Cotopaxi — Local services in Machachi

I am an experienced hiker and travel a lot but not having prepared for this one, I was only able to make it to 16,000ft. This definitely isn't for the mediocre/foreign hiker but totally worth it if youre up for the challenge. You need a professional guide and equipment to get to the top if that's your goal. Other than that, the herd of wild horses that surround the areas nearby are absolutely stunning and compliment the volcano. It's also amazing to see how far the volcano fragments can reach if there was an eruption and how big they can be. What a nightmare that would be if that happened haha but I couldn't help myself imagining that entire scenario as we left, reading miles after miles of signs of eruption zones. Exciting and scary but I'd still go again anyway and if you have the chance, leave through the back way or the scenic route, it will take a bit longer but it will be worth it. Ecuador is a scenic route in it of itself regardless of where you are so soak it in while you're there, you can never spend too much time in...

I'm not sure if the bathrooms are part of the national park or privately owned, but the one bathroom on the gravel road between the entrance and the parking area below the refuge had a discriminatory policy of charging women $.25 and men $.10. When I asked for the reason of the price difference, the attendant told me it's because men don't use toilet paper. I showed her that I brought my own, but she said it didn't matter, I would still need to pay the $.25. So women, avoid using this bathroom if possible (I think the one at the entrance didn't have a price difference). Men, if you need to go #2, also avoid this bathroom as you may not get toilet paper! But also don't use it because of the principle of the matter.

Bring your passport if you intend on going to the refuge - you can get a stamp in your passport. People have also brought flags from their countries to hang in the refuge, so if that's something that interests you, bring your...

If you're traveling to Quito and looking for adventurous hike to the active volcano then Cotopaxi volcano is your must destination. Unfortunately you cannot go there by yourself as this place does not allow independent tourists without a tour guide. We ended up purchasing a basic shared tour package through Vaitor for $59 per person with only transportation and English tour guide included. Breakfast and lunch were not included but feeding lamas was free! Our tour guide Pamela was also amazing super informative and knowledgeable that we ended up hiring her for our Mindo tour as well. This hike is definitely not for everyone as Cotopaxi refuge is located at much higher elevation than Quito city so be careful and stay well hydrated inappropriately equipped with...