Our horseback riding tour in Cotopaxi National Park is a great way to spend days exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding Andean volcanoes. We will ride up 3,280 ft (1,000 m) until we arrive to breathtaking other-worldly terrain with a glistening lake and captivating sunsets just behind the Cotopaxi peak. This adventure is the best way to see the landscapes and wildlife of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Day 1: Arrival at PapaGayo & 3-hour ride in Andean routes:Home to the infamous Cotopaxi volcano as well as volcanoes Rumiñahui and Sincholagua, this park is a great place to see majestic volcanoes. Cotopaxi is the tallest active volcano in Ecuador and is frequently cited as being one of the most famous peaks in South America. It is a beautifully symmetrical snow-capped mountain that gracefully rises from the paramo landscape. Throughout the national park, you’ll find wild plants and animals native to the Andean paramo. Among tall grasses and wildflowers, you have the chance to spot llamas, hummingbirds, wild horses, wild rabbits, and deer. Animals such as pumas and the Andean condor tend to be shy and elusive, and it will be a great day if we are able to spot them.
Day 2: Trekking at Rumiñahui volano: With an altitude of 15,489 ft (4,721 m), Rumiñahui is an extinct volcano that contains three summits and has incredible views overlooking the volcanoes Ilinizas, Corazon, Sincholagua, and Cotopaxi. This trek takes you through rolling hills of thick paramo grass, where abundant wildlife resides. The trek up to the Rumiñahui summit ends in a short but thrilling scramble. Spend a moment at the peak taking in the breathtaking sights of the surrounding mountains.
Day 3: Ride in Cotopaxi National Park: We enjoy another long ride in Cotopaxi National Park. Within this massive national park, there are many different routes to choose from, and we will ride among different trails than experienced on Day 1.
Day 4: Trekking at Pasochoa Volcano: We will end our final full day with a relatively easy climb. The trek to the summit of this inactive volcano results in a beautiful view of a well-preserved cloud forest within the crater. This rare humid forest reserve provides shelter to an abundance of unique flora and fauna. Throughout the trek, keep your eyes peeled for foxes and wild horses and perhaps a puma or the even more elusive Andean condor.
Day 5: Departure from PapaGayo: Sadly, our adventure is over. You will have a transfer from PapaGayo to Quito.
