
Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 119 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners worth booking?
Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners is a 10-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $195 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 119 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (119)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $195 per person
One of the best Experiences in the Andes Mountains Near to Quito City. Cotopaxi is consider the highest active Volcano in South America. If you are a lover of outdoor activities, this is for you. Horse Riding in the highlands. Hiking to the José Ribas Refuge 4864m (15958ft), a lot of flora and fauna are part of this great adventures.
What you get
About this experience
One of the best Experiences in the Andes Mountains Near to Quito City. Cotopaxi is consider the highest active Volcano in South America. If you are a lover of outdoor activities, this is for you. Horse Riding in the highlands. Hiking to the José Ribas Refuge 4864m (15958ft), a lot of flora and fauna are part of this great adventures.
What's included
Included
- Entry fees
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Horse Riding renting
Not included
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ecuador a Color tour operator
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 119 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
7 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
119 verified traveler reviews for Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Private daytrip from Quito to Cotopaxi!
We took a full day private trip to Cotopaxi from Quito as a group of 4. Our guide Patricio was punctual, and very knowledgeable. It did start to rain so we were unable to do the hike. The horseback riding however was exhilarating. Patricio was able to suggest a wonderful restaurant for lunch. In all an absolutely delightful day out in the Andes. Strongly recommended!!
Response from the operator: Hello friends, Thank you so much for sharing your Private Daytrip from Quito to Cotopaxi Experience. It was my pleasure has been part of your experience in Cotopaxi as your Local Tour Guide. I hope to see you again. Safe travels, Patricio
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Private Tour of Cotopaxi with Kathy!
We had an incredible experience exploring Cotopaxi National Park on our private tour! The day included horseback riding through the beautiful Andean landscape and a scenic hike around the lagoon, both of which were unforgettable highlights of our trip to Ecuador. Our guide, Kathy, was absolutely fantastic! She was knowledgeable, friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and enjoying every moment. She made the entire experience feel personalized and relaxed, allowing us to truly appreciate the breathtaking scenery. This was one of the highlights of our honeymoon, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. We highly recommend this tour, especially with Kathy!
Response from the operator: Hello Juan, Thank you so much for sharing your Excellent Experience with our Private Cotopaxi National Park horseback riding Hike for beginners with Kathy. We love hearing from you this awesome feedback in Cotopaxi. We hope to see you again. Safe travels, Kathy and Patricio
via Tripadvisor
Horseback riding and hiking at Cotopaxi.
Weather hampered our tour, which is why a rating of 4 was checked instead of a 5. However, our tour guide, Kathy, helped us navigate the quickly changing weather and altered plans on the fly to make the most of our experience. This is our second tour with Ecuador a Color, and I wholeheartedly recommend them!
Response from the operator: Hi John, Thank you so much for sharing Horseback Riding and Hiking at Cotopaxi Experience with Kathy. Unfortunately the weather is very unpredictable in the Andes Mountains. The rainy season begins and that is why there is a lot of rain. We love hearing from you this amazing feedback and you recommend us in Ecuador. Safe travels, Kathy and Patricio
via Tripadvisor
Great
The overall experience was nothing short of amazing! We started with a horseback ride in the skirts of Cotopaxi. The views and the vast mountains surrounding us made the ride magical. The horses were exceptionally well trained and even my son who was riding for the first time ever, found it easy and enjoyable. On to the hike, there are a few things to consider: 1. Make sure you have acclimatised (a great prep hike is the Teleferiqo one in Quito or the Laguna Cuicocha loop) 2. Make sure you have at least one day rest between any previous hike and this one 3. Keep in mind what season you are in - in the dry season there is an exceptional amount of dust and the wind can be quite overwhelming 4. Bring the appropriate gear - a buff is a must during dry season and I’d go with cheap sunglasses as they may get scratched (one pair of designer ones later, I have reached this conclusion). The hike is challenging. We are a family of four and work out very regularly but the altitude combined with the wind we’re trying even for us. Our guide Pato, who by the way has encyclopaedic knowledge of the region, it’s flora and fauna, was essential to us making it to the top. I was ready to give up but he encouraged me bit by bit and break by break to the top. The hike took us 1.5hrs, it’s 1.5km long. On the way back he gave my daughter his walking poles so she could stabilise. She is a tiny person and the wind was literally blowing her to the ground. Having said all that, the views are gorgeous, and the sense of achievement is strong. At the top, there is a cafe, where you can get a hot drink and the way down is much faster. The lunch afterwards was delicious and felt well earned. We went to feed the animals, which was a highlight for my daughter and felt incredibly special. Pato was excellent through and through and made our experience incredibly memorable. I would recommend 100% but would probably avoid June-August to ensure the wind and dust are kept to a minimum.
Response from the operator: Hello Liyana and family, Thank you so much for sharing your Great Experience with our Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback riding Hike for beginners. It was my pleasure has been part of your experience in Cotopaxi Volcano Day Tour. You are right, weather was very hard this time. I hope to see you again. Safe travels, Pato
via Viator
Great Experience for my friends first time in Ecuador
My friends and I had a wonderful time. It was their first time in Ecuador. They enjoyed themselves so much, they are planning to return soon. Great job to Footprint Journeys they were amazing through everything.
Response from the operator: Hello friends, Thanks for sharing your Great Experience in Ecuador. All the best, Ecuador a Color
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $195 to $245
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 42
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ecuador a Color tour operator, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 77.9 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Ecuador a Color tour operator runsWhy this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners cost?
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Prices start at $195 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 Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 119 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners?
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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 Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners?
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Around 42 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners 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, Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities. 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?
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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?
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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 Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners?
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Included: Entry fees; Lunch; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Horse Riding renting. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 119 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners 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 Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners?
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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 Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners 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 Private Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners?
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Across 119 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.
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