- Ride on the Andean plateaus
- At the foot of a magnificent snow-capped volcano
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This horseback riding tour takes riders into the Andes, at the eastern foot of the majestic, snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano, through the barren plains of the national park and the beautiful green valleys of the Cayambe-Zuleta-Imbabura region, north of Quito. You have an excellent chance of spotting the powerful Andean condor and a wide variety of birds in the pastoral valleys and plains. The terrain is extremely varied: dirt paths winding through fields, lunar landscapes, and vast grassy plains. The pace is lively, alternating between long gallops over rolling terrain and more leisurely rides on rougher surfaces. Where the vast expanse of high-altitude pastures ends, the ground is dotted with wildflowers, and you ride through primary forests with native trees and shrubs, as well as eucalyptus trees. This route takes riders into the Andes, at the eastern foot of the majestic, snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano, through the barren plains of the national park and the beautiful green valleys of the Cayambe-Zuleta-Imbabura region, north of Quito. You will have an excellent chance of spotting the powerful Andean condor and a wide variety of birds in the pastoral valleys and plains. The terrain is extremely varied: dirt paths winding through small fields, lunar landscapes, and vast grassy plains. The pace is lively, alternating between long gallops over rolling terrain and more leisurely rides on rougher surfaces. Where the vast expanse of high-altitude pastures ends, the ground is dotted with wildflowers, and we ride through primary forests with native trees and shrubs, as well as eucalyptus trees. We cross ancient lava flows, strewn with rocks ejected by the volcano, where only lichen grows, and ford rivers fed by melting snow. Surrounded by majestic Andean peaks, these fascinating landscapes are the result of glacial meltwater and volcanic activity. Overnight stays are in haciendas, guesthouses, and isolated farms, built from a variety of materials: adobe with thatched roofs, Inca stone… One night is spent in small cabins in a village, supporting an excellent local community project. Due to the variable weather conditions in the mountains (climatic differences between the east and west sides of Cotopaxi), some flexibility is necessary. We offer several alternative options if the itinerary needs to be modified. This trip is intended for experienced riders capable of navigating varied terrain and spending long days on horseback (up to 7-8 hours). We strongly recommend a few days of acclimatization before departure. We can arrange shorter riding excursions or other activities, such as a visit to the famous Otavalo market. You will ride across ancient lava flows, strewn with rocks ejected by the volcano, where only lichens grow, and cross rivers fed by melting snow. Surrounded by majestic Andean peaks, these fascinating landscapes are the result of glacial meltwater and volcanic activity. Overnight stays are in haciendas, guesthouses, and isolated farms, built from a variety of materials: adobe with thatched roofs, Inca stone… One night is spent in small cabins in a village, supporting an excellent local community project. Due to the variable weather conditions in the mountains (climatic differences between the east and west sides of Cotopaxi), some flexibility is necessary. This horseback riding trip is intended for experienced riders capable of navigating varied terrain and spending long days on horseback (up to 7-8 hours).
INDICATIVE ITINERARY*
Day 1 (Saturday): The Northern Highlands
An early morning departure from Quito takes you north through an arid valley dotted with acacia trees, cacti, and avocado groves. After passing the snow-capped volcano of Cayambe, which straddles the equator, you will remount your horses and, once settled, head towards the beautiful, verdant Zuleta Valley. This fertile glacial valley was chosen centuries ago by the first settlers. Riders can admire the terraces left by pre-Inca groups and, at the working hacienda you visit, see examples of the pottery made locally. This valley and the hacienda have been popular destinations for many years. The English-speaking owners are charming and will welcome you to their farm, introducing you to their Andalusian horses and their herd of dairy cows.
Duration of ride: approximately 4 to 5 hours
Meals included: tea, picnic lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay at the hacienda in the Zuleta Valley
Day 2 (Sunday): Sacred Imbabura and cultural immersion.
This morning, you continue your hike through another part of the picturesque valley. Following paths lined with agave plants, you pass through fields of lupine, quinoa, and beans. Then, you ascend to higher ground and enjoy breathtaking views of this landscape, sculpted by retreating glaciers at the end of the last ice age. You then continue along the slopes of the Imbabura volcano and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in a stunning setting, overlooking the mountain ridges that conceal the Amazon rainforest beyond.
Next, you arrive in a charming village where you are welcomed by a local indigenous family. This village is an example of an exemplary community project, with its beautifully maintained gardens of fruit trees, aromatic plants, and medicinal herbs. For those interested, there is an opportunity to learn more about the local culture: shamans, the Andean calendar, traditional festivals, and typical cuisine.
Hiking time: approximately 6 to 7 hours
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay in an indigenous village near Ibarra
Day 3 (Monday): Horseback riding in the San Pablo Valley.
After a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit and locally baked flatbread, freshly cooked in a wood-fired oven, you leave the village by dirt roads and stone paths. Crossing several steep ravines and passing herds of livestock and local people in traditional dress plowing their fields, you leave the valley. Emerging from the woods, you catch sight of Lake San Pablo in the distance. The terrain becomes flat, and you can gallop along the trails while admiring the surrounding peaks: snow-capped Mount Cayambe, the rugged peak of Imbabura, and, on the horizon, the Mojanda volcano. You say goodbye to your horses, as you will be riding different ones from the following day. After dismounting and transferring to the vehicle, you cross the equator, bypass Quito, and arrive at the starting point of the next leg of your journey, north of Cotopaxi National Park, ready for a new adventure.
Duration of the ride: approximately 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay at a lodge at the foot of the Pasachoa volcano
Day 4 (Tuesday): Cotopaxi National Park and Wild Horses
A completely different landscape unfolds before you as you ride along a wide riverbed and across the plains of Cotopaxi National Park. Riders can admire fascinating geological formations, the result of glacial activity at the end of the last ice age and subsequent volcanic activity. You then ride at a steady pace through the vast grasslands between drumlins and volcanic cones, approaching the majestic Cotopaxi volcano. As you ride through the hills, you have a good chance of seeing several herds of wild horses roaming freely in the park—the young stallions, with their long, flowing manes and tails, will sometimes gallop alongside us. You then follow the main Inca road connecting Cusco and Quito and arrive at a modern and very comfortable hacienda, nestled in an idyllic setting, surrounded by four magnificent Andean peaks: Rumiñahui, Pasachoa, Sincholagua, and the snow-capped Cotopaxi.
Riding time: approximately 5 to 6 hours
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay at a mountain lodge in the heart of Cotopaxi National Park.
Day 5 (Wednesday): Following the Inca Trail in the Andes.
The longest riding day of the trip – 45 km through the northern part of the national park, to the remote eastern slopes of Cotopaxi volcano, far from the tourist trails. You will often spot deer and foxes, as well as eagles, hawks, buzzards, and caracaras in flight. Plains, wetlands, lava fields, and arid grasslands: a variety of landscapes to traverse. At times, you will ride along an ancient Inca trail that descended towards the Amazon. Arriving in another valley, the hacienda that will host you appears nestled among the hills. A wood-burning stove and welcoming staff provide a warm welcome in this stone-built lodge. Riders can enjoy the tranquility of this unique location, and as night falls, the equatorial sky illuminates with thousands of stars, including the Southern Cross.
Riding time: approximately 7 to 8 hours
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay at a secluded hacienda.
Day 6 (Thursday): Life of the Chagras in the Páramo.
Horseback ride in the Páramo region of Mount Quilindaña – an area located between the cultivated lands and the snow-capped peaks – accompanied by the Chagras, the local Andean horsemen. You will ride to higher altitudes in search of the spectacled bear, which is increasingly being spotted in this area. You may encounter this omnivorous animal and observe signs of its presence, which always generates great interest. You may also participate in searching for stray cattle in the remote areas of the hacienda, or help gather the cows to drive them to the corral. The climate can be quite harsh at certain times of the year, and the Chagras wear appropriate clothing: wool ponchos and leather boots, along with sturdy riding equipment, including braided reins and wooden stirrups. Since the introduction of the horse to South America by the Spanish, the local "Criollo" breed has adapted to these challenging conditions, becoming a resilient and robust horse.
Duration of the ride: approximately 6 hours
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay at a remote hacienda.
Day 7 (Friday): At the Foot of the Volcanoes
Upon waking, riders can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Cotopaxi and Quilindaña volcanoes, as well as the Antisana glacier on the horizon. After visiting the hacienda's walls, built with Inca stone, and the earthen enclosures used to corral the bulls, you will set off to explore another part of this wild region—you may even have the opportunity to spot bulls, deer, and foxes along the way. The approximately 40 km ride takes you to the foot of the Cotopaxi volcano, through a wide glacial valley. The contrast of the landscapes is striking: páramo grasslands, river crossings, fields of volcanic rocks, and wetlands… before returning to the plains of the national park for some exhilarating gallops. En route, you will pass by a restored Inca fortress perched on a hill. Upon arriving at the hacienda, near the exit of the national park, the riders dismount and are then taken to Quito for the night.
Duration of the ride: approximately 7 hours
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay at a hotel in Quito
Day 8 (Saturday): Departure.
After breakfast, our services conclude. You can arrange your own transportation to the airport, or we can also assist you in booking extensions to your trip, such as stays at lodges in the Amazon rainforest or cruises to the Galapagos Islands.
Meals included: Breakfast.
* This is a sample ride dossier, planned several months in advance. The ride can be operated in different order other than as described above. Arrangements (routes or facilities) are subject to variation by the outfitter depending on local conditions. All riding times contained in our itineraries are based upon riding at a slow/moderate pace throughout.
MEETING:
The meeting point is located in the La Floresta or Mariscal neighborhoods of Quito. Pick-up generally takes place between 7:30 and 7:45 AM, as most hotels serve breakfast starting at 7:00 AM.
DEPARTURE:
After breakfast, our services conclude. Travelers can arrange their own transportation to the airport. We can also assist with booking additional excursions, such as stays at Amazonian lodges or cruises to the Galapagos Islands.
FLIGHTS:
Flights to Ecuador are not included in our prices, as it is usually more economical for travelers to book their own flights. Packages that include flights are generally more expensive due to agency fees. However, we are happy to assist you in finding the best flight deals.
RIDING LEVEL: 
To participate and enjoy this ride, you must be comfortable with the three paces (walk, trot, canter)..
GUIDE:
English speaking local guide.
GROUPS:
2 to 6 riders + the guide.
MINIMUM AGE / MAXIMUM WEIGHT:
12 years old, accompanied by parents. Maximum 240 lbs, 100 kg.
HORSES:
Costa Rican Criollo, Paso, and mixed breeds (Spanish, Andalusian & American Quarter). They range from 14 to 16 hands.
TACK:
Modified McClellan, some Western.
ACCOMMODATION: 
This horseback riding trip takes place in several stages, with different accommodations each night.
Night 1: Hacienda in the Zuleta Valley
This hacienda belonged to the Order of Mercy until the end of the 19th century. The guesthouse is located in the heart of the farm, allowing visitors to observe daily activities from a window or the garden, and to participate in farm work if they wish. The former building that served as housing for the employees has been renovated to accommodate travelers, with an emphasis on comfort. In homage to those who shaped the history of the mountain farms and contributed to the daily life of this property, each room is named after one of these former employees. The five rooms are furnished with antique wooden furniture and have private bathrooms. Most rooms have a fireplace. Free Wi-Fi is available in the common areas.
Night 2: Indigenous village near Ibarra
Following the desire of local families to welcome travelers, some of them have decided to host guests in their homes. The village is located at an altitude of 2,800 m (approximately 9,200 feet) above sea level.
Night 3: Lodge at the foot of the Pasachoa Volcano
Built with local materials, this lodge is located at an altitude of 3,480 meters. It offers comfortable rooms with rustic decor, featuring a private bathroom, a wood-burning stove, and cozy ponchos and blankets to keep warm in the high altitude. The main building is welcoming, with reading areas and relaxation spaces offering breathtaking views of Cotopaxi on clear days. In the evening, you can gather around the campfire and admire the stars. Wi-Fi is free.
Night 4: Boutique hotel in Cotopaxi National Park
This hotel offers bright and spacious rooms with large windows offering views of the mountains. Each room has a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi access, and a stove to keep you warm on cool evenings.
Nights 5 and 6: Hacienda in Quilindana
This hacienda is located in the heart of Cotopaxi National Park and participates in an important conservation program aimed at protecting the local endangered wildlife. It is situated on the slopes of the Cotopaxi volcano, at an altitude of 3,600 m. The main building dates back to Inca times and served as a tambo (inn). Although destroyed by the Spanish, it was rebuilt using traditional techniques. You will stay in one of six thatched-roof cabins (machais) with walls made of woven reeds and curtains serving as doors. The machais share three bathrooms and three showers (with hot water).
Night 7: Hotel in Quito
This hotel is located in a Spanish-style villa that retains all its colonial charm. The decor combines Ecuadorian handicrafts with handcrafted, local, fine wood furniture. All 20 rooms have a private bathroom, telephone, television, Wi-Fi access, and a digital safe.
MEALS:
During the "Cotopaxi Adventure" tour, all meals are included, except for dinner on day 7.
Whether you stay in an hacienda, a hotel, or a typical farm, the meals will be plentiful and tasty, without being overly spicy. Riders can enjoy a mix of traditional Western dishes and local specialties (such as empanadas, delicious savory pastries filled with meat or chicken). High-quality local products, such as cheese from the Zuleta Valley in Ecuador and tropical fruits (papaya, mango, and breadfruit), are often served.
Picnic lunches are prepared with fresh ingredients and always include more than just sandwiches. For dinner, the first course is often a delicious highland soup made with quality local ingredients (beans, dried vegetables, and fresh vegetables).
A typical picnic lunch includes:
- 2 types of meat
- 2 types of cheese
- salads
- fruit
- bread and baguettes
- savory snacks
- award-winning Ecuadorian chocolate
- raisins, cookies, and sweets
- tea and coffee
- salt, pepper, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mayonnaise, and hot sauce
Beverages
Snacks and bottled water are also provided daily. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are at the participants' own expense.
Special Dietary Requirements
We can easily accommodate vegetarian diets or other special dietary needs, provided we are notified in advance.
2025 PRICE / PER PERSON:
In 2 person bedrooms: 3500 €
Single bedroom supplement: 600 € *
Booking fees: 15 €
* The single bedroom supplement is charged if you are traveling alone and would like to share a room, but there is no other rider available to share with you.
The price is calculated in US dollars, so it may fluctuate upwards or downwards at the time of your booking.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
The rental of a fully equipped horse, the services of a guide, accommodation, and meals (except dinner on day 7).
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCUDE:
Individual insurance, dinner on day 7, alcoholic beverages, tips, transfer from Quito, and anything not listed under "what's included" are not included in the price.
INSURANCE:
A civil liability and travel insurance (assistance/repatriation) is compulsory. A cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
A payment by credit card can make you benefit from its possible insurance (check your contract).
We offer to Europe Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway residents: the Chapka insurances.
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
See prices - See information
FLIGHTS:
Flights are not included because it is more interesting to book directly your ticket: a transport package included is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best prices.
We strongly recommend allowing a few days for acclimatization before the start of the trail ride. We suggest staying in Quito (at the same altitude) for at least 24 hours prior to the first day of the trek, as the trek begins at an altitude of 2,800 meters (the same altitude as Quito). While health problems are rare, please note that we sometimes reach altitudes above 3,000 meters, and even 4,000 meters. If you have any doubts about your ability to cope with these altitudes, please consult a doctor.
In case of emergency
In the event of an accident, our guides are equipped with a mobile phone to contact local emergency services, our support vehicle, or our doctor in Quito. Mobile network coverage is generally excellent, but may be limited on some days. The support vehicle will be located nearby.