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Cotopaxi Horseback Ride and Hike
Embark on a unique horseback riding and hiking adventure in Cotopaxi National Park. Explore the stunning landscapes and challenge yourself with a journey to the base camp.
Embark on a unique horseback riding and hiking adventure in Cotopaxi National Park. Explore the stunning landscapes and challenge yourself with a journey to the base camp.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
-
Avenida De Los Volcanes - The journey will take us along the renowned Avenue of the Volcanoes, marked on GPS as Avenida de los Volcanes. Along the way, there will be a stop at a gas station to use the restrooms, purchase lunch, and stock up on water and snacks for the day.
The drive will pass between the volcanoes Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, and…
- Avenida De Los Volcanes - The journey will take us along the renowned Avenue of the Volcanoes, marked on GPS as Avenida de los Volcanes. Along the way, there will be a stop at a gas station to use the restrooms, purchase lunch, and stock up on water and snacks for the day.
The drive will pass between the volcanoes Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, and Sincholagua, leading to the Cotopaxi Volcano.
- Northern entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park - Upon reaching this entrance, visitors can purchase coca leaf bags or candies to alleviate altitude issues. It’s also a great place to buy locally made gloves, hats, and ponchos.
- Cotopaxi National Park - Inside the National Park, the adventure begins with a horseback riding experience. Participants will be equipped with helmets and ponchos before setting off on a less-traveled path, offering stunning views and a chance to connect with nature.
- Parqueadero al refugio Cotopaxi - After the horseback ride, a 30-minute drive will take us from 12,000 feet to 15,000 feet, where we will park and embark on a 1.5-mile hike to Basecamp. This offers an incredible experience and breathtaking views, akin to being on another planet.
- Barrio el Caspi - The return journey will take us back to Quito via the tourist route.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Driver guide
- Horseback equipment
- Horseback riding equipment
- Private transportation
- Driver guide
- Horseback equipment
- Horseback riding equipment
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Lunch
Additional Information
- Experience horseback riding exclusively within this National Park. Others ride outside the park.
- Enjoy the perfect blend of horseback riding and hiking through two distinct landscapes.
- Avoid long lines by entering the National Park through a less touristy route and exiting via the regular path.
- No prior horseback riding experience is necessary….
-
Experience horseback riding exclusively within this National Park. Others ride outside the park.
-
Enjoy the perfect blend of horseback riding and hiking through two distinct landscapes.
-
Avoid long lines by entering the National Park through a less touristy route and exiting via the regular path.
-
No prior horseback riding experience is necessary.
The journey begins at 7 am from Quito, taking an alternative route into the National Park and exiting through the main entrance.
Travel past three volcanoes: Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, and Sincholagua, along the renowned Avenue of the Volcanoes.
1st Activity: Horseback Riding.
Following the horseback ride, there will be a half-hour drive to a parking area situated at 14,800 feet (4,700 meters) above sea level, where the hike to the Base Camp will commence.
This experience is not recommended for those who are not adventurous, dislike bumpy roads, are sensitive to changing weather, or have heart conditions.
- Personas con prótesis
- No es recomendable para personas con problemas respiratorios
- No recomendable para personas que odias salir su zona de confort
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
(338 Ratings)
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Y768hzjustynap
Oct 10, 2025
Awesome experience with awesome companions! - Unforgettable experience! I’ve had an amazing time with my tour guide DarÃo, who is a great and knowledgable companion, always ready to drop more and more information about the national park, always willing to help if needed.
Every part of our Cotopaxi journey was explained beforehand, what makes the tour very beginners-friendly for both the horseback riding and hiking part. There is no need to hesitate before booking - horses are well behaved and hike to Cotopaxi’s base camp is not so long, the biggest challenge is going to be the altitude!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
859zacr
Oct 6, 2025
Great Experience! - Had an amazing experience, everything was well organized and the day was unforgettable. Would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tim_m
Oct 3, 2025
Amazingly Sacred Tour - The tour of Cotapaxi was amazing. My guide Jorge picked me at my hotel in a fancy 4wd truck and after that I knew this was going to be an adventure filled day. My guide drove us into the national park thru a less traveled entrance which allowed me to see alot of the small local villages along the way. We had great weather and from the park entrance I could already see the 19,000 ft towering Cotapaxi capped in snow with swirling clouds. Along the way towards the volcano, we saw many beautiful wild horses out grazing. We eventually arrived at the Tambopaxi stables where I saddled up for an hour ride on my horse named Ilena. I have never ridden before but I got some helpful riding tips and she was so gentle and easy to ride. Along the horse back ride my guide stoped several times to capture some great pics of me dressed in an Ecuadorian sarape which they provided with ofcourse Cotopaxi in the background. Afterwards we stopped in the hacienda near the stables for lunch. The potato soup and coca tea were so tasty and nourishing. Finally, my guide drove us further into the park to the lagoon where we did an hour long hike and captured some incredible pics of the other side of Cotapaxi. For sure this tour is a must do for anyone who wants a unique experience. The whole tour felt spiritual and sacred being in a place so near the earths equator. Thank you Jorge for an amazing day!
Review provided by Viator
Elena_k
Sep 30, 2025
Nice - Horse riding was a lot of fun. That was my first time on the horse, love it, we were also lucky with the weather. The hike was difficult for me, I did not make it to the base camp, altitude got me. Long drive and the bus is not very comfortable. Overall priceless memories.
Review provided by Viator
Courtney_v
Sep 29, 2025
This was a wonderful day... - This was a wonderful day trip! Jorge was very knowledgeable about the area and made the day fun! There were very few other tourists along the way so nothing was overcrowded. I would definitely recommend to others.
Review provided by Viator
Christopher_g
Sep 29, 2025
Thank you Jorge! - Argh I wrote a glowing review then Viator ate it. The gist is basically that this was an incredible full day adventure!! Jorge was a fantastic guide. Very clear communication, picked me up right on schedule, had a very clear plan for the day and filled us in throughout the way. Loved the horseback riding and didn't expect how much I would love the hike!
Review provided by Viator
Kelsey_k
Sep 29, 2025
Jorge was amazing! We did... - Jorge was amazing! We did get stuck in the protest but he handled it so well! Just know that there is snow on the summit, so to dress really warm and for snow/ice/rain conditions. He told me to dress warm but I was not expecting it to be that cold. That was my fault. But overall it was an amazing tour! And the summit hike at that altitude is hard as well, just be prepared.
Review provided by Viator
Tom_j
Sep 27, 2025
If you only do one trip, do this one. - Fantastic adventure - absolutely stunning views and a great experience. Worth every cent for a once in a lifetime experience.
Review provided by Viator
Lucydallas
Sep 27, 2025
Stunning! - Our trip with Jorge was amazing! The area we visited was absolutely stunning. The horses were great and it was a wonderful way to see the terrain. The hike to the base camp was great but definitely a challenge for those of us from sea level. I would absolutely recommend this tour. I had no trouble with the altitude at all.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sonaln992
Sep 25, 2025
Horseback riding and cotopaxi hike - Our guide Dario was amazing! The entire experience was exceptional. The non tourist route was definitely the way to go. Scenery amazing and felt like we had the entire national park to ourselves!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
