Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
hacienda in a rural setting, it has great views, a nice restaurant and
comfortable rooms. $$-$$$
Camping
Camping in Cotopaxi National Park is available at offi-
cially designated sites. Most of the park is relatively flat
and the open terrain offers plenty of camping space. One
popular spot is near Lago Limpiopungo , though camp-
ing is not available right by the lake.
A great way for climbers to acclimatize is to set
up camp near Limpiopungo and then backpack
for a day up to the climbers' refuge below the
summit.
Camping is also available in El Boliche National Recreation
Area within the exotic pine forest. Inquire ahead inQuito for permits
or at the administration building heading into the park. As with the
more popular volcanic peaks, there is also a climbers' refuge ($10 per
night) on Cotopaxi. In addition, there are a couple of primitive shel-
ters available within the park.
Refugios , the climbers' refuges, exist on Cotopaxi, Ilinizas and
Chimborazo. Bring your own gear and food.
Where to Eat
Machachi
La Estación de Machachi in Alausí offers tasty meals
that can be included in the price of the stay. Otherwise,
there are a couple of public cafés in Machachi a few miles
down the highway. Try Restaurante Pedregal ,onthe
main road into town, just before the park. Expect basic, but tasty
meals. Café de la Vaca , a couple of miles south of Machachi along
the Pan-American, is a good resting spot for coffee, ice cream or a
quickmeal if you are traveling long-distance along the Pan-American
Highway.
Other than public restaurants on the Pan-American Highway or
cafés in small towns like Machachi, most of your meals in this region
will either be included with lodging (see Where to Stay , pages 177-80)
or you should bring them with you.
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