Ride around Cotopaxi, horseriding in Ecuador

Don't Miss

A circuit of this perfectly conical snow-capped peak, through breathtaking, wild open country including Cotopaxi National park and seldom visited open plains high in the Andes. A chance of seeing the Andean wildlife (the mighty Andean condor, other raptors and hunters, high altitude hummingbirds, foxes and deer) as we cross a variety of scenery including rugged passes, barren, luna-like landscapes and rolling, grassy hills.

The pace is also varied, from steadily crossing wetlands to cantering across the altiplano. Where there is a break in the sea of high Andean grasslands, the ground is carpeted with wild flowers and we pass by primary woodland with native trees and shrubs. During part of the ride we cross old lava flows dotted with rocks catapulted out from the erupting volcano, where only lichens grow and streams fed by snowmelt run red from the iron deposits. Glacial retreat and dramatic volcanic activity have left intriguing landscapes.

On some days we ride along old Inca routes, on a few days we pass by adobe cottages and patchwork fields farmed by the charming and friendly local people. The children are often out and about herding errant pigs and donkeys.

Nights are spent in a wonderful mixture of haciendas and farmhouses, built of adobe with thatched rooves, original Inca stone and even a very comfortable highland lodge built of straw bales covered with adobe.

Getting there

Altitude The ride takes place above 3000metres and we ride at above 4000metres. We advise arriving early in Ecuador to acclimatize. Guests must seek medical advice as to whether they are able to be at these altitudes.

• By Road
• By Rail
• By Air
• By Sea

Other Insider Info.

Tour length 7 days riding.


Tour starts The meeting point is Quito, where the international airport is. We can meet you at the airport and can arrange hotels and city tours etc for you – take care of all your travel arrangements during your stay.


Luggage On camping/hacienda trips packhorses or a vehicle carry all of our equipment and personal luggage from the farm to our overnight destination. Saddlebags are used to carry picnic lunches and personal items.


Altitude The ride takes place above 3000metres and we ride at above 4000metres. We advise arriving early in Ecuador to acclimatize. Guests must seek medical advice as to whether they are able to be at these altitudes.


Riding ability Intermediate and above – able to canter in open spaces and also be prepared to ride on steep slopes and tricky terrain. Guests need to be riding fit – long days in the saddle with some tough riding. At various points guests will be leading their horses (but not normally over long distances). Please consult with us if you have any doubts.

It is the responsibility of the individual guest to ensure that he or she has the necessary riding skills to take part in the tour chosen. You can request instruction if you wish and for private groups can have a riding lesson at the farm on day 1 prior to the riding out or have more formal lessons prior to day 1 (prior notice needed).


Horses Local criollo breed crossed with Andalusian, Arab, thoroughbred, Peruvian Paso – ideally suited to the terrain.

We make every possible effort to provide ideal horses for the terrain for each rider’s level of experience. You usually have at least two horses to choose from and start by riding in an enclosed area to ensure you are comfortable with their horse.


Equipment/tack Western style saddles with sheepskin seats (note, easy to ride English style), horses used to neck reining and English style ‘2 hands’. Ponchos and saddlebags are provided for each rider.


Guides Expert rider leading the trip, bilingual with much experience. Also skilled, a local horseman that knows the backcountry well accompanies the group.


Health and Safety We pay special attention to the safety of our guests and the health of our horses. The guide always carries a mobile telephone and first aid kits and a back-up vehicle is always available. Appropriate medical insurance is mandatory and the responsibility of each individual. You are strongly recommended to wear your own riding helmet on the riding tour. Guests will be required to sign a responsibility release before starting a tour.


Grooms Will be present to help guests with the horses.


Accommodation 6 nights in double/twin bedded rooms, 1 night in rooms with 2 or 4 beds. Single room: possible on 3 nights (limited availability, extra charge applies). Sleeping bag needed & towel.

Bathrooms: private 1 night, 5 nights shared. On 2 nights possible to upgrade to private bathroom, extra charge applies.


Food Hot breakfast, varied picnic lunch, 3 course hot dinner. Snacks and also bottled water also provided each day. Key: AB= cooked breakfast, PL= picnic lunch (different menus, not just a sandwich), D=dinner.


Prices Prices are per person in GBP pounds and US Dollars and include all services as described in the individual itineraries (i.e guide, horses, meals, accommodation, transport all included). Local taxes and park and reserve entrance fees included. Food key: AB= cooked breakfast, PL= picnic lunch (different menus, not just a sandwich), D=dinner.

A booking is confirmed only upon receipt of the corresponding deposit. Following a confirmed booking detailed travel advice and equipment lists will be sent to you.

Note: We reserve the right to alter the itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.

Why do we like them?

Having spent a year out in South America himself, Alex knows exactly what incredible experiences Andean Trails have in store for you. As true specialists in South American trekking, mountaineering, biking and rafting, and with a strong commitment to using friendly local accommodation, guides and businesses, you can be sure of an unforgetable experience.

You can also be sure that few international operators are doing as much as these guys to support and benefit the communities you visit and places you explore - making your trip go that much further.

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