Horseback Riding in Baños: Cafe del Cielo & Casa del Arbol

Climb Tungurahua on horseback to Cafe del Cielo, then swing at two extreme viewpoints.

A small-group horseback ride in Baños takes you up Tungurahua mountain to Cafe del Cielo, a high viewpoint overlooking the town and surrounding peaks, then down through Casa del Arbol and Bellavista. The guide speaks Spanish and basic English, points out the region's geography and history, and the ride lasts approximately five hours. You get a helmet, rain poncho and a 30-minute break at an extreme swing called Vuelo del Condor. A second swing at Casa del Arbol is optional and costs extra.

The experience

You meet your guide and walk about ten minutes to the starting point, then climb with the horses on a mountain path toward Cafe del Cielo: "Coffee in the Sky" in Spanish. The ride gains elevation as you move through Tungurahua's slopes. At the top, the view opens onto Baños and the surrounding mountains. This is where the guide shares information about the region and you can rest before heading back down.

The return route passes through two famous stops. First is Vuelo del Condor, an extreme swing built out over the mountainside, where you get a 30-minute break to swing and recover from the ride. Next is Casa del Arbol (Tree House), another swing spot where you spend about 15 minutes. You come close to the active volcano Tungurahua on the way down. The final stretch takes a different path and passes through Bellavista, another viewpoint before you return to town.

The guide speaks Spanish fluently and basic English. Children are welcome from age eight. The extreme swing at Casa del Arbol is optional and costs extra. The swing at Vuelo del Condor is included in the ride.

What’s included

• A Spanish-speaking local guide.
• helmet and rain poncho.
• a 30-minute break at Vuelo del Condor extreme swing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 1

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kajol Lavan Travel

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to see Casa del Árbol, Bellavista, and Cafe del Cielo in one outing with a Spanish-speaking guide, but have only a half-day available.

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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: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 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 Cafe del Cielo and why is it the main stop on this ride?

Cafe del Cielo is a high viewpoint on Tungurahua mountain overlooking Baños and the surrounding peaks. It is the destination of the climb and the place where you rest and take in the view before the descent begins.

How much time do I spend actually riding versus at the viewpoint stops?

The full ride lasts approximately five hours. You spend about 30 minutes at Vuelo del Condor swing and 15 minutes at Casa del Arbol. The rest is climbing and descending on horseback through the mountain paths.

What happens at the extreme swings, and are they included?

Vuelo del Condor is an extreme swing built over the mountainside where you have a 30-minute break to swing and rest. Casa del Arbol has another swing and you spend about 15 minutes there. The swing at Vuelo del Condor is included. The one at Casa del Arbol is optional and costs extra.

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

Yes, the ride is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Children are welcome from age eight. The guide will give tips and information as you go, and the pace is set for a small group.