The verdict
Our pick
Cotopaxi: Horseback Ride & Hike Day Trip, Non-Touristy Route★ 4.97 (540) · 9h 30m
Best price
Cotopaxi National Park hiking & biking tour from Quito★ 4.67 (58) · 9h
Top rated
Mindo Cloud Forest: Birdwatching, Waterfalls & Butterfly Farm★ 4.98 (126) · 10h
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Cotopaxi: Hike to Refuge & Volcano Bike Descent with LunchYou’ll feel Cotopaxi’s altitude right away as you hike toward Jose Rivas Refuge with a local guide—then swap boots for bikes to descend volcanic trails down to Limpiopungo Lagoon. Expect Ecuadorian food, real mountain air, plenty of laughter (and maybe a little heavy breathing). This isn’t just scenery—it’s something you’ll remember every time you see a volcano again.
Cotopaxi Volcano: Horseback Ride & Hike to José Ribas RefugeYou 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.Is it for me?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.
Cotopaxi Hike & Bike from Quito: glacier to lagoonA full-day guided tour from Quito takes you into Cotopaxi National Park for a hike up to the glacier at 5,000 meters (16,404 ft), followed by a downhill mountain bike descent to Limpiopungo Lagoon and a walk around the high-Andean lake. The route includes multiple acclimatization stops, a picnic lunch, and entry to the park's museum and interpretation center. A bilingual guide, bike, helmet, permits and lunch are included; children from 5 years old can join with parental supervision.Is it for me?This tour is shared and guide-led, so you're climbing and biking with other travelers and following a set schedule. Choose it if you want the high-altitude experience and the bike descent without renting gear separately or navigating the park on your own—the guide handles the route, the acclimatization timing, and the logistics so you can focus on the climb and the ride.
Cotopaxi horseback ride and hike from Quito: private tourA private tour from Quito combines a 2–3 hour horseback ride around Cotopaxi Volcano with a 1 hour hike at Limpiopungo Lagoon, both in Cotopaxi National Park. Your guide picks you up at your hotel, provides helmets and ponchos for the ride, and handles all park entry; the 90-minute drive from Quito passes through Andean villages and mountain landscape. A lunchbox comes partway through the day, and you return to your hotel by evening.Is it for me?Choose this tour if you want to combine horseback riding and hiking in a single day with a private guide who sets the pace—you'll spend 2-3 hours on horseback around Cotopaxi's grasslands, then hike to Limpiopungo lagoon, without splitting your attention between multiple activities or locations.
Quito Volcano Hike — what to know before booking
This guide compares 7 bookable options for Quito Volcano Hike, with up-to-date prices and real traveler reviews. Prices start at US$ 72. The average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1,095 traveler reviews.
Most options last half a day or longer. 7 of the 7 options offer free cancellation. The verdict at the top highlights the travelers' favorite, the best price and the top-rated option, updated with live data.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Quito Volcano Hike cost?
Prices start at US$ 72. There are 7 options to compare, and the final price depends on the date, group size and the option you choose.
Can I book with free cancellation?
Yes: 7 of the 7 options offer free cancellation, so you can book now and confirm your plans later.
How long do these experiences last?
Most options last half a day or longer.
Which one is the travelers' favorite?
Cotopaxi: Horseback Ride & Hike Day Trip, Non-Touristy Route is the travelers' favorite, rated 5.0 out of 5 across 540 reviews.
