Private Cotopaxi Horseback Riding & Inca Trail Footsteps

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8 to 9 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

After a scenic drive from Quito, enjoy a local food tasting and dress in traditional Chagra attire. While riding, you will enjoy impressive views of the landscape, volcanoes, and wildlife until reaching an ancient Inca settlement, Pucará de Salitre, where you will discover the path the Incas traveled and the reason for its strategic location.

After this adventure, you will walk around the Limpiopungo Lagoon or hike to the José Rivas Refuge at 4860 FASL (15 500ft). Finally, your guide will suggest the best places to have lunch before the return to your hotel.

What's Included

Traditional Chagra riding equipment
Entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park, Horseback riding
Local food tasting
Bottle of purified water
Professional bilingual Guide
Lunch
Gratuities
Personal expenses

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Our guide will be waiting for you in your hotel lobby at the start time of your tour.

Hotel pick-off and drop-off outside of the city. The extra cost can range from $30 till $70 depending on the number of passengers and location

Itinerary

Duration: 8 to 9 hours (approximately)
  • Machachi (Pass by)

    As we pass through Machachi, we'll take a scenic drive along the legendary "Avenue of the Volcanoes." Your guide will do more than simply point out the geography; they will transport you through time by sharing the ancient legends and epic battles for love starring these Andean giants.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Cotopaxi National Park

    Before arriving at the National Park, we will make a short stop where our guide will offer you a local food tasting to start the ride with energy. Then, get ready for a 2-hour horseback ride. Dress in the traditional attire of a Chagra (Ecuadorian cowboy), including a poncho (wool cape) and zamarros (leather chaps), to ride while enjoying spectacular views of the volcanoes, wildlife, and unique landscapes. Your journey leads to Salitre Pucará, the remains of an ancient Inca military outpost and the place where the ancient Inca Trail passed through. Though only a few stone foundations remain today, you will discover why this specific point was chosen as a strategic control point.

    2 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Laguna de Limpiopungo

    After your horseback adventure, take a walk around the Limpiopungo Lagoon, you'll enjoy the serenity of the páramo and observe diverse birdlife or depending on your energy levels, we can hike up to the José Rivas Refuge at 4860 FASL (15 500ft).

    40 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Cotopaxi National Park

    After our adventure, our guide will give you some recommendations for a traditional lunch. In that place, you will be able to taste authentic flavors of the region while recharging your energy in a unique natural setting. Finally, our guide will take you back to your hotel.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • Operates in all weather conditions, weather may vary please dress appropriately
Supplied by Andean Roots Travel

Tags

Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Car Tours
Adventure Tours
Involves Animals
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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