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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
(107 Ratings)
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Laurie_b
Jan 25, 2026
Ismael is an excellent... - Ismael is an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable, super friendly, and definitely knows how to guide up at high altitudes.
The horseback riding was very fun. Calm horses and fun guide.
Review provided by Viator
A9622otkathyd
Jan 9, 2026
Best tour experience - We did a private tour to Cotopaxi and had an amazing experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared a lot about the area and its history, which made the trip even more meaningful. She respected our time, kept the day running smoothly, and was very easy to get along with. The price of the tour felt just right and comparable to similar tours we looked at. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a well-organized and memorable trip to Cotopaxi.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Keren_v
Dec 19, 2025
Must do - Highly recommended activity. We had an excellent guide and amazing time. The horseback riding was a highlight of the trip. Hike was challenging but the guide was patient and excellent about it. So much fun.
Review provided by Viator
Z8689ldserenap
Dec 9, 2025
A spectacular day in Cotopaxi. - Me and my partner had an unforgettable day in Cotopaxi and surroundings. Carolina was an amazing guide, very knowledgeable and caring and our driver Wilson took us back and forth safely and comfortably. We spent a splendorous day and enjoyed the incredible landscapes. Will do it again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edmondp178
Nov 16, 2025
Review for Gustavo – Cotopaxi Tour - We had an amazing experience with our guide, Gustavo, on our Cotopaxi tour. He is incredibly passionate and deeply knowledgeable about Ecuador — from its history and culture all the way to its biology and geology. Throughout the trip, he shared fascinating insights about the flora and fauna, turning the entire experience into a memorable and enriching learning journey.
Even though we had only a short stay in Quito, Gustavo went out of his way to show us around as we drove through the city, giving us a wonderful introduction to local life. His warmth, enthusiasm and genuine care made the tour truly special.
We enjoyed the day thoroughly and would gladly recommend him to any friend visiting Ecuador.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zachs647
Nov 11, 2025
Incredible Day-Trip to Cotopaxi - I can’t recommend this day trip to Cotopaxi enough—it was spectacular! We were picked up by our guide, Pato, at our hotel in Old Quito around 7:30 am. We then drove for a little over two hours to the northern entrance of Cotopaxi National Park—the rural scenery along the way was lovely—and on to a lodge in the park that offers horseback riding. The horseback-riding part of the trip proved to be an unexpected highlight. Riding through the paramo surrounded by volcanos on all sides was stunning; we even had an opportunity to gallop for a bit (which was admittedly nerve-racking being a horseback-riding novice!).
We then drove further into the park, parked the car, and hiked up to the highest lodge/reserve on Cotopaxi, which sits at 15,953 feet. The hike was breathtaking, literally, and the first part was made more challenging by biting wind and cold light rain. But the journey was very much worth it—the views from the top were incredible! The refreshments in the lodge were also a nice treat. We were even greeted on our drive out of the park with a cloud-free view of Cotopaxi in all its glory. We finished our trip with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant outside of the park before returning to Quito around 5:00 pm.
Pato was an excellent guide—knowledgeable, accommodating, and a great photographer. Definitely take this tour if you want a memorable experience in Ecuador!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fellowtraveler199054
Oct 6, 2025
Wonderful day - Had such an incredible time on this tour! Definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Ecuador. Ismael was an amazing guide the entire day and so informative. Loved the positivity and motivation especially during the hike up the volcano!! Learned and saw so much. The hike up the volcano is definitely no joke. It is difficult, but I never felt rushed and was able to acclimate to the elevation at my pace. The horseback riding gave picture perfect views! Lunch was delicious and conversation all day was effortless. Thank you Ismael for a wonderful day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_d
Aug 30, 2025
Amazing views and friendly people - We booked this tour the day before when we landed in Quito. Easy to book and good communication. There was just the two of us on our tour and our tour guide was fantastic! The tour company was called Ecuador a Color. Arrived on time and had so much information to tell us on the drive to and back from Cotopaxi. The horseback riding was great and had excellent views with lots of opportunities for photos. We only did the hike around the lagoon which was a good choice because we did not factor in altitude acclimation as we had only been in Ecuador for one day by this point and I found even the flat walk around the lake caused me to feel the elevation. But our guide was patient and let us take lots of breaks. He was very knowledgeable about the surrounding fauna and waterfowl which was really cool. My only suggestion would be to give yourself a few days in Ecuador to adjust to the elevation if you aren’t used to it before doing this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Harrych7063fi
Aug 27, 2025
Amazing tour - Had an amazing trip to Cotopaxi. Was well taken care of by the tour guide Pamela. The horse are well trained and easy to ride without much experience. Cotopaxi national park is very breathtaking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
