Mount Cotopaxi looms as you ride across cold, open páramo—this guided horseback tour combines 1.5 hours in the saddle with optional hikes to José Rivas Refuge, visits to Limpiopungo Lagoon, and a traditional Ecuadorian lunch. Read on for what to expect and how to prepare for the altitude and terrain.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive at the high plain before dawn—the air thin, crisp, and edged with volcanic cold. Horses shift and breathe steam; the páramo opens like a wide, grass-swept room with Cotopaxi’s snow cone rising to the sky. The ride moves steadily across uneven tussock and volcanic gravel, each step offering new angles on glaciers, wind-sculpted ridgelines, and the occasional distant herd of wild horses.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required—able to sit in a saddle for 1.5 hours and walk short uphill sections at altitude
Wildlife
History
Cotopaxi sits within lands historically used for grazing and ritual by indigenous groups; the national park was established in 1975 to protect its volcanic landscape and páramo ecosystems.
Conservation
The páramo’s peat soils hold crucial water reserves—stay on trails, pack out waste, and avoid trampling fragile vegetation to reduce erosion and habitat damage.
Reserve your spot on the Cotopaxi Horseback Riding Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize first
Spend a day or two in Quito or Latacunga before the tour to reduce altitude effects; move slowly and hydrate.
Wear ankle-support boots
Paths are uneven and occasionally muddy—stiff-soled, ankle-supporting footwear will keep you steady in the stirrups and on short hikes.
Layer for wind and sun
High-altitude sun and cold winds can alternate rapidly—sunshirt, fleece, and a wind shell cover most conditions.
Bring cash for tips and snacks
Small bills are useful for guide gratuities and souvenirs; lunch is included but extra snacks or hot drinks may not be.
Sturdy hiking or riding boots
Provide ankle support for uneven páramo trails and stability in the stirrups.
Layered clothing + wind shell
High-altitude temperatures change quickly—layers let you adjust for sun, wind, and cold.
Sun protection (sunglasses & SPF)
High UV at altitude makes sunglasses and sunscreen essential, even on cloudy days.
summer
Hydration system (1–2 L)
Maintain hydration to reduce altitude symptoms; bottled water is provided but carry your own for convenience.