Private Tour
Cotopaxi Hike & Horse
Overview
Available languages
24 hours
Mobile ticket
What better way to experience the beautiful nature around Cotopaxi volcano than from the back of a horse?! Ride through the incredible Andes scenery of the Cotopaxi National Park. Take a hike up to the volcano surrounded by the amazing scenery of the Andes and learn more about the flora, geology, and rich history of the area.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 5 years
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Drive through the winding roads of the epic Andean landscape and into the Cotopaxi National Park. Your first activity will be to hike up to the refuge Jose Rivas, located on the northern flanks of Volcán Cotopaxi at 4,800 m (15,744 ft). Take a nice hot drink and enjoy the landscape of this magnificent place. In the afternoon, you will visit a local hacienda where you will have lunch and then you will get your gear, and prepare for the horseback ride. You will enjoy a 2 hour horseback ride in the middle of the Andes and we promise it is an experience you will never forget. After this, you will make your way back to Quito where you will be dropped off at your hotel for a well deserved rest.
What‘s Included
Guide (English and Spanish speaking)
Horseback riding
Horse Riding equipment
Lunch
Private transportation during the whole day.
24/7 support from our team.
Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Quito
Mandatory Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional activities
Tips for guides
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Cotopaxi Hike & Horse
Pickup included
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
One of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had
Y5188LRfrancescam,,Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the incredible opportunity to visit Cotopaxi with Takiri Travel, and it was truly one of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had. Our guide was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights and stories about the area throughout the day. After reaching the top of the volcano, we enjoyed an amazing cup of coca tea, a perfect moment to take in the altitude and the scenery. Then we went to a beautiful lodge for lunch, where the views of Cotopaxi and the surrounding landscape were absolutely breathtaking. To end the day, we went on a two-hour horseback ride, guided by another wonderful and attentive guide. This was, without a doubt, one of my favorite parts of the experience. Takiri Travel planned everything with such care and attention to detail, it was clear that every part of the trip was thoughtfully organised. I couldn’t recommend them more for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Ecuador.
Incredible!
714kelseyk,,Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing day! One of our trip highlights for sure. We were so glad we booked this tour and didn’t try to drive to the park ourselves. We got to see the best views of Cotopaxi, visit the refuge (the hike was the perfect combination of challenging but not too long!) and to top it off the horseback riding through the fields, canyons and streams of the park all with stunning views of the volcano. We saw lots of wild horses too!
Amazing Experience Angell was the BEST
Robert C,,May 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The hike is difficult but such an amazing learning experience. . Learned so much about the people and culture of Ecuador. The horseback riding was amazing- can not beat the views
Landscapes
Marion c,,Nov 26, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00The absolute stunning landscapes! Galloping through the valleys and reaching the cute house on top of the Cotopaxi!
Cotopaxi Hike & Horseback Ride
Attarah,,Oct 5, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was amazing! It's perfect if you have a limited amount of time to explore Ecuador. Our guide, Angel, was punctual and knowledgeable. During the drive to Cotopaxi, we learned a little of the history of Ecuador and the culture. We would definitely recommend this tour to family and friends.
Riding and Hiking to see stunning scenery
susanh86,,Mar 18, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Overall we had a great day. Manuel, our guide, was very knowledgeable about the area and spoke good English to explain all about the nature and culture of the area. The hike to the refuge at 4864m was harder than expected but worth the climb. We were lucky to see two Andean wolves/foxes Riding on the horses was a great way to see the landscape, and being given the outfits to wear made it more fun. The only reason we gave 4 not 5 star was because there was some confusion on the price. After booking the trip on line we asked to pay sixty dollars more per person because there were only two of us, it’s cheaper if more people go.
Best Day trip ever
Coastal10166111417,,Nov 28, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic trip with excellent personalized service. My wife and I were picked up at the house we were staying at in Quito but our guide Gerald. He was on time, courteous and was in a spacious and clean vehicle. He was nice enough to stop at a clean rest station for us to grab a coffee on the way there and during the ride there and back constantly gave us intriguing local facts about the country, the volcanos and generalized conversation. We got our selves fixed up at the entrance of the park where we were able to buy some gloves and snack and then proceeded to head for the base of the mountain, all the while, Gerald pointing out amazing facts. Once we hit the parking lot we proceeded up the volcano to the base camp where, although it was a tough climb, he was encouraging and and made the hike to base camp a blast. Making it to the base camp there was hot chocolate and cocoa leaf tea waiting for us for a needed break. After a brief rest we descended back to the parking lot were were were taken by vehicle to this beautiful hacienda/ ranch style restaurant where the food was great and FIFA was playing. we then left the restaurant where our horses, a guide and Gerald were waiting for us. The horse back ride was about 2 hours and was gorgeous and peaceful. With the end of the day trip concluded, we were brought back to the city by Gerald and dropped at our house by 6 pm. The day was perfect and turned out to be a bucket list trip for my wife and I. I would highly recommend Takiri travel tours, the Hike and Horse as well as ask for Gerald as you guide as he was awesome.
Recommended tour!
charlottemG1227FN,,Dec 19, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Cotopaxi hike&horse tour with Takiri travel and we had an amazing time! It was the only tour we could find that included both horseback riding inside the park and a hike up to the refuge, and we enjoyed both activities thoroughly. It gave us the chance to experience most of what the wonderful and diverse Cotopaxi national park has to offer. Our guide, Angel, was very helpful, he gave us lots of information and made sure we didn’t miss any photo opportunity. The agency was responsive and easy to reach - even though we booked only 2 days in advance, everything was very well organised, from pick-up to drop-off. We would definitely recommend taking this tour with Takiri!
Wonderful Day at Cotopaxi
Rodney B,,Nov 1, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family with two teens did this tour. We had stayed in Quito for five days and were fairly well acclimated when we hiked up to the refugio on Cotopaxi at almost 16,000 feet. We huffed and puffed a little bit but didn't suffer any headaches or sickness associated with altitude. The views were amazing. The refugio has bathrooms, a snack shop and places to stay for those hiking to the summit. There is even a small boulder cave. Dress in layers as you will be warmer hiking up and it gets colder when hiking down. We had snow at the refugio. After the hike we took a short drive to a wonderful restaurant in the park for lunch. The food was delicious and the views of Cotopaxi were great. We then drove a short distance to the horse back riding location. The horses were calm and followed commands well. This was the best riding experience we had as we wandered around the park with views of Cotopaxi and beautiful scenery. We highly recommend this tour. Takiri did a wonder job and our guide Angel was very friendly, probably our favorite guide of the trip!
Great tour!
lovenewplacesk,,Aug 3, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an awesome day tour visiting Cotopaxi and riding horses! Everything went very smoothly from our pick up at the hotel to drop off in the evening, and with attention to how we were doing all along the way. Tambopaxi was a lovely place to have lunch, with beautiful views of the volcano. Our guide Angel was great and had a good sense of humor! This was one of our favorite days on our Ecuador trip. We would definitely recommend this tour and company!
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