Horseback riding above Quito on Pichincha Volcano

Climb to 15,000 feet on horseback and see thirteen volcanic peaks from Pichincha

A private half-day horseback ride on Pichincha Volcano above Quito, starting with a cable car ascent to Cruz Loma at 4,050 meters. After the TelefériQo ride, you spend three hours in the saddle exploring the Andean high country, reaching up to 15,000 feet with views of snow-capped peaks including Antisana, Cotopaxi and Cayambe. A certified guide leads in English or Spanish, and hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cable car and horseback tour

• Ride Quito’s Teleférico cable car
• Explore Pichincha Volcano on horseback

The experience

The TelefériQo cable car is South America's highest, rising from 2,950 meters to 4,050 meters at Cruz Loma on the flank of Pichincha Volcano. The ride itself takes you above Quito's sprawl into the thin air where the city falls away and the volcanic landscape opens up. From the top station, you mount your horse and spend the next three hours riding deeper into the high Andes, climbing toward 15,000 feet (4,600 meters) as the terrain shifts from scrub and rock to the raw alpine environment where Quito's ring of volcanoes comes into full view.

On a clear day, the panorama includes Antisana, Cotopaxi and Cayambe, plus up to thirteen other volcanic summits that encircle Ecuador's second-highest capital. The ride is private (a maximum of two people per booking), so the pace and stops are yours to set with your guide. Your guide speaks English or Spanish and carries bottled water for the ascent. The whole outing runs about five hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, with the cable car and Teleferico entrance fee included.

Dress for cold and wind at altitude, and bring layers even if Quito feels warm at ground level. The operator runs the ride in most weather conditions, so rain or clouds don't cancel it, though clear skies make the volcano views worth the climb.

What’s included

• Horses.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• bottled water.
• entrance fee to the TelefériQo cable car.
• all activities.
• private vehicle transport.
• certified guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (12 to 65 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Latin Adventures Cía Ltda

Is this one for you?This is a private ride for up to two people, so you control the pace and stops without a group schedule. Book it if you want the high-altitude views and the horseback experience without sharing the day with strangers.

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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 (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the TelefériQo cable car and how high does it go?

The TelefériQo is South America's highest cable car, starting at 2,950 meters above sea level and ending at 4,050 meters at Cruz Loma, a point on the flank of Pichincha Volcano adjacent to Quito. The ride lifts you from the city into the high Andes in a single ascent.

How long do you spend on horseback during this ride?

You spend three hours in the saddle exploring Pichincha Volcano and the surrounding Andean landscape after the cable car ride. The total outing, including pickup, the cable car and drop-off, runs about five hours.

What volcanoes can you see from the top of Pichincha?

On a clear day, you can see Antisana, Cotopaxi and Cayambe, plus up to thirteen other volcanic peaks and summits that ring Quito. Pichincha itself is an active stratovolcano whose eastern slopes wrap around the city.

Is this ride suitable for someone who has never ridden horses before?

The operator rates this ride as suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers. Children are welcome from age five.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the ride?

The ride operates in most weather conditions, so rain or clouds do not cancel it. You should dress appropriately for cold and wind at altitude, and bring layers even if Quito feels warm at ground level.