Are there wild horses in Ecuador?

The wild horses of Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador is a beautiful expanse of rolling Páramo, or Andean highland plain, in the shadow of a powerful snow-capped volcano. If you weren’t told beforehand, you might be quite surprised when the vast landscape in front of you is interrupted by a herd of wild horses.

Though it seems like they have always been here, when settlers came over from Europe they brought their horses with them, as any species of horse in the Americas was long extinct before their arrival. Horses quickly became a key part to daily life of many peoples of the Americas and are crucial to many cultures in Ecuador. As Haciendas, or ranches, were established along Cotopaxi National park, the occasional horse runaway would not be recovered, and they would become wild, never to be ridden again. Over time, this happened again and again, and herds formed and the wild horses began to reproduce on their own, giving birth to truly wild foals. Over time, a population of wild horses established, and they now form an integral part of the landscape.

Whether you are hiking, biking, or horseback riding in the majestic shadow of Cotopaxi, you have a chance to lay your eyes on this rare wonder that makes up some of the last wild horses in the world. If you are an outdoor adventure enthusiast, or just love unique landscapes, Cotopaxi offers an incredible range of activities, with unlimited picturesque views to enjoy any way you see fit.

Galapagos Renaissance can help to set you up with unforgettable tours across the Ecuadorian mainland and Galapagos Islands. Ecuador has unlimited possibilities to offer, all you have to do is ask! Get in touch with us today to plan your next adventure.