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Andes Adventure: Cotopaxi Volcano Exploration
One of the best experiences in the Andes Mountains near Quito City. Cotopaxi is considered the highest active volcano in South America. If you love outdoor activities, this is for you. Enjoy horse riding in the highlands and hiking to the José Ribas Refuge at 4864m (15958ft). A wealth of flora and fauna are part of these great adventures.
One of the best experiences in the Andes Mountains near Quito City. Cotopaxi is considered the highest active volcano in South America. If you love outdoor activities, this is for you. Enjoy horse riding in the highlands and hiking to the José Ribas Refuge at 4864m (15958ft). A wealth of flora and fauna are part of these great adventures.
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Parque Nacional Cotopaxi - Experience the ultimate adventure in the Andes Mountains with our Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike and Horseback Riding for Beginners. Departing at 7:30 am, the journey takes you through the stunning Volcanoes Avenue. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of potato fields, cattle farms, and the magnificent Cotopaxi National Park….
- Parque Nacional Cotopaxi - Experience the ultimate adventure in the Andes Mountains with our Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike and Horseback Riding for Beginners. Departing at 7:30 am, the journey takes you through the stunning Volcanoes Avenue. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of potato fields, cattle farms, and the magnificent Cotopaxi National Park. The itinerary includes a 1.5-hour horseback ride at an altitude of 12,800 feet, guided by a local cowboy. No prior experience is necessary. Following this, a 35-minute drive will bring you to the parking area where the hiking begins. Ascend from 14,763 feet to 15,958 feet to reach the José Ribas high camp, offering spectacular views of the Andes. Although challenging, the hike is manageable at a slow pace, with our patient guides providing support. Water, candies, and rest stops are key to reaching the top. Alternatively, for those seeking a less strenuous option, a hike around the Limpiopungo Lagoon at 12,800 feet offers a flat and easy trail. Conclude the day with a taste of local cuisine and feeding the llamas, making it an unforgettable experience. This is a loop trip, concluding with a return to the hotel around 5:00 pm.
What's Included
- Horse Riding rental included
- All entry fees covered
- Delicious lunch provided
- Enjoy in-vehicle air conditioning
- Horse Riding rental included
- All entry fees covered
- Delicious lunch provided
- Enjoy in-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(78 Ratings)
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Tony_n
Aug 28, 2024
Fun day horseback riding and hiking - Amazing views! Horseback riding was relaxing and great for pictures, the hike up was amazing definitely pace yourself all around a great trip
Review provided by Viator
Merrilyno42
Aug 6, 2024
Absolutely wonderful experience! - This was such an utterly perfect experience. Ismael, my guide, was at the hotel early to pick me up and he was so knowledgeable about the fauna and the animals andthe history of Ecuador. The trip was absolutely fascinating from the moment we left Quito to drive to the national park. I wanted to go solo so I could run with the horses and that’s exactly what I got to do! It was glorious just being able to run through the fields toward the snow-capped mountain. After that, we climbed up to the base camp at Cotopaxi and it was absolutely exquisite. Ismael also introduced me to, the local potato soup and corn, which was delicious! I learned so much and it was a perfectly wonderful day. I could not recommend this trip more!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jojo1501
Jul 29, 2024
A fab day exploring Cotopaxi - We had a an amazing time in Cotapaxi with our guide Kathy.
We started the day at 7.30 and drove there making a couple of stops for snacks and pics along the way.
We were a family with two children (6, 11). Unfortunately altitude sickness got the better of the 11 year old and it was too much for the six year old to make it all the way to base camp. We made it half way up thanks to Kathy who even carried the 6 yr old for part of it. Make sure to come prepared with hats, gloves ect. As the wind can be extreme.
After the climb we made our way to the afternoon activity horseback riding. This was an incredible experience with amazing scenery.
We stopped for a late lunch on the way back home at a local restaurant which was great! We all really enjoyed the lunch.
If you have the time it’s a trip worth taking just make sure you have adjusted to the altitude before setting off as apparently 60% don’t make it to base camp.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M5666kvjasonw
Jul 26, 2024
My Highlight of Ecuador - Kathy was absolutely awesome! Such a fun day! She was a great conversationalist and made sure I was comfortable throughout the whole day between the horseback riding and hiking up Cotopaxi, and was always very kind with going at my pace as we got to higher attitude. This tour was definitely the highlight of my eight days in Ecuador. Thanks Kathy!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Khanamv2024
Jul 2, 2024
Amazing guided tour of natural wonders - A magical day - from the first sight of Cotopaxi to sitting at the top of the mountain and taking in the valley. The horse ride was really fun and I appreciated that they had a nice gentle horse for our 7 year old son. The hike up the mountain was incredible and we even got to feed some lamas at the end of the tour. Our guide Pato did an amazing job of going at our pace and was a fount of knowledge, answering a million questions on all aspects of Ecuadorean life. We had delicious food, opportunities for buying souvenirs, and plenty of restroom breaks. Thank you Pato!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elijah_m
Jun 17, 2024
Nice tour guide, had a... - Nice tour guide, had a great time riding the horses. Great way to explore Ecuador. Would recommend. .
Review provided by Viator
Stefanie_h
Jun 12, 2024
Remarkable! - I recently had the pleasure of joining this tour led by an exceptionally professional guide, Joshua. The entire experience was meticulously organized, ensuring that every detail was taken care of. From start to finish, the tour exceeded all my expectations. Joshua's expertise and attentiveness made the experience truly memorable. I was thoroughly impressed and would highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a remarkable and well-orchestrated adventure in Ecudaor.
Review provided by Viator
Raymond_s
Jun 5, 2024
My Favorite Experience in Ecuador - After having finished solo-traveling within Ecuador for almost 10 days, I can say with certainty that this was my best experience in the country. The scenery and overall atmosphere throughout the park was unlike anything I had ever seen before; it blew me away. Both the horseback riding throughout cotopaxi park and hike up cotopaxi volcano are definetly things everyone should try experiencing at least once. I highly recommend asking for Kathy when booking this experience. She was absolutely excellent. Not only is she a great conversationalist, but she went above and beyond on every step of the trip, ensuring that I was both comfortable and had a great time. While in the park, I had great experience, with her taking pictures and stopping as many times as I needed during the hike to acclimate to the elevation. She also gladly answered all of my inquiries and gave recommendations for other things to do during my trip. The lunch we had afterwards was also really good. This is definetly a must-do experience while in Ecuador.
Review provided by Viator
Volfs2016
Jun 3, 2024
Time and time going for the extra mile to make sure I have a great experience in the park 👍👍❤️❤️ very much love and enjoy the - I have a great experience 👍 very well spoke and spent the time it was on my bucket list and I'm thinking of going back over there
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carl_c
May 31, 2024
The best trip ever! - One of the best tours ever! Marcial was the best guide ever. Exceeded our expectations in every way! Amazing, just amazing trip. I researched all the options on trip advisor, airbnb, etc. and this is the one!!! Safe, fun and top notch experience. Do it!
Review provided by Viator
