Here are some facts you should know to help you prepare before visiting the Cotopaxi volcano and the refuge:

1. Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to the Cotopaxi National Park is $10 for foreigners and $2 for Ecuadorians.
2. Entry Times: Admission to the Cotopaxi National Park (through “control norte” and “control caspi”) is allowed only before 4pm (16h00).
3. Parking areas: There is a parking area at 4600 m, you have to walk around 30-45 minutes to get to the refuge.
4. Refuge Altitude: The refuge “José Ribas” is located in the north face of the Cotopaxi Volcano at 4800 meters (15750 feet) of altitude.
5. What would you find at the refuge? In the refuge there are two kitchen rooms, 4 stoves, plastic dishes, running water (if it is not frozen), bathrooms, electricity from 6 pm to 8 pm, beds with mattresses, lockers.
6. Staying the night at the refuge: If you plan to stay in the refuge you should bring your sleeping bag, warm clothes, food, pure water, headlamp, toilet paper, if you want you can bring your own lock.
7. Shopping (Supplies): There is a small shop where you can buy snacks and hot chocolate or tea.
8. Price per night at the refuge: The price per night per person is around $10 for Ecuadorians and around $20 for foreigners.

To see videos of the Cotopaxi please click below.

• Here is a video that we took at the Cotopaxi Mountain Refuge to give you an idea of what it looks like. 
• Here is a vide of our friends Ismael and Vanessa climbing the Cotopaxi for the first time. Congrats Vanessa!