Ecuador Travel Expert
About this tour
Are you ready to travel with horses to the Rumiñahui volcano in the national park of Cotopaxi?
The day starts with hotel pick-up in Quito and a scenic 2 hour drive along the Avenue of Volcanoes. At the ranch you meet your horse, get fitted with all the gear and a short horse riding lesson. So complete beginners are welcome. Then you set off across the flanks of Ruminahui volcano (15,489 ft / 4,721 m) with a local guide who knows the best viewpoints. Along the way you spot Andean birds, wild horses and cattle, and hear the region's Indigenous history and culture. On a clear day you can see up to twelve volcanoes on the horizon.
Back at the ranch you sit down to a three-course lunch before the drive back to your hotel in Quito.
You do not need to be an experienced rider. We match you to a calm horse and the Andes Mountains views do the rest.
— Jonatan Chimarro, Ecuador Travel Expert
$199
- Ride Beneath Cotopaxi! Cross the high paramo of Cotopaxi National Park on horseback. Ride past the flanks of Ruminahui volcano. Follow trails only a local guide knows.
- A certified local guide who knows the region and rides with you the whole day; guide speaks English and Spanish.
- Twelve Volcanoes on a Clear Day! Watch for Andean birds, wild horses and cattle, and count the snow peaks of the other volcanoes nearby when the sky opens up.
- Three-Course Ranch Lunch! Come off the trail to a full sit-down lunch at the ranch before your private drive back to Quito.
- Duration
- 1 day
- Group size
- 1–16 people
- Physical intensity
- High
- Activities
- Animal Spotting, Hiking
- Environment
- Mountains, Sun, Volcano
- Key wildlife
- Birds
- Best months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Region
- Andes Mountains
- Transportation from Hotel Quito to Cotopaxi.
- English speaking tour guide.
- Horse that is used to travel with tourists.
- Lunch.
- Alcoholic beverages, personal expenses and tips.
- Travel, medical and cancellation insurance.
What is the Cotopaxi horseback tour within the Andes Mountains like?
A high-intensity ride through Cotopaxi National Park. Cross paramo grasslands beneath Ruminahui volcano (15,489 ft). Enjoy a 3-course lunch. Up to 12 volcanoes visible on clear days. Horse riding instructions are included.
Do I need riding experience for the Cotopaxi tour within the Andes Mountains?
It suits beginner-to-intermediate riders; instruction and equipment are provided.
What Andes Mountains tours does Viaaza offer?
Trips from Quito and Cuenca. Follow city and culture tours. See the equator line and Otavalo market. Go horseback riding at Cotopaxi, and hiking in the Mindo cloud-forest.
Are the Andes Mountains tours physically demanding?
Most are low-to-medium intensity. For example city walks and jungle hikes. The exception is the Cotopaxi Horseback tour, rated high intensity.
Can I customize a tour or build a private itinerary?
Yes, every tour is customizable, and Viaaza will design a private, tailor-made Ecuador itinerary around your dates, pace and interests.
Not sure yet? Ask an expert
- Which tour and dates suit you best
- The best time of year to visit
- Free advice, no obligation to book
Popular travel locations
Be the first to review this tour.
Follow us on social media
