Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
* ONLY HORSEBACK RIDE experience inside this National park. Others do it from outside the park.
* Perfect balance between horseback ride and hike TWO different landscapes.
*Forget about painful lines to enter to the NP by entering by a NO TOURISTY WAY and leaving by the regular way.
* No need horseback riding previous experience
We start at 7 am from Quito and will take a different way to enter to the National park and will leave by the regular national park entrance gate.
Driving through 3 volcanoes PASOCHOA, RUMIÑAHUI and SINCHOLAGUA going through the real AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES.
1st activity: HORSEBACK RIDE.
After this horseback ride experience, we will drive for about half hour until the parking lot located on the 14800 feet or 4700 mts above sea level from where the hike to the BASE CAMP will start.
If you are not an adventurous person, don't like bumpy roads, get bothered for changing weather or heart problems. DO NOT JOIN this experience.
Available options
Private Option
Pick up from Main city<br/>Pickup included
Shared Option
Pick up from main city<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Driver guide
Horseback equipment
Horseback riding equipment
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
We will drive by the real Avenue of the Volcanoes noted on Gps as Avenida de los Volcanes. On the way we will stop by a gas station for using restrooms and buying something for lunch as well as enough water and any snacks needed for the day.
We will drive in the Middle of the following volcanoes (Pasochoa/ Rumiñahui and Sincholagua)until arriving to Cotopaxi Volcano.
2
Once we arrive to this entrance gate, you will have the opportunity for buying coca leaf bags ir candies to help with the altitude problems, also convenient spot to buy gloves, hats, ponchos made by a local.
3
Stop 3
Once inside the National Park, we will start with the horseback ride experience. Getting ready with the provided equipment as helmet and poncho. And then we take off along this less visited side of the national park with amazing views and opportunities to connect with the mother nature.
4
We will drive for about 30 minutes after the horseback ride from 12000 feet to 15000 feet where we will park and start out 1.5 mile hike to Basecamp. Amazing experience and views. Like being in another planet.
5
We will leave by the touristy side back to Quito.
What's not included
We will stop on the way for the participants to buy something packed for lunch to avoid loosing time or rushing to look for a place where to eat outside and enjoy more time inside the national park.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
75 reviews
5★
71
4★
3
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
285 reviews
5★
280
4★
4
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Personas con prótesis
No es recomendable para personas con problemas respiratorios
No recomendable para personas que odias salir su zona de confort
About Quito
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andean highlands. It is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern urban life.
Top Attractions
Historic Center of Quito
The Historic Center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved colonial architecture, churches, and plazas.
Historical
Half to full day
Free to visit the plazas and streets; entry fees for churches and museums
TelefériQo
A cable car that takes visitors to the top of Cruz Loma for breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes.
Adventure
1-2 hours
Moderate
Mitad del Mundo
A monument marking the equator, where you can stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at once.
Historical
Half day
Moderate
Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve
A unique crater reserve with hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a chance to see local flora and fauna.
Nature
Half to full day
Budget
Basílica del Voto Nacional
One of the largest neo-Gothic basilicas in South America, offering stunning architecture and panoramic views from its towers.
Religious
1-2 hours
Budget
Capilla del Hombre
A museum dedicated to the works of Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, featuring his paintings and sculptures.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Llocro de Papa
A hearty potato soup with cheese, avocado, and sometimes meat.
Dinner
Vegetarian options available
Cuy Asado
Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.
Dinner
Contains meat
Encebollado
A fish soup with yuca, onions, and tomatoes, often served with pickled onions.
Lunch
Contains fish
Empanadas de Viento
Fried empanadas filled with cheese and sometimes meat, dusted with sugar.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Popular Activities
Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park
Zip-lining in Mindo Cloud Forest
Paragliding over Quito
Soaking in Papallacta Hot Springs
Visiting La Ronda Street for live music and performances
Exploring the Historic Center at a leisurely pace
Visiting museums and cultural attractions in the Historic Center
Exploring local markets and shopping areas
Best Time to Visit
June to September
This is the dry season with clear skies and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F)
54°F to 68°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
GMT-5
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Quito is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of pickpocketing, scams, and unsafe taxis. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- • Use official taxis or app-based services for safer transportation.
- • Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.
Getting there
By air
- Mariscal Sucre International Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center
By bus
Quito Bus Terminal (Ofelia)
Getting around
Public transport
Quito has a well-developed bus system, including the Trolebús and Ecovía, which are affordable and efficient.
Taxis
Available • Apps: InDriver, TaxiApp
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
La Floresta
González Suárez
El Panecillo
Day trips
Cotopaxi National Park
50 km (31 miles) south of Quito • Full day
A stunning national park featuring the Cotopaxi volcano, hiking trails, and wildlife.
Mindo Cloud Forest
80 km (50 miles) northwest of Quito • Full day
A lush cloud forest with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife.
Papallacta Hot Springs
65 km (40 miles) northeast of Quito • Half to full day
Natural hot springs nestled in the Andes, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Festivals
Fiestas de Quito • Early December
Inti Raymi • June 21-24
Semana Santa • March or April (dates vary)
Pro tips
- Visit the Historic Center early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Try local street food and snacks, such as empanadas, hornado, and choclo con queso.
- Use the Metrocable for a unique and scenic way to reach the historic center and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- Be cautious of altitude sickness, as Quito's high elevation can cause headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, take it easy, and allow time to acclimate.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
