried our 5 year old part of the hike so we could make it to the top of our hike. He made sure we were safe and comfortable the entire tour. This tour is definitely a must do while in Quito!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
