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Cotopaxi Horseback Ride and Hike
Embark on a unique horseback riding and hiking adventure in Cotopaxi National Park. Explore the stunning landscapes and challenge yourself with a journey to the base camp.
Embark on a unique horseback riding and hiking adventure in Cotopaxi National Park. Explore the stunning landscapes and challenge yourself with a journey to the base camp.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
-
Avenida De Los Volcanes - We will drive by the real Avenue of the Volcanoes noted on Gps as Avenida de los Volcanes.
We will drive in the Middle of the following volcanoes (Pasochoa/ Rumiñahui and Sincholagua)until arriving to Cotopaxi Volcano. - Cotopaxi National Park - We will enter by a no touristy entrance to the National park and we will…
- Avenida De Los Volcanes - We will drive by the real Avenue of the Volcanoes noted on Gps as Avenida de los Volcanes.
We will drive in the Middle of the following volcanoes (Pasochoa/ Rumiñahui and Sincholagua)until arriving to Cotopaxi Volcano.
- Cotopaxi National Park - We will enter by a no touristy entrance to the National park and we will leave by the touristy one for you to see more areas of the national park.
- Refugio Cotopaxi (Jose Ribas) - We will reach the base camp after 50 minutes hiking . If not interested on a hard hike as this one. We offer a hike around the Limpiopungo lagoon (loop). Right across the Cotopaxi volcano.
- Laguna de Limpiopungo - On our way out passing by the regular way that everyone uses to enter to this national park. We will stop by this lagoon.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Driver guide
- Horseback riding equipment
- Horseback equipment
- Private transportation
- Driver guide
- Horseback riding equipment
- Horseback equipment
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Lunch
Additional Information
- We have permissions to run this experience inside the National park.
- Perfect balance between horseback ride and hike to acclimatize to altitude perfectly.
-
230 successful tours led here. We know what we do.
We start at 7 am from Quito and will take a different way to enter and leave by the touristy way to explore more space inside this amazing…
-
We have permissions to run this experience inside the National park.
-
Perfect balance between horseback ride and hike to acclimatize to altitude perfectly.
-
230 successful tours led here. We know what we do.
We start at 7 am from Quito and will take a different way to enter and leave by the touristy way to explore more space inside this amazing national park. Driving through 3 volcanoes PASOCHOA, RUMIÑAHUI and SINCHOLAGUA going through the real AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES.
We will start with The HORSEBACK RIDING all along the meadows, streams and high grass hills.
After this 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. (Alternative soft hike option for those not interested on this Basecamp hike or not feeling ok with altitude)
Short stop by LIMPIOPUNGO LAGOON on our way out of the national park.
We should be back to Quito between 4:30 to 5:00 max.
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
(112 Ratings)
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Stephanie_s
Oct 5, 2024
Once in a lifetime - Communications with preparation information for the excursion were on point. Pick up was punctual, car comfortable and clean. Jorge did great answering my many questions about Ecuador and did it with a smile. It was a great value and wonderfully unique experience!
The horseback riding meandered through tall grasses and on grassy plain with babbling brooks. It was quite magical to look around at all the volcanoes surrounding us. The colors of the landscape were varying colors or yellow, green, and black. It was great to know our experience is helping to keep a local tradition alive (Chagras).
We elected to do the harder hike. We are relatively fit but it was the hardest hike we've ever completed! It wasn't the trail but the elevation - you literally feel like you cannot get enough oxygen. Be prepared - it's cold and windy, and when there is no sun you may be hit with ice rain. Take warm clothes, gloves, and something to cover your ears, face, and head. And, at the top have a nice hot cocoa with a sandwich or snack (that you bought at the pit stop Jorge made specifically for that purpose), and feel accomplished!!!
Review provided by Viator
Christoffer_a
Sep 27, 2024
Amazing day! - This is one of the best tours i’ve been on, with the view and beatiful landscape. Jorge is a great guide and made this a great experience! The horseback riding was great to do on the north side of the park where our small group was the only people in sight, and the hike to base camp was absolutely incredible!
Review provided by Viator
Cvanessa-16
Sep 24, 2024
Visit Cotopaxi - I had already had the opportunity to discover the tour of Quito with my family two years ago, but unfortunately we did not have time to visit Cotopaxi at that time. This time we took full advantage of the opportunity and had the pleasure of finding Jorge, our Guide, who was as attentive and professional as our first experience. The scenery was beautiful, and thanks to Jorge, the excursion was even more memorable. I highly recommend Footprint-Journeys!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mmmaekado
Sep 23, 2024
Wonderful tour of Cotopaxi with horseback riding!!! - Recommend the tour with horseback riding. Jorge was wonderful, communicative and accommodating. He picked us up right from the hotel and gave us choices on which hike(easy or hard)we would like to do. We picked the easy hike around the lagoon, which was less than 2 miles with different angled veiws of Cotopaxi.
Horseback riding was spectacular with a local guide. Cotopaxi was cold and windy so I advise to dress warmly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rosab938
Sep 23, 2024
Amazing! - We started our first day in Ecuador right. Jorge is an excellent guide. His tour was great! We started with horseback riding in the national park. I saw some other groups doing their riding outside of the park. The whole day was an incredible way to start our vacation. I highly recommend Jorge for any tours in Ecuador.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brs0121
Sep 23, 2024
Amazing Cotopaxi Adventure with Jorge and Footprint Journeys - Our trip with Jorge to Cotopaxi Volcano was unforgettable. He was flexible when our morning plans shifted and ensured we could still coordinate pickup smoothly. Jorge also arranged secure parking for our vehicle, which was very helpful.
The horseback riding was my first time, and I felt safe and well-instructed. My horse was a bit slow, but it was probably for the best as a beginner! My friend on the other hand, had a blast going full gallop with her horse.
The hike to the base camp is challenging, especially with the altitude, but well worth it. Just take your time, and you’ll make it. Be sure to prepare for the cold and wind—face coverings, hats, and gloves are essential. Jorge provides a poncho for the ride.
Overall, I highly recommend this experience. It’s a unique, memorable adventure that I would absolutely do again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabethhy6442hx
Sep 22, 2024
Fun Horseback Ride & Difficult Hike - The horseback ride was beautiful. Jorge was an amazing and knowledgeable guide. We had two options for the hike: a soft option and a hard option. The soft option is a walk around the limpiopungo lagoon that is mostly flat. The hard option is a steep hike to the base camp. We chose the hard hike and it was extremely difficult especially due to the altitude, but very satisfying to be able to see the base camp and glad we completed the hike. The altitude made the hike much more difficult than other hikes I've done in the past though.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathy_a
Sep 8, 2024
Fun and Memories at Cotopaxi - I heartily recommend taking the Cotopaxi tour with NO TOURISTY way. Jorge the guide is knowledgeable and patient, with a easy sense of humor. The horseback riding was pleasant but hiking to base camp is now a lifelong memory. Any doubts I had as a 75-year old disappeared with Jorge's encouragement. He made it a wonderful and successful day for young and old. Thank you Jorge!
Review provided by Viator
Davidlnj
Aug 26, 2024
Amazing day! - Incredible day. Jorge was an amazing guide. It’s a must do. It’s a lot of fun riding a horse through the Cotopaxi park as well as an hour hike up to base camp. It was the perfect amount in Cotopaxi and the volcano is so beautiful to see. It’s a must do park on a visit to Quito with a must do tour by Jorge!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Heather
Aug 26, 2024
A must-do in Quito! - My husband and I loved our Cotopaxi tour with Jorge! We loved that it was off the beaten path and we were the only tourists around during our horseback ride. The views were astounding and Jorge was an excellent and professional guide during our trek to base camp, he checked in frequently and did appropriate rest breaks. An unforgettable highlight of our trip to Ecuador!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
