Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way
Quito, Ecuador

Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way

Outty Ranking 92 5.0 · 558 traveler reviews9.5 hoursFrom $13090+ Club
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Outty Ranking

92/100

90+ Club. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 558 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way worth booking?

Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way is a 9.5-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $130 per person. It scores 92 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 558 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

Outty Ranking
92 / 100
Rating
5/5 (558)
Duration
9.5 hours
From
$130 per person

Why Choose This Experience? • Our tour have an exceptional success rate reaching Cotopaxi Base Camp thanks to our experienced guides, flexible pace, and personalized support. • Enjoy a scenic horseback ride through the less-visited side of Cotopaxi National Park, away from the crowds. • Meet the Chagras, Ecuador's legendary Andean cowboys • Your booking directly supports a local community development project. • Led by experienced local guides with extensive knowledge of the area. • No previous hiking or horseback riding experience is required. • Experienced riders can have fun. • Discover Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in S. America • Maximize your time inside the National Park by enjoying lunch at Base Camp instead of hurrying up to leave the N.Park. Please Note: This adventure is designed for travelers who enjoy outdoor challenges. Expect uneven roads, rapidly changing mountain weather, and high altitude. It is not recommended for guests with serious heart conditions.

What you get

    About this experience

    Why Choose This Experience? • Our tour have an exceptional success rate reaching Cotopaxi Base Camp thanks to our experienced guides, flexible pace, and personalized support. • Enjoy a scenic horseback ride through the less-visited side of Cotopaxi National Park, away from the crowds. • Meet the Chagras, Ecuador's legendary Andean cowboys • Your booking directly supports a local community development project. • Led by experienced local guides with extensive knowledge of the area. • No previous hiking or horseback riding experience is required. • Experienced riders can have fun. • Discover Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in S. America • Maximize your time inside the National Park by enjoying lunch at Base Camp instead of hurrying up to leave the N.Park. Please Note: This adventure is designed for travelers who enjoy outdoor challenges. Expect uneven roads, rapidly changing mountain weather, and high altitude. It is not recommended for guests with serious heart conditions.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Driver guide
    • Horseback equipment
    • Horseback riding equipment

    Not included

    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Stop by for Groceries, water and food to get packed and bring to the National park.

      15 minutes here

    2. Cotopaxi National Park

      We will arrive to the North Gate of the Cotopaxi national park between 9:15 to 9:30 am aprox after driving along the Avenue of the Volcanoes

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Cotopaxi National Park

      Horseback ride will be the first activity along this day for about oke hour / only horseback ride inside the national park.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Cotopaxi National Park

      We will drive after the horseback ride for about 35 minutes from 4000 meters (12000 feet) to 4550 meters (15000 feet) to start the hiking portion of the day.

      45 minutes here

    5. Cotopaxi Volcano

      We will start the hike up to Basecamp objective 4900 meters (16000 feet) for about 1 hour aprox to arrive to Refugio José Rivas. Where we can eat and get hit drinks.

      70 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Cotopaxi Volcano

      We will stay here and enjoy the Basecamp atmosphere and then descend to parking lot to start return

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    7. Cotopaxi National Park

      We will leave the national using the south gate / touristy side. About 3 hours back from parking lot on the volcano

      180 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • PRIVATE OPTION

      Pick up and drop off main city: Horseback portion might require to share with others depending on CHAGRAS cowboys (guides) we appreciate your support. Pickup included

    • Shared Option

      Pick up from main city Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Footprint-Journeys Ecuador

    Know before you go

    • 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

    Photos

    Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, photo 2Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, photo 3Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, photo 4Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, photo 5Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, photo 6Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 557 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Physical effort

    6 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    4 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    557 verified traveler reviews for Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    543
    4 star
    10
    3 star
    4
    2 star
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    0
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    Sharon_M · October 2026

    Challenging and fun!

    Our guide,Paulina was great. We first did a horseback ride with a beautiful backdrop- the mountains! The ride was super fun and extremely easy and calm. The second part of the experience was more challenging as we headed toward Ecuador’s second highest volcano, stopping for a few pics along the way! Paulina is Kichwa and would tell us about her experience living within the Kichwa community— very informative! The hike to base camp was challenging. I’m 65, and exercise a couple of times a week. This wa difficult for me. Paulina encouraged me to continue an helped to get my breathing under control. My husband, on the other hand, had breathing difficulties at the parking lot level and decided to not hike… I was glad we do this. I’m glad I reached base camp. But make no mistake, it’s a challenge! Will you take it?

    Response from the operator: Thanks for writing this very detailed and informative review. By doing this you guys are definitely helping future interested travellers to understand our day adventure. We also really appreciate your support by booking this tour with us and helping our local guides to have an income.

    via Viator

    D1089HFchristianp · October 2026

    Sensational

    Worth every penny, and the guide george was the most amazing, thoughtful person ever; he helped us get to the top when we were about to quit, Plus, the horseback riding was an amazing experience; truly one of the best experiences ever.

    Response from the operator: Had a great day with you guys too! We are always Happy to show this little but powerful portion of Ecuador. Hope to see you back to Ecuador soon.

    via Tripadvisor

    D1089HFchristianp · October 2026

    Stunning views 😍

    This trip from beginning to end was simply amazing. Riding the horses around the mountains was such a beautiful experience! It was chilly but they provided us with warm ponchos and helmets for safety. The hike was def not easy for me and my bf as we don’t normally hike but our guide Jorge kept giving us motivational words and in the end we were able to pull through. Jorge also explained every step of the way. What to expect, what was happening next in addition to giving us plenty of tips on how to prevent the altitude sickness, things to bring to stay warm etc they made the pick up easy for us as he picked us up from our hotel to the meeting stop (the van that was taking the rest of us. 7 people. Loved that they keep the group smaller) and he dropped us back off nearby our hotel which made things easy. Totally worth the price! 🔥 would recommend others to try this experience if they’re looking to ride horses and hike the cotopaxi volcano! 100/10 🙏🏼 thanks to our guide Jorge for making this experience unforgettable 😆 and shoutout to Cesar (guy who drove the van up the mountain and back down to get us back to the meeting point) 😊

    Response from the operator: Really appreciate you guys took the time to write a review even though it was a challenging day and you ended up being tired. It was a pleasure to have you guys on board of this experience. Happy you guys made it to Basecamp! Keep enjoying this beautiful country.

    via Tripadvisor

    Q982EGryanb · October 2026

    Horseback riding/Climb to basecamp

    Amazing time horseback riding around Cotopaxi! We then had a hike up to the basecamp Refugio. Definitely worth the effort!

    Response from the operator: Really appreciate your time committed to deliver a review Ryan. This helps our small community business project to keep growing in this tourism market. Happy to hear from you about your experience with us.

    via Tripadvisor

    Me958600 · October 2026

    Good experience

    Great service. Worth the time and money

    Response from the operator: Really appreciate your review amigo. It was a pleasure for us to have you guys on board of this experience. Once again thanks for your support to our small community business project when deciding booking this horseback ride and hike tour at the Cotopaxi national park.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    9.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $130 to $270
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    195
    Verdict
    90+ Club

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Footprint-Journeys Ecuador, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 85.7 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Footprint-Journeys Ecuador runs

    Why this scores 92

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)100
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)68
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)66
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.

    How much does Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way cost?

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    Prices start at $130 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way take?

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    Plan for about 9.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quito is not rushed.

    Is Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 92 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 558 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way?

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    Around 195 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quito can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quito and add a light layer if any part of the 9.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quito within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Quito?

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    On Outty we rank every Quito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, every day, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities, Private Day Tour of Quito and Middle of the World. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Quito?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Quito?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way?

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    Included: Private transportation; Driver guide; Horseback equipment; and Horseback riding equipment. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 223 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Quito. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way?

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    Across 558 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    What booking options are available for Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including PRIVATE OPTION, Shared Option. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way.

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