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Cotopaxi Hike & Horseback Riding Private Day Tour – Andes Adventure Experience

This Cotopaxi Hike & Horseback Riding Private Day Tour brings you into the heart of Ecuador’s high Andes—where vast páramo landscapes, icy winds, and the towering cone of Cotopaxi create one of the most dramatic settings in South America. Designed as an immersive Andes adventure tour, this experience blends soft mountain hiking with a traditional horseback ride led by local chagras, offering both the thrill of altitude and the peaceful rhythm of life on the páramo. With private guiding and curated stops, it’s the ideal one-day escape into the wilderness south of Quito.

Tour Details

Departure
All year round
Duration
8 hours approx
Group Size
Up to 12 travelers
Travel-Style
small group private experience
Recommended Age
6+ years old
Adventure Pace
Moderate (tooltips: balanced pace, active but not extreme)
Incluye
  • private transportation
  • bilingual guides
  • almuerzo
  • entrance fee
  • and horseback riding gear
No incluido
  • airfare
  • travel insurance
  • dinners
Takiri Tip
Bring at least 3 layers of clothing, the páramo can be cold and windy.

Itinerario

FULL DAY – COTOPAXI VOLCANO HIKE, ANDES LUNCH & CHAGRA HORSEBACK RIDE

Your adventure begins around 7:00 am as you leave Quito and travel along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, watching the scenery shift from urban foothills to open grasslands and snow-lined peaks. Entering Cotopaxi National Park, the air becomes crisp, and the wide Andean plains stretch out beneath the shadow of the glacier-covered volcano. The morning hike leads you to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 m (15,950 ft), a steady ascent marked by volcanic scree, cold mountain winds, and sweeping panoramic views—an unforgettable encounter with the high Andes.

After the descent, a nearby traditional hacienda welcomes you with a warm Andean lunch featuring local ingredients and mountain comfort dishes. In the afternoon, meet your chagra, the Andean horseman who will guide you across the páramo. The 2-hour horseback ride takes you through vast open fields where wild horses roam, hummingbirds dart between native shrubs, and Cotopaxi’s perfect cone rises in the distance. It’s a calm and immersive way to understand the scale and solitude of this landscape.

As the day winds down, begin the journey back to Quito, reaching your hotel in the late afternoon with the fresh mountain air still lingering.

Reseñas

Why Travel with Takiri

Our private Cotopaxi tour highlights meaningful encounters with the Andes—local chagras, traditional haciendas, and the vast, open páramo. With private guiding, slow-paced exploration, and responsible travel practices, our local expert tours create immersive moments that connect you to the people and landscapes that define Ecuador’s highlands.

Faqs

Is this private tour suitable for all ages?

Yes, this private experience is designed to be flexible and enjoyable for travelers of all ages. Because it’s a private tour, we tailor the pace, activities, and level of adventure to your needs, whether you’re traveling with young children or seniors. If you have specific mobility considerations or special requests, just let us know, and we’ll customize the experience accordingly.

Do you offer customized tours?

Yes, all our itineraries can be personalized up to your preferences and budget. Whether you want to upgrade your accommodations, extend your stay, or combine it with tours in Ecuador’s mainland or the Galapagos. You just need to contact us, and we’ll put together a trip for you.

How long is the drive from Quito?

The drive from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The route is straightforward and scenic, following the Pan-American Highway with views of valleys, dairy farms, and — on clear days — Cotopaxi’s snow-capped summit. Your guide will make rest stops as needed before entering the park and beginning the experience.

How difficult is the hike to José Rivas Refuge?

The hike to the José Rivas Refuge is considered moderate, mainly due to the altitude rather than the distance. You’ll hike from the parking area at around 4,500 m (14,760 ft) up to the refuge at 4,864 m (15,958 ft) on a sandy, gravel-like trail. Most travelers take 45–60 minutes at a slow, steady pace with breaks to catch their breath. Your guide will adapt the rhythm, provide tips for hiking at high altitude, and ensure the experience is safe and enjoyable.

Is the horseback ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The 2-hour horseback ride in the páramo is fully suitable for beginners and first-time riders. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced local chagra (Andean horseman) who will match you with the right horse, explain the basics, and guide you through open highland landscapes at an easy pace. Riders with experience can go a bit faster, but the activity is designed to be comfortable, safe, and enjoyable for all levels.

Can the tour end directly at the airport?

Yes. We can finish the tour with a direct drop-off at Quito Airport (UIO). Just let us know your flight details in advance so we can schedule the timing comfortably.

Related tours

From $ 200

Precio mínimo garantizado

  • You can cancel up to 30 days before and get a full refund!
  • Disponible todo el año
Contactos
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