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Cabalgata en Cotopaxi

$110 per person

A full-day group tour from Quito to Cotopaxi:

  • - Entrance to Cotopaxi National Park
  • - Traditional Andean riding gear
  • - 3-hour guided horseback ride
  • - Reach altitudes over 4,000 meters
  • - Lunch included
  • Miercoles
  • Viernes
  • Sabado
  • Domingo

Itinerary

“Generations have looked to Cotopaxi from horseback. You can be one of them.”

Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Este es un tour en grupo. Garantizamos salidas, incluso con una sola persona.

Tour Essentials

Tour languages: English & Spanish.

Average temperature: 6–16°C (43–61°F)
Expect weather with sun, clouds, wind, and sometimes light rain or even snow. Mountain weather can change quickly.

Pick Up in Quito

Your day tour begins with an easy pick-up from the two main areas in Quito. Please look for our white tour bus at these locations:

  1. 07:00 AM – Plaza Foch, en frente de Juan Valdez Café.
  2. 07:15 AM – Desde Plaza San Blas Café Zular.

Note: We recommend taking a taxi to these locations. Your guide will be there to check you in and introduce the group.

Machachi and Park Entrance

We drive south from Quito along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes. Before entering the park, we stop in Machachi at a local restaurant where you can buy breakfast, water, or snacks (not included). From there, we drive straight into the National Park toward the starting point of our adventure.

Preparation & Equipment

Upon arrival at the ranch (3,900m), we’ll welcome you with a warm cup of tea (included). You will meet your local horse handler and get fitted with traditional Andean riding gear: a poncho, zamarros (chaps), and a hat.

Tip: The sun is very strong at this altitude, so sunscreen is highly recommended!

Ride Through the Paramo

Once ready, we begin our 3-hour horseback ride. A local guide leads the way through the scenic mountain plains. Halfway through the journey, we will take a break to enjoy a box snack (included) while taking in the views of the volcano.

Galope: On the way back, if you feel secure and comfortable, you can try a faster canter or gallop with your horse!

Wildlife Spotting

After the ride, we return to the starting house. While we wait for the tour bus to pick us up (usually 30–45 minutes), you can walk around and try to spot local wildlife like white-tailed deer, wild horses, or Andean foxes.

We’ll rejoin the rest of the Cotopaxi tour group.

Almuerzo típico ecuatoriano.

We stop for an Ecuadorian lunch (included) with a starter, main course, and a drink. Please let us know about dietary restrictions in your booking.

Return to Quito

After lunch, we head back to Quito, arriving between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM at our original meeting points.

  • Heading South: If you are going to Latacunga, Baños, or Quilotoa, let our guide know. We can drop you off at a public transport point or arrange a private transfer.
  • Note

    Our itinerary may change based on the weather or other factors. Your guide will always make the best decision for the group. All times are approximate and may be adjusted during the day.

Precios

Cabalgata en Cotopaxi
$110 per person

Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

  • ZIncluye
  • - 3-hours of horseback riding
  • - English & Spanish-speaking guide during all other activities, except horseback riding
  • - Spanish-speaking horseback handler (basic English skills, responsible for managing the horses and leading the route)
  • - Horseback gear during horseback riding
  • - Poncho and sheepskin chaps during horseback riding
  • - Authorized tourist transport
  • - Lunch (menu-type meal)
  • - Permit to enter Cotopaxi National Park
  • Excluido
  • - Extra food, snacks and drinks
  • - Tips
  • - Taxes: Only applicable to Ecuadorian citizens and companies
  • What to Pack

For this tour wear comfortable clothing, shoes and be ready for weather conditions. Since we’ll be in the Andes, we recommend bringing:

  • - Gloves, scarf, and a hat
  • - A waterproof jacket
  • - Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • - Comfortable shoes and warm socks
  • - Water and snacks for energy

This list is a recommendation for extra comfort, it’s not required.

  • Good to Know
  • - The horseback ride is with a Spanish-speaking handler, with very basic English skills.
  • - The rest of the tour is always in English and Spanish
  • - Our guide is always there to support you
  • - Wear layers to stay ready for changing weather
  • - Acclimatize in Quito 1–2 days before the tour
  • - The guide may adjust the itinerary and schedule if necessary
Preguntas Frecuentes

Cabalgata en Cotopaxi

Q: What time does the Cotopaxi tour start?

The tour departs early to get the best views. We have two meeting points in Quito: Plaza Foch at 07:00 AM and Plaza San Blas at 07:15 AM. Please arrive 10 minutes early.

Q: Do I need experience to ride the horses?

No experience is needed! Our horses are calm and used to the mountain terrain. A local horse handler will lead the way, making it safe for beginners and first-time riders.

P: ¿Las comidas están incluidas en el tour?

Yes. We include a warm Ecuadorian lunch (starter, main course, and drink) and a small box snack during the horseback ride. We also provide a welcome tea at the ranch.

Q: Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join! However, we recommend a minimum age of 6 years old so they can comfortably handle the 3-hour ride. Please let us know the age of your children when booking.

Q: What should I wear for horseback riding?

We provide traditional ponchos and chaps (zamarros). You should wear comfortable long pants, a warm waterproof jacket, and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Don’t forget sunscreen, the Andean sun is very strong!

Q: What language does the horse handler speak?

The horse handler is a local expert who speaks Spanish and basic English. However, your main tour guide (who is with you for the rest of the day) is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and is always there to help.

Q: Does the altitude affect the horses or the ride?

We ride at over 4,000 meters. Because we move at a steady, walking pace, it is usually fine for most people. We recommend spending 1 or 2 days in Quito first to acclimatize to the altitude.