Horseback Riding near Quito: Cotopaxi Volcano & Chagra Culture

Ride through high-altitude Andean terrain and stand before an active volcano

Horseback riding near Quito combines two hours on criollo horses at a traditional hacienda with a guided exploration of Cotopaxi National Park, the world's second-highest active volcano. You'll wear authentic Chagra clothing, learn about local cowboy culture from your guide, and travel through ancient lava flows and mountain ecosystems at elevation. Hotel pickup, transport, safety equipment, and lunch are included; the full day runs from early morning to mid-afternoon.

The Experience

Your day starts with pickup at 7:10 a.m. from your Quito hotel. The drive southeast takes about ninety minutes, crossing into the high Andes between four volcanoes—Rumiñahui, Pasochoa, Sincholagua and Cotopaxi. You arrive at a traditional hacienda where you'll change into typical Chagra clothing, the working dress of Ecuadorian mountain cowboys, and drink a welcome canelazo before mounting your horse. The riding itself lasts roughly two hours, moving through the foothills while your guide explains the daily life and culture of the Chagras who work these slopes.

After dismounting, you enter Cotopaxi National Park on foot. The landscape shifts as you gain elevation—dried lava flows, mountain lakes, wild horses and ecosystems that change visibly as you climb. Cotopaxi itself rises to 19,347 feet and is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. You'll see exotic wildlife and participate in activities the park offers, all with your certified naturalist guide narrating in English. Around 2 p.m., you stop for the box lunch included in the day. By 5 p.m., you're back at your hotel in Quito.

The temperature at altitude ranges from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), so layers matter. Horses are shared among riders, and weight capacity is 200 pounds or 96 kilos per person. Children from age 4 can join. Your guide speaks English and Spanish, so language is not a barrier.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and private transport from Quito to the hacienda and Cotopaxi National Park.
• horseback riding on criollo horses for approximately two hours.
• authentic Chagra clothing to wear during the ride.
• safety equipment.
• a certified naturalist guide speaking English and Spanish.
• a box lunch.
• and entry to Cotopaxi National Park.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Ecuador Best Tours

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English, so language won't slow down the commentary or the cultural explanation—book this if you want to understand the Chagra way of life and the landscape as you move through it, not just pass through it.

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Top questions

What does the horseback riding part of the day actually involve?

You ride criollo horses—a breed suited to mountain terrain—for approximately two hours at the hacienda foothills. Your guide leads the ride and explains Chagra culture and the landscape as you move through the high Andes between the volcanoes.

How high is Cotopaxi volcano and what will I see there?

Cotopaxi stands at 19,347 feet and is the world's second-highest active volcano. In the park, you'll walk through ancient dried lava flows, see mountain lakes, wild horses, and ecosystems that shift as you gain elevation—the volcano itself dominates the view.

Is this horseback riding suitable for someone who has never ridden before?

Yes. The ride lasts two hours at a moderate pace through foothills terrain, and your guide leads the group. You'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness because of the altitude and the day's overall demands, but no prior riding experience is required.

What's included in the price, and what should I bring?

Hotel pickup and private transport from Quito, safety equipment, the criollo horse, authentic Chagra clothing to wear, a certified naturalist guide, and a box lunch are all included. Bring layers for temperatures between 50°F and 64°F, sturdy shoes, and sunscreen; the altitude and open terrain mean strong sun exposure.

Can children do this activity?

Children from age 4 can join. Specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with younger children, though the full day's physical demands may suit older kids better.

How long is the full day, and when does it end?

Pickup is at 7:10 a.m. and you return to your Quito hotel around 5 p.m., making it an eight-hour commitment including the ninety-minute drive each way, the two-hour ride, and the park exploration.