Cotopaxi Volcano: Horseback Ride & Hike to José Ribas Refuge

Ride into the Andes, then climb to where the air gets thin

You ride horses through highland grassland for 1.5 hours, then hike to a high-altitude refuge with views of the Andes, all guided by someone who knows the mountain. Lunch and entry fees are covered, and if the main hike feels too steep, you can choose the lagoon loop instead. Hotel pickup and return keep the logistics simple.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cotopaxi Volcano Horseback Ride and Hike

• Depart from 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

The experience

You're picked up at 7:30am and the highlands open up around you almost immediately. Potato fields, cattle scattered across slopes, and Cotopaxi itself rising ahead, the highest active volcano in South America. The drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes takes about an hour, and your local guide meets you at the horse station. If you've never ridden before, don't sweat it. The 1.5-hour ride stays at 12,800 feet where the terrain is forgiving and the cowboy leading knows exactly how to pace a beginner. You're moving through páramo grassland, the air thinner than you expected but not punishing yet.

After the ride, there's a 35-minute drive to the parking lot where the real climb starts. You're heading from 14,763 feet up to the José Ribas high camp at 15,958 feet. That's a push, and the guide won't pretend otherwise. But the pace is steady, there are frequent stops, and you get water and snacks along the way. The views open up as you climb: the Andes spreading out in every direction, other peaks visible on clear days, and the landscape getting sparser and more dramatic. If the altitude or the climb doesn't feel right, there's an alternative: a flat, easy loop around Limpiopungo Lagoon at the lower elevation, same incredible scenery, no summit push.

Lunch happens after you've come back down, and it's local food, not a packaged meal. Then there's the part that catches people off guard: you get to feed the llamas. It's a small thing but it lands differently when you're tired and the animals are curious and you're still standing at elevation in the middle of the Andes. The whole day loops back to your hotel around 5pm, so you're done before dark and you've actually done something, not just driven past it.

What’s included

Entry fees to Cotopaxi National Park, 1.5 hours of horseback riding with a local cowboy guide, the hike to José Ribas Refuge or the Limpiopungo Lagoon loop, lunch with local cuisine, horse rental, an air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers, water and snacks during the hike, and time to feed the llamas before returning to your hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ecuador a Color tour operator

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants to see the Andes up close and doesn't mind a full, active day. The horseback section handles the beginner riders, the hike has a gentler alternative if you need it, and the guide paces the whole thing so you're not scrambling.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

Do I need horseback riding experience?

No. The ride is designed for beginners and lasts 1.5 hours at a manageable pace. Your guide is a local cowboy who works with first-time riders regularly.

What's the altitude like?

You start at 12,800 feet on horseback, then hike from 14,763 to 15,958 feet. The climb is steady but challenging. If altitude concerns you, the Limpiopungo Lagoon option stays at 12,800 feet and is flat.

How long is the full day?

Pickup is at 7:30am, return around 5pm. That includes drive time, 1.5 hours riding, the hike, lunch, and llama feeding.

What's included?

Entry to Cotopaxi National Park, horse rental, lunch, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a local guide. Water and snacks during the hike are provided.

Is there a gentler option?

Yes. Instead of hiking to José Ribas, you can do a flat loop around Limpiopungo Lagoon at the same starting altitude. Same day structure, different route.

What should I bring?

Layers. The highlands are cold and weather changes fast. Sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen, and a hat. The guide and vehicle handle the rest.