Cotopaxi: Horseback Ride & Beginner Hike with Local Cowboy

Summary

Andes adventure on horseback then hiking Cotopaxi’s wild heights

You’ll ride horses across Cotopaxi’s high plains with a local cowboy guide, then hike (or stroll) through volcanic landscapes up toward José Ribas Refuge or around Limpiopungo Lagoon. Expect crisp air, real Andean food for lunch, llama encounters, and those quiet moments when the clouds part over Cotopaxi — it sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the cold air biting my cheeks as we saddled up near Cotopaxi — not sharp exactly, but clean, almost sweet. Our guide, Juan (he called himself a “chagra,” which I guess is like an Andean cowboy), helped me onto my horse and grinned when I asked if it had a name. “Lucero,” he said, patting its neck. The grass was still wet from last night’s rain and every so often you’d hear distant thunder from the volcano — or maybe that was just my nerves.

We rode for about an hour and a half across these wide-open highlands, passing herds of wild horses and the kind of tiny yellow flowers you only notice when you’re moving slow enough. My hands kept slipping on the reins because I forgot gloves (pro tip: bring some). Juan pointed out a condor circling way up — I squinted but honestly couldn’t see it until he handed me his old binoculars. He laughed at how long it took me to spot it. This Cotopaxi horseback riding tour isn’t fast or fancy, but there’s something grounding about the rhythm of hooves and the wind in your ears.

After we said goodbye to Lucero (I gave her an apple core — hope that’s allowed), we drove up toward the parking lot for the hike part. The altitude hit me faster than expected; you start at 14,700-something feet and climb to nearly 16,000. Our guide kept us slow, stopping every ten minutes so nobody got dizzy. The volcanic gravel crunches under your boots in this oddly satisfying way. At one point clouds rolled in so thick we could barely see each other — then suddenly they’d break open and you’d get this wild sweep of mountains all around. It felt like being inside someone else’s dream.

If you’re not up for that much climbing, there’s a walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon instead — flat trail, easier breathing, more time to watch llamas chewing grass by the water. We ended with lunch somewhere warm (can’t remember the name but they served potato soup with cheese that tasted smoky from the wood stove) and got to feed llamas bits of carrot. My friend tried to take a selfie with one but it just stared back looking deeply unimpressed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cotopaxi Volcano Horseback Ride and Hike

• Depart from your location at 7:30AM
• Travel along Avenue of the Volcanoes
• Horseback ride for 1.5 hours at 12,800ft
• Drive 35 minutes to parking lot
• Hike from 14,763ft to José Ribas Refuge at 15,958ft
• Take frequent stops with water and snacks
• Optionally hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon
• Enjoy local cuisine and feed llamas
• Return to hotel around 5PM

Top questions

How long is the Cotopaxi horseback riding tour?

The horseback riding lasts about 1.5 hours at high altitude.

Is prior experience needed for horseback riding?

No experience is required; guides help beginners throughout.

What altitude does the hike reach on this day trip?

The main hike goes from 14,763ft up to 15,958ft at José Ribas Refuge.

Can I choose an easier hiking option?

Yes, there’s a flat trail around Limpiopungo Lagoon at about 12,800ft if preferred.

Does this Cotopaxi day trip include lunch?

Yes, lunch featuring local cuisine is included after activities.

Are hotel pickups included in this Cotopaxi tour?

Yes, pickup from your location in Quito is included in the tour price.

What animals might I see during this tour?

You may see wild horses, llamas near the lagoon, and possibly condors overhead.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or families?

Yes; both horseback riding and hiking are beginner-friendly with options for all fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Quito, all entry fees for Cotopaxi activities, rental of horses for your ride with a local cowboy guide by your side throughout both riding and hiking portions (or lagoon walk), plus a traditional Andean lunch before returning in the evening — even time to feed llamas if you want.