Cotopaxi Hike & Horse

Cotopaxi’s majestic volcano and its surrounding valleys offer an unparalleled opportunity for adventure-seekers. Visitors can embark on a scenic hike, soaking in breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped peak and diverse ecosystems. Complementing the trek, horseback riding provides a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty. This experience blends physical activity with the chance to learn about the local flora and fauna, catering to nature enthusiasts. But there’s more to discover beyond the hike and horse ride.

About Your Stay

• This experience combines a horseback riding tour in Tarqui Valley and an Ecuadorian cooking class, but does not include a hike to Cotopaxi volcano.
• The horseback riding segment allows participants to learn about local flora and fauna from a bilingual guide.
• The cooking class takes place at an organic farm, where travelers prepare and enjoy traditional Ecuadorian dishes.
• Private transportation, necessary equipment, and travel insurance are included, but personal expenses and tips are excluded.
• This activity is not wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness, with a minimum age of 5 years.

Experience Overview

This private tour from Cuenca, Ecuador combines the thrilling experience of horseback riding through the Tarqui Valley with an engaging Ecuadorian cooking class at an organic farm.

Riders will learn about the region’s plants and wildlife as they traverse the beautiful landscape. At the farm, they’ll prepare and enjoy a delicious local lunch, gaining insights into Ecuadorian cuisine.

Throughout the day, a bilingual guide provides expert commentary and support. With private transportation, lunch, and all necessary equipment included, this tour offers an immersive cultural and educational adventure.

What’s Included

The tour includes a horseback riding experience that allows participants to explore the Tarqui Valley.

Private transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off in Quito are provided. Lunch is included, and riders will receive all necessary equipment.

A bilingual guide accompanies the group, offering insights into the local plants and wildlife. Travelers also get 24/7 support from the team and mandatory travel insurance.

While personal expenses and tips for guides are excluded, the tour covers the core activities, ensuring a seamless and worry-free adventure.

Exclusions

While the tour includes a range of activities and services, it excludes personal expenses and any meals or drinks not specified in the itinerary.

Plus, the price doesn’t cover optional activities or tips for the guides. Travelers are responsible for any additional costs incurred during the experience.

The tour is priced from $220.00 per person, and the final cost may vary depending on the group size.

The tour is priced from $220.00 per person, and the final cost may vary depending on the group size.

Participants should also note that the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it isn’t recommended for those with back issues or pregnant travelers due to the moderate physical fitness required.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers have the option to meet the tour at a direct meeting point or arrange for hotel pickup. A small fee may apply for pickups in valleys or the airport area.

The activity concludes at the original meeting point. The tour starts promptly at 7:00 am. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back issues or pregnant individuals. A moderate physical fitness level is required to participate.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the booking is received immediately after reserving the tour.

The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and a minimum age of 5 years applies. Travelers with back issues or who are pregnant aren’t recommended to participate. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

This is a private tour, with only the booking party taking part. Pricing varies based on group size, starting from $220 per person.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour. The experience has a 4.9 rating based on 8 reviews, with positive feedback on the landscapes and overall experience.

Horseback Riding and Cooking Class

The tour begins with a picturesque horseback ride through the Tarqui Valley.

Guests learn about the local plants and wildlife from the bilingual guide.

They’ll then visit an organic farm for an Ecuadorian cooking class. Under the guidance of the farm’s chef, participants prepare and enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional dishes.

The private transportation, including hotel pickup and drop-off, ensures a seamless experience.

With the necessary equipment and travel insurance provided, guests can focus on seeing the culture and natural beauty of the region.

Exploring the Tarqui Valley

After the introductory horseback riding experience, guests embark on a journey through the picturesque Tarqui Valley. During this scenic ride, the bilingual guide shares insights about the local flora and fauna. Riders traverse lush meadows, encounter grazing livestock, and marvel at the surrounding mountain peaks. The valley offers a serene and tranquil setting for guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

| Plant Species | Animal Sightings | Geological Features |

|—————|——————|——————-|

| Andean Lupine | Llamas | Volcanic Peaks |

| Quishuar Tree | Chagras | Glacial Streams |

| Pumamaqui | Hummingbirds | Moraine Deposits |

| Romerillo | Foxes | Lava Formations |

| Chilca | Condors | Glacial Cirques |

Questions About Your Stay

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?

The tour is a private experience, so the group size varies based on the number of travelers in your party. The tour can accommodate small groups, though the exact group size is not specified in the provided information.

Are Children Allowed to Participate in the Horseback Riding?

Yes, children as young as 5 years old are allowed to participate in the horseback riding experience. The tour provides horse riding equipment and is suitable for all experience levels, including families with young children.

Can the Cooking Class Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?

The cooking class can accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. Travelers should notify the tour provider in advance of any dietary needs so the menu can be tailored accordingly. The staff is happy to work with guests to ensure their dietary requirements are met.

How Much Experience Is Required for the Horseback Riding?

The tour requires a moderate physical fitness level for the horseback riding, but doesn’t specify any prerequisite experience. Riders will receive instruction and guidance from the bilingual guide throughout the ride through the Tarqui Valley.

Can the Tour Be Customized or Tailored to Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to specific interests. The private nature of the experience allows the itinerary to be tailored, and the bilingual guide can adapt the activities based on the group’s preferences.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Cotopaxi Hike & Horse experience offers an exhilarating way to explore Ecuador’s stunning landscapes. Participants can embark on a scenic hike around the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano and enjoy horseback riding through the surrounding valleys, providing a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty. This adventure combines physical activity with the opportunity to learn about local flora and fauna, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.