Explore the breathtaking Andean highlands and Cotopaxi National Park on a guided horseback ride. Ride alongside local Chagras and navigate high-altitude grasslands at the base of the active volcano.
Free Cancellation Explore Cotopaxi on horseback, meet traditional Chagras, and hike to the volcano's high-altitude base camp.
Free Cancellation Ride horses through Andean highlands and hike to the 4,864m José Ribas Refuge on Cotopaxi, an active volcanic peak.
Free Cancellation Ride through Cotopaxi National Park with a local chagra and private guide on a customizable Andean mountain trek.
Free Cancellation Explore Cotopaxi National Park on horseback and hike the Limpiopungo lagoon trail on this day trip from Quito.
Free Cancellation Ride through Cotopaxi National Park on horseback, exploring volcanic landscapes and traditional Andean culture.
Free Cancellation Ride across the Andean highlands on horseback, hike the slopes of Cotopaxi, and see the Limpiopungo Lagoon.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Cotopaxi — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A Cotopaxi horseback riding tour offers a thrilling and immersive way to experience one of the world's highest active volcanoes. You will leave the bustling streets of Quito behind to explore the wind-swept Andean páramo, ride alongside local cowboys, and test your lungs on a high-altitude hike.
Many tours pair you with traditional Andean cowboys, known as Chagras. You will learn about their deep-rooted mountain culture while riding sturdy horses suited for the rugged terrain.
Trot across vast, grassy plains dotted with ancient lava fields. The raw, wind-swept environment sits at over 3,500 meters, offering an unfiltered connection to the Andean wilderness.
Dismount and tackle the steep, 45-minute trek up red volcanic scree to the famous refuge at 4,800 meters. Reward your burning lungs with hot cocoa and panoramic views.
Visit this beautiful high-altitude wetland at 3,800 meters. On clear days, the perfectly symmetrical, glacier-capped cone of Cotopaxi reflects brilliantly in the calm waters.
Keep your eyes peeled as you ride. The national park is a protected haven for semi-wild horses, llamas, Andean gulls, hummingbirds, and soaring condors.
Experience the sheer scale of the 5,897-meter stratovolcano up close. If the weather holds, you will get spectacular views of the tropical glaciers clinging to the upper slopes.
Planning a horseback ride at Cotopaxi requires a bit of preparation due to the extreme altitude and unpredictable mountain weather. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.
Most Cotopaxi horseback tours are full-day excursions from Quito, lasting between 8 and 10 hours. You can choose between budget-friendly small group tours or private experiences that let you set your own pace on the trails.
While entry to Cotopaxi National Park is free of charge, you are legally required to present a valid passport to the park rangers at the entrance gate. Do not leave your hotel without it, or you will be denied entry.
The base altitude starts at 3,500 meters, and the refuge hike reaches 4,800 meters. These tours require a moderate level of fitness and are not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.
Mountain weather changes violently in minutes. You must wear multiple warm layers, a wind/rainproof shell, gloves, and a warm hat. High-factor sunscreen and sunglasses are also strictly required due to intense UV rays.
Most tours include early morning pickup (around 7:00 AM) from central Quito hotels in areas like Old Town, La Carolina, or Plaza Foch. If you are staying outside these zones, such as near the airport, expect an extra fee of around $35.
Inclusions vary by operator. Some premium tours include a boxed lunch or a traditional hacienda meal, while others stop on the way so you can buy packed snacks. Always bring extra water and energy bars for the hike.
Mountain weather can alter plans, but most tour operators offer a flexible cancellation policy. You can typically get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
You don't need to be an expert equestrian to enjoy these tours. The local Chagras provide calm, sure-footed horses and safety equipment, making the ride suitable for beginners and families with older children.
| Private Horseback & Hike | Off-the-Beaten-Path Group Tour | Premium Hacienda Ride | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8-10 hours | 9 hours | 9 hours |
| Best for | Beginners and couples wanting a personalized pace | Budget-conscious travelers and solo adventurers | Those wanting a cultural touch with local cuisine |
| Includes | Private transport, guide, horse rental, park entry logistics | Shared transport, Chagra guide, riding equipment | Box lunch, welcome canelazo, private transport, certified guide |
| Price from | $190 | $130 | $199 |
Cotopaxi National Park operates with strict entry times to ensure visitor safety on the mountain.
Pro Tip: Arrive exactly at 8:00 a.m. The volcano's peak is usually clear in the early morning, but heavy clouds and thick fog typically obscure the views by late morning.
Cotopaxi is located approximately 50 kilometers south of Quito. If you aren't taking a guided tour with included transport, here is how to arrive:
The high Andes have a highly unpredictable climate, but certain months offer better conditions for exploring Cotopaxi.
Best Months: December through February (summer) and March through May (fall) are ideal. December to February offers the least amount of wind, making hiking and horseback riding much more comfortable.
Worst Months: The windier months (July and August) can make the high-altitude paramo bitterly cold and dusty. Regardless of the month, aim for a weekday visit to avoid the massive crowds of local tourists that arrive on weekends and national holidays.
Due to its rugged terrain and extreme elevation, Cotopaxi presents significant accessibility challenges.
Facilities inside the national park are very limited, so it is best to come prepared.
Cotopaxi is a highly protected conservation area and an active volcano. Strict rules apply to all visitors:
No prior experience is necessary. The tours are designed for all skill levels, and the local Chagra guides will match you with a calm, sure-footed horse and provide basic instruction before you set off into the paramo.
Ecuador abolished national park entrance fees years ago, so entry is actually free. However, your tour operator handles the mandatory registration process at the gate, for which you must bring your physical passport.
You must dress in multiple warm layers, including a fleece, a wind and rainproof jacket, gloves, and a warm hat. The weather can transition from hot sunshine to freezing rain in minutes, so waterproof gear is essential.
The park entrance sits at about 3,500 meters. The horseback riding portion usually takes place around 3,800 meters near Limpiopungo Lagoon, while the optional hike takes you up to the José Ribas refuge at 4,800 meters.
Because you ascend rapidly from Quito to over 4,000 meters, acute mountain sickness is a real risk. To minimize symptoms, spend a few days acclimatizing in Quito beforehand, drink plenty of water, and walk very slowly during the hike.
Inclusions vary by operator. Some premium tours include a box lunch or a meal at a traditional hacienda, while budget tours usually stop along the way so you can purchase packed snacks. Always bring extra water and energy bars.
Yes, adventurous families are welcome. Horseback riding in the high-altitude grasslands is generally suitable for children aged 8 and older, provided they are dressed warmly enough to handle the crisp mountain air.
Tours operate in all weather conditions, which is why packing waterproof gear is mandatory. Sudden snowstorms and heavy fog are common in the high Andes, adding to the rugged adventure of the experience.
Summit views are entirely dependent on the weather. Tours start early in the morning because the peak is usually clear right after sunrise, but thick fog and clouds frequently roll in by late morning, completely obscuring the volcano.
Most operators offer free pickup from centrally located hotels in areas like Old Town, La Carolina, and Plaza Foch. If you are staying further out, such as in Cumbaya or near the airport, expect an additional pickup fee of around $35.
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This tour explores the quieter trails of Cotopaxi National Park, away from the typical tourist crowds. You will spend time riding through the Andean highlands alongside local Chagras—Ecuador’s traditional cowboys—to learn about their mountain culture. The ride is designed for all skill levels; beginners will get plenty of support, while experienced riders will have the opportunity to pick up the pace. Following the ride, the group heads toward the Cotopaxi Base Camp. Our guides maintain a flexible pace to help everyone manage the altitude, and we stay for lunch at the refuge rather than rushing out of the park. This gives you more time to take in the views of South America's highest active volcano and increases the likelihood of reaching the camp comfortably. Your visit directly supports a local community development project and is led by guides from the area. Because this trip involves uneven terrain, high altitudes, and unpredictable mountain weather, it is best suited for travelers who enjoy physical challenges. It is not recommended for individuals with serious heart conditions.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Located within easy reach of Quito, Cotopaxi National Park is home to one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. This excursion focuses on exploring the Andean landscape through a combination of horseback riding in the high-altitude grasslands and a trek to the mountain's primary base camp. The centerpiece of the trip is the hike to the José Ribas Refuge, situated at 4,864 meters (15,958 feet). As you ascend, you will navigate the volcanic terrain and observe the unique flora and fauna native to the paramo ecosystem. The itinerary provides a practical way to experience the scale of the Andes and the specific ecology of the Cotopaxi region.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour starts with a private pickup from Quito by an English-speaking guide who remains with you throughout the day. Upon arriving at Cotopaxi National Park, you will meet a local 'chagra' (Andean cowboy) from Machachi who will lead the ride. While most tours operate on the park’s outskirts, this experience takes place entirely within the national park, providing a rare opportunity to explore the high-altitude trails directly beneath the volcano. The ride is flexible, allowing you to choose between a two-hour scenic route or a more extensive four-hour trek. As you traverse the paramo, you will look for wild horses and navigate the unique volcanic landscape. Having both a bilingual guide and a traditional horseman ensures a safe, informative experience that focuses on the authentic equestrian culture of the Ecuadorian Andes.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Quito for the 90-minute drive south to Cotopaxi National Park. The route passes through rural villages and mountain scenery before arriving at the park, where you will meet a local guide and gear up with helmets and ponchos. You will then spend two to three hours on horseback, riding through the Andean grasslands at the base of the volcano. Following the ride, you will have a lunchbox before continuing to the Limpiopungo lagoon. This high-altitude wetland features a flat, one-hour hiking trail where you can observe native plants and local bird species. On the return journey, you can choose to stop at a local restaurant for a meal or head directly back to the city. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Your day begins with a 7:00 AM pickup for the drive to El Pedregal, an area southeast of Quito nestled between the Rumiñahui, Pasochoa, Sincholagua, and Cotopaxi volcanoes. Upon arrival at a traditional Andean hacienda, you will be welcomed with a hot canelazo and have the opportunity to dress in the authentic sheepskin chaps and ponchos worn by the local Chagra cowboys. The tour features a two-hour horseback ride through the high-altitude grasslands of Cotopaxi National Park. This route provides a close look at the local ecosystem and the iconic snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano. After exploring the volcanic trails and learning about the region's rural heritage, you will return to Quito in the afternoon.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This trip through Cotopaxi National Park begins with a 90-minute horseback ride across the Andean páramo. You will navigate the high-altitude grasslands at the base of the volcano, following trails used by local riders. Afterward, there is an optional hike up to the José Rivas Refuge, which sits high on the mountain's flank and offers a clear view of the glacier and the valley below. The tour also includes a visit to the Limpiopungo Lagoon, a glacial lake known for its resident birdlife and views of the surrounding peaks. To wrap up the afternoon, you will stop for a traditional Ecuadorian lunch at a nearby lodge, focusing on local ingredients and regional flavors.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish