Horseback Riding in Cotopaxi National Park from Quito

Nine hours on horseback and foot through Ecuador's most iconic volcano

A full-day horseback riding adventure in Cotopaxi National Park from Quito combines 2.5 hours of riding through volcanic terrain, a hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon, and a climb to the Padre Rivas Refuge at 15,800 feet. Your guide picks you up from central Quito at 7 a.m., outfits you in traditional Chagra costume at a hacienda, and leads you through ravines, historical properties and indigenous communities. The route changes based on your choice: a longer mountain loop or a gentler forest path through the surrounding landscape.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Quito hotel at 7 a.m. and a drive to El Pedregal, a traditional Andean hacienda in the shadow of four volcanoes. A welcome drink of canelazo and the chance to dress in typical Ecuadorian Chagra clothing set the tone before you mount up. The 2.5-hour horseback section takes you through volcanic rock ravines, past historical haciendas and into indigenous communities, with the landscape shifting as you climb toward the park's high country.

After the ride, you hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon and explore the valley around it on foot. The route then continues higher into the sky-high region, stopping at the Padre Rivas Refuge at 15,800 feet (4,830 meters): an optional hike that rewards the effort with views across the Andes. You choose between a longer tour that loops through different mountains or a simpler route following forest roads and communities, so the day's intensity matches your preference.

Transport by private vehicle, a certified English or Spanish-speaking guide, and all riding equipment are included. Lunch arrives as part of the package: a box lunch on the shared tour or a two-course meal if you book the private service. The day ends with a return drive to your central Quito hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Quito.
• all riding equipment and horses.
• a certified guide speaking English or Spanish.
• transport by private vehicle to and from the park.
• a welcome drink of canelazo at the hacienda.
• the chance to wear traditional Chagra costume.
• lunch (box lunch on the shared tour, or a two-course meal on the private service).

Options for this experience

2 options

Shared tour, box lunch onlyUp to 14 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 07:00Includes pickup

Private service with a menu lunchUp to 12 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 08:00Includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 65 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

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 12 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?Choose the private service if you want a two-course lunch and smaller group size. The shared tour keeps costs lower and includes a box lunch. Both options run the same route and timing, so the difference is group size and what you eat.

Traveler reviews

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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 (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Padre Rivas Refuge and how high is it?

The Padre Rivas Refuge sits at 15,800 feet (4,830 meters) inside Cotopaxi National Park, offering views across the high Andes. Reaching it involves a hike after the horseback portion and is optional, so you can decide whether to make the climb on the day itself.

Can I choose between a harder ride and an easier one?

Yes. You can pick a longer tour that loops through different mountains or a simpler route following forest roads and communities around the haciendas and indigenous settlements, so the day's difficulty matches what you want.

What happens at the hacienda before the ride starts?

At the traditional Andean hacienda in El Pedregal, you receive a welcome drink of canelazo and have the chance to wear typical Ecuadorian Chagra clothing before mounting up for the ride.

How much of the day is actually spent riding horses?

The horseback portion lasts 2.5 hours. The rest of the nine-hour day includes the drive from Quito, time at the hacienda, a hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon, the optional hike to the Padre Rivas Refuge, and the return journey.

Is this tour suitable for someone who has never ridden before?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Children are welcome from age 8. However, it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers, so check your own situation before booking.