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Cotopaxi Horseback Ride & Quilotoa Crater Lake Day Tour

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Quito, Ecuador
Cotopaxi Horseback Ride & Quilotoa Crater Lake Day Tour — cover photo (1 of 7)

Travelers can experience Ecuador’s Andes in one day, combining adventure, spectacular landscapes, and authentic local experiences. Our private tour offers personalized attention, flexible pacing, and expert guidance throughout the journey.

Location
Quito, Ecuador
Duration
10h
Starting Times
08:00
Languages
EnglishSpanish
Difficulty
Moderate
Categories
Nature & Wildlife

Next departure Nov 11 at 08:00

Starts in 3d 19h

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Provider & legal information
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What makes your tour different?

A unique combination of Cotopaxi’s volcanic landscapes, authentic Andean horseback riding, and the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake. Enjoy a private, flexible experience that blends nature, adventure, local culture, and personalized guidance.

Cotopaxi National Park
horseback riding experience in the Andea
turquoise waters of Quilotoa Crater Lake
Andes through nature, adventure, and loc

Overview

Begin your journey from Quito and travel into the spectacular Ecuadorian Andes, where volcanoes, highland landscapes, and crater lakes create an unforgettable setting.

Your first stop is Cotopaxi National Park, home to the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano. Enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Andean páramo and, weather permitting, admire views of the snow-capped volcano.

Tour Itinerary

Insider story

Guests will discover how local Andean communities have lived alongside Ecuador’s volcanoes for generations. They’ll learn about the traditional relationship between people, horses, páramo landscapes, and volcanic soil, as well as local stories and beliefs surrounding Cotopaxi and Quilotoa.

Departure from Quito

Begin your private journey with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel in Quito. Travel south through the Andean highlands toward Cotopaxi National Park, enjoying spectacular mountain landscapes along the way.

Cotopaxi National Park

Enter the protected area surrounding one of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanoes. Admire the impressive landscapes of the Andean páramo and, weather permitting, enjoy views of snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano.

Horseback Riding Experience

Enjoy a scenic horseback ride through the Andean countryside, accompanied by a local guide. Ride across open landscapes with views of volcanoes, valleys, and high-altitude plains. This is a relaxed way to experience the natural beauty and traditional atmosphere of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Lunch in Quilotoa

After exploring Cotopaxi, continue toward the Quilotoa region. Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional lunch featuring local Ecuadorian flavors before continuing with the afternoon activities.

Quilotoa Crater Lake

Discover one of Ecuador’s most spectacular volcanic landscapes. Walk to the viewpoint overlooking the turquoise crater lake and take time to appreciate the dramatic scenery. Depending on your interests and available time, enjoy a short walk along the crater rim.

Return to Quito

After a day surrounded by volcanoes, crater landscapes, and Andean scenery, begin the return journey to Quito, arriving at your hotel in the evening.

What's Included

  • Private tourist transportation.
  • professional guide-driver throughout the tour.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Quito.
  • Horseback riding experience.
  • Horse and basic riding equipment.

What's Excluded

  • Lunch.
  • Drinks and beverages.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Optional activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary.

Important Information

This is a full-day tour with an early departure from Quito.
The itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather and road conditions. Horseback riding is suitable for beginners, but basic physical mobility is required. Comfortable clothing, closed shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm layer are recommended. Quilotoa is located at high altitude, so travelers should be prepared for cold temperatures and possible altitude effects. Bring water and personal medication if required. Lunch is not included and can be purchased locally upon arrival in Quilotoa. Drinks and personal expenses are not included. The tour is private and includes transportation and professional guide-driver service.
Quilotoa is located at high altitude
so travelers should be prepared for cold temperatures and possible altitude effects.
Horseback riding
is suitable for beginners, but basic physical mobility is required. Comfortable clothing, closed shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm layer are recommended.
The itinerary
may be adjusted depending on weather and road conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour private?
Yes. This is a private experience with transportation and a professional guide-driver.
Is horseback riding suitable for beginners?
Yes. No previous horseback riding experience is required, although basic physical mobility is necessary.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included and can be purchased locally in Quilotoa.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable outdoor clothing, closed shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm layer.
Will we see Cotopaxi Volcano?
Views of Cotopaxi depend on weather and visibility conditions on the day of the tour.

Where should I go after the tour?

After the tour, we recommend visiting La Ronda in Quito’s Historic Center. This charming pedestrian street is ideal for enjoying local food, traditional sweets, Ecuadorian crafts, and a relaxed evenin

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Next departure Nov 11 at 08:00

Starts in 3d 19h

From€250.00
per person / group rates available