(34000 hectares, 3400-5897 MASL)
Cotopaxi National Park is the second declared national park in Ecuador and the second most visited attraction in the country. It is located around 45Km from Ecuador’s capital Quito. Its main attraction is the gorgeous conic snowy volcano Cotopaxi (5897 MASL) and the wonderful view in its surroundings.
It is necessary to have a profesional guide to reach the top of the volcano Cotopaxi. There are many companies or guides from in Quito or Latacunga who arrange everything you need for the expedition. It is necessary two days, the first day you will be transported to the JOSE RIVAS refuge (4864 MASL). There you will continue for 200 meters in order to reach the glaciar. There you will practice ice techniques. After a few hours adapting to the altitude you will go to rest. Around 11pm people start to get ready to climb the Cotopaxi. After 6-8 hours walking up more than 1Km on ice, you will reach the summit. You can find packages from $280 to $450 and includes food, transportation, clothes and equipment. It is recommended to look for a ASEGUIM guide, good physical condition and be sure you are used to altitude. Anytime is good for this journey. However, NOV-FEB are the best because no much wind. Also a good time is JUN-AUG brings you a clear day with strong winds. You can also reach the top of Rumiñahui volcano (4712 MASL) and Morurco volcano (4880 MASL) in the National Park.
The National Park is well know for the views, the glacial, and it’s challenging climbing to reach the peak. There are paths from 30 min to 8 hours for hiking, paramo (treeless) views, Limpiopungo lagoon, camping, archeological places, back horsing rides, 4WD, mountain biking, motor biking
A daytrip from Quito or Latacunga involves a small hiking around the area to see flowers and animals. Then a visit to Limpiopungo lagoon. Finally, you will walk around 1 hour to reach the JOSE RIVAS refuge (4864 MASL). There you can continue 200 meters more in order to reach the glaciar. The price is around $25 to $50 per person. There are day trips which includes downhill (biking Cotopaxi) from 4800 MASL with astounding view.
There are some options for sleeping: First, free camping (in front of Limpiopungo lagoon) no water, no wood, no toilet. Second, LA RINCONADA camping area ($5 per camp, $15 beds, $20 bed with dinner and breakfast,+59333049364) This camping includes toilet paper and bags, wood for fire, toilets, BBQ area, restaurant with basic food. Third, EL BOLICHE camping with the same benefits (%5 per camp, $15 beds, $20 bed with dinner and breakfast, +593322292836). Fourth, Hotel Tambopaxi ($7.32 camping, $24.8 bed, $115 double provide room with breakfast,+59326000365) they have hot water, no wood for fire. The last option is to reach the JOSE RIVAS refuge (+5932222240/ +5932254798, $15 per person). It is forbidden to have arms, alcohol and pets stay overnight.
There is no public transport to get to the park. The transport leaves you in nearby places and from there you have to walk, look for an adventure or hire a taxi. There are three entrances to the Cotopaxi National Park:
The busiest is the south entrance called CONTROL CASPI (free, 8 am-3pm, you can enter until 5pm if you go camping). To get there you have to take a bus from Quitumbe (Quito) to Latacunga ($ 1.5) and stay at the entrance to the park. Then continue for 6Km of the road on a paved road, you can take a $ 7 taxi from the street to the entrance or look for a lift. There are many cars on the weekend and a few on the weekdays. From this entrance we continue 7Km more along an asphalted road and then 8Km more to reach the camping areas, and the Limpiopungo lagoon. From there, we continue about 10Km by a third order road to the parking of the Refugio Jose Rivas. It is best to go on a day tour from Quito or Latacunga ($ 25- $ 50) or in your own car.
The second is the North entrance that is 25Km from Machachi ($ 30 taxi) on a third order road. There is no public transport. It is not very crowded and the road is of third order so you need a 4WD. 3 km from this entrance is the hotel Tambopaxi and about 15 km from the refuge JOSE RIVAS (4864 msnl). You can also cross from the CASPI control to the North entrance the last 5km a 4WD is necessary. On the road from Machachi to the North entrance there are several haciendas that offer various activities and lodging.
The third entrance is called EL BOLICHE station, it does not connect with the car road with the other two entrances. There is the Ecuadorian space institute, formerly belonging to NASA, and a camping area. To get there you can take a bus from Quito (Quitumbe) -Latacunga ($ 1.5) and stay at the entrance to Boliche. from there about 3Km.Otra very interesting way is to take the tourist train from Quito (Estacioón Chimbacalle) to the station "El Boliche" $ 39 per person round trip. Includes bilingual guide, lunch, farm visit, cultural presentation. Duration around 9 hours from Thursday to Sunday. http://trenecuador.com/en/day-trips/train-of-the-volcanoes/
From Latacunga to the José Rivas Refugio parking lot $ 50, 1 hour
From Quito to the José Rivas Refuge parking lot $ 60, 1.5 hour
From Machachi to the José Rivas Refuge parking lot $ 35, 30 minutes
From the parking lot it is about an hour walking to the José Rivas Refuge.
El Épico Sincholagua Saturday 22 February 2025
