Amazing day in Cotopaxi with an amazing guide - Our hacienda was short on English speaking guides due to the holidays, so we went hunting on Viator for options. When we saw the tour description and number of five star reviews, we were sold. Communication with the operator was easy via Viator and WhatsApp. Our guide, Kathy, picked us up on time from our hacienda near Cotopaxi, and a fabulous day ensued. Unfortunately, we encountered a slight hiccup in the morning as Kathy got word that our horse riding guide go into an accident and couldn’t make the tour. She was quick to think on her feet though and decided to do the Cotopaxi hike first while another equestrian guide could be lined up for the afternoon. She was extremely apologetic and made sure we were ok with that switch. We were honestly still a little hesitant about doing the more challenging hike, but she was super encouraging and supportive. It really paid off. She took things at our pace and made sure we felt ok every step of the way up. The misty vistas were absolutely magical. And when we reached the Refugio, she even spotted us cash for our drinks when we realized we had forgotten our wallets. For the horseback riding portion after the hike, she coordinated with the new equestrian guide and made sure we understood all the technical details of riding the horses. She wouldn’t be joining us for the ride itself but she made sure we felt like we were in good hands before riding off into the most beautiful landscapes at the foot of Cotopaxi. We’d rendezvous with her after the ride at Tambopaxi Lodge, where we’d have a hearty sit down lunch together with more amazing views of the landscape. All throughout our time with her, she answered all our questions and seemed to be a bottomless well of knowledge about Ecuador’s natural world, culture, and politics. It’s rare to get such a well rounded guide who also is a lovely person to spend a day with. Highly recommended.

100% must do! - This is a 100% must do tour! Patricio was fantastic! The entire day was excellent! Could not be more thrilled with this experience!

The best experience! - Thanks to Katy we've had the best experience. She is the best, very kind and patient, and let us take pictures everywhere. Kathy knows everything about the volcano's, animals and ofcourse Quito and Ecuador. It's a beautiful drive from Quito to Cotopaxi. The sport for horse riding is breathtaking. The hike to the 'top' of Cotopaxi was great. As was the lunchspot afterwards and a little surprise. Thank you Kathy for a great experience and day! (And the second tour to Antisana as well...)

One of the best experiences of my life! - This tour to Cotopaxi surprised me from start to finish. On the tour I took with Ecuador Color included several activities, including riding in the Cotopaxi nature reserve, guided by a Chagra, who explained many things about the place and without a doubt, the experience of riding in those places is incredible, after we arrived at the parking lot, where I would start the hike, we were surprised by a snowfall, something I always dreamed to see... so it is an experience that exceeded all my expectations.

Great trip - Kathy was an excellent and attentive guide, catering to our choices. She is very knowledgable and personable.

Cotopaxi’s Awesome Horseback Riding & 16k foot Hiking - Best Ever “Extra Day” trip! If you’re looking for something special to do, Cotopaxi National Park is a must see! With Awesome guides for both horseback riding and 16k foot hiking, you won’t be disappointed!

The sunrise of my life - I contacted Patricio from back home several weeks before my intent to summut Cotipaxi. He was always very helpful and responsive with whatever question I had. When I arrived to Quito he even came to see me at my hotel to ensure all my doubts are clarified. For me it was the first time climbing so high and using crampons. Before the big day I could stay over at my guide’s mountain house, together with his family and all the animals around. I loved the experience and his home is also perfect for acclimatization! Not even speaking about the delicious food and fruitshakes of his wife! The hike was tough but every minute worthed. I have never seen the stars at night from so close! And the sunrise on the summit was breath taking! Juan has more than 20 years of experience as a volcano guide so there was no doubt he would want to turn back due to the difficult technical conditions that we were facing. I know that many others weren’t so lucky and decided to turn back on the half way! Make sure you bring sweets with you, you will need it!

Best tour thanks to Kathy and Johnny - My friend and I had the most amazing day on this tour. Kathy was our main guide and we could not have loved her more. She was so knowledgeable about her country and her love of Mother Nature was inspiring. Johnny was our guide for the horseback ride and he was also amazing. He was patient with us but encouraged us to be brave and try out a new speed on our beautiful horses. I can’t thank both of them enough for the most incredible day 😊

The COOLEST thing I’ve done in Ecuador! - Wow! Wow! Wow! This was one of the Wow! Wow! Wow! This was one of the coolest experiences of my life! My 13 year old son and I first met our guide Patricio (Pato) when he picked us up at our hotel. Immediately we could tell he was going to be a fun person to be around. My son especially appreciated Patricio’s English skills. We arrived at the Cotopaxi National Park gate that is much less common. We hardly saw any other people. There we met Johnny, our horse-riding expert. Johnny’s horses were tame and well mannered. We dressed in warm ponchos and chaps and then went on the coolest horseback ride! You just can’t imagine what it’s like to look at Cotopaxi from 12,500ft and see it rise up in front of you another 7,000 feet! It was breath taking! Johnny is the real deal when it comes to an expert horseman. I loved hearing about the work and skills of the horsemen that live and work in that area. After about an hour or so of riding (which is the perfect amount of time in the saddle for folks that don’t do it all the time), we loaded back into Patricio’s car and drove another 30 minutes up to the parking area for the hike to the Jose Rivas Refuge. We then started hiking. Pato led us at the perfect pace given we were starting out at 14,500 feet. He knows how to lead people and help them given the altitude. It was the natural high of natural highs! Such a cool experience to share this with my son. It’s the kind of thing I hope he remembers about me long after I’m gone!! This is the kind of experience that you will never forget. It’s unlike any thing you have ever done! You will not regret this. When finished, I honestly felt that I got way more value than I paid! experiences of my life! My 13 year old son and I first met our guide Patricio (Pato) when he picked us up at our hotel. Immediately we could tell he was going to be a fun person to be around. My son especially appreciated Patricio’s English skills. We arrived at the Cotopaxi National Park gate that is much less common. We hardly saw any other people. There we met Johnny, our horse-riding expert. Johnny’s horses were tame and well mannered. We dressed in warm ponchos and chaps and then went on the coolest horseback ride! You just can’t imagine what it’s like to look at Cotopaxi from 12,500ft and see it rise up in front of you another 7,000 feet! It was breath taking! Johnny is the real deal when it comes to an expert horseman. I loved hearing about the work and skills of the horsemen that live and work in that area. After about an hour or so of riding (which is the perfect amount of time in the saddle for folks that don’t do it all the time), we loaded back into Patricio’s car and drove another 30 minutes up to the parking area for the hike to the Jose Rivas Refuge. We then started hiking. Pato led us at the perfect pace given we were starting out at 14,500 feet. He knows how to lead people and help them given the altitude. It was the natural high of natural highs! Such a cool experience to share this with my son. It’s the kind of thing I hope he remembers about me long after I’m gone!! This is the kind of experience that you will never forget. It’s unlike any thing you have ever done! You will not regret this. When finished, I honestly felt that I got way more value than I paid! Oh and one more thing . . . We weren’t prepared with coats. Pato brought two extras for us! Such a good guide!

Amazing day in the Andean Highlands - The horseback ride and the stunning scenery of the Cotopaxi national Park was a highlight and our guide, Johnny and our two trusty steeds made for the perfect day. The Lagoon hike and our driver and day guide Galindo Made for an educational and custom private tour that we would highly recommend.