Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

Such an amazing experience. The views were great. Tough hike to base camp, so bring lots of water and make sure you're ok with the altitude first, it is tough. I'd also suggest layering up pants and coats. Maybe gloves and definitely bring hiking shoes.

Great day spent at the park, if you drive it is better to have a truck and not a small low riding car. The road can be a bit rough. A beautiful scenery and walk up the mountain to the lodge.

Cotopaxi - in central Ecuador - one of the highest (5897m) active volcanoes in the world. From the refuge (4864m) up to the summit requires specialised gear and acclimatisation. Being accompanied by a guide is greatly recommended.

Beautiful mountains. Solid climb to rest house. Took us almost 2 hours to climb the mountain and 45 minutes to come down. Someone in better condition could do it quicker.

A note to motorcyclists: motorbikes are prohibited anywhere in the park, as are pets, drones, and apparently walking. We arrived to the gate yesterday by motorcycle and were informed we could not enter the park neither by bike nor on foot. You can enter only by car. We had to purchase a guided tour, which was expensive but negotiable. The time allowed includes a 45 minute walk to the refuge, which we found way too little to enjoy the walk and view, so we had to skip out on other sights of the tour. The road to the refuge parking lot is very steep and corrugated with loose footing; our motorcycle wouldn't have made it. Small cars will probably struggle as well. Tourists feed the foxes, which is bad for them and makes them lose their fear of people. Please be responsible when visiting.

Although the cloudy weather hid the mountain peaks, it was still a breathtaking place where I encountered a fox and experienced Ecuador’s natural fora.

We were so looking forward to the hike but the weather was no cooperating. Sleet, snow and rain kept the beautiful views away.

Absolutely gorgeous landscape. If you’d like a smoother ride, enter through the north gate. The South Gate has a really rough road but also has a flatter landscape with alpaca and horses roaming about freely. Highly recommend wearing water proof gear and warming layers as the weather is quick to change. Take your time up to the Refuge and enjoy a nice cup of hot coco when you arrive. The trail is harder than most because of the soft gravel path but is still kid friendly (8+) if you come prepared.