Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way

5.0 (560 reviews) Quito, Ecuador
  1. Home
  2. Activities
  3. Quito
Duration9h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Why Choose This Experience?

• Our tour have an exceptional success rate reaching Cotopaxi Base Camp thanks to our experienced guides, flexible pace, and personalized support.

• Enjoy a scenic horseback ride through the less-visited side of Cotopaxi National Park, away from the crowds.

• Meet the Chagras, Ecuador's legendary Andean cowboys

• Your booking directly supports a local community development project.

• Led by experienced local guides with extensive knowledge of the area.

• No previous hiking or horseback riding experience is required.

• Experienced riders can have fun.

• Discover Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in S. America

• Maximize your time inside the National Park by enjoying lunch at Base Camp instead of hurrying up to leave the N.Park.

Please Note: This adventure is designed for travelers who enjoy outdoor challenges. Expect uneven roads, rapidly changing mountain weather, and high altitude. It is not recommended for guests with serious heart conditions.

Options

SHARED OPTION+Basecamp hike

Pick up and drop off main city
Pickup included

PRIVATE OPTION+customized hike

Pick up and drop off main city: Horseback portion might require to share with others depending on CHAGRAS cowboys (guides) we appreciate your support.
Pickup included

What's included

  • Private transportation
  • Driver guide
  • Horseback equipment
  • Horseback riding equipment
  • We will stop on the way for the participants to buy something packed for lunch to avoid loosing time or rushing to look for a place where to eat outside and enjoy more time inside the national park.

What to expect

  1. 15m
    Stop by for Groceries, water and food to get packed and bring to the National park.
  2. Cotopaxi National Park
    2h · Admission ticket included
    We will arrive to the North Gate of the Cotopaxi national park between 9:15 to 9:30 am aprox after driving along the Avenue of the Volcanoes
  3. Cotopaxi National Park
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Horseback ride will be the first activity along this day for about oke hour / only horseback ride inside the national park.
  4. Cotopaxi National Park
    45m
    We will drive after the horseback ride for about 35 minutes from 4000 meters (12000 feet) to 4550 meters (15000 feet) to start the hiking portion of the day.
  5. Cotopaxi Volcano
    1h 10m · Admission ticket included
    We will start the hike up to Basecamp objective 4900 meters (16000 feet) for about 1 hour aprox to arrive to Refugio José Rivas. Where we can eat and get hit drinks.
  6. Cotopaxi Volcano
    1h · Admission ticket included
    We will stay here and enjoy the Basecamp atmosphere and then descend to parking lot to start return
  7. Cotopaxi National Park
    3h
    We will leave the national using the south gate / touristy side. About 3 hours back from parking lot on the volcano

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Pick up time between 7:00 to 7:30 am depending on your location inside Quito's main city.

This info will be confirmed by 7 pm the day before once we know the final number of participants locations.

If you were located out of the pick up areas like: Cumbaya, Pifo, Tumbaco, Puembo, Sangolquí or Tababela (airport areas) we can arrange pick up and drop off for extra charge or we can arrange an spot for you to meet us by Uber.

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • 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.

Reviews

5.0 (560)
From
$130.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Footprint-Journeys Ecuador · Booked through Viator
More activities in Quito
From
$130.00 per person
Check availability