La Virgen | Informal Campsite

December 31st, 2022 by maxi.naegele

It's forbidden to go here by motorbike. The ranger station 7km before the parking lot will stop you

December 17th, 2018 by tyler7099

Great place to stay for a couple of nights and a beautiful hike. We made it a couple hundred feet shy of the true North peak l the rock was too icy and snowy at the peak to summit safely, at least when we visited. Beautiful views all around on a clear day. Note: Google and Maps.me did not route properly to the trailhead. To get there go to El Chaupi and follow the signs to Los Illinizas. From there follow the road into the park, past the ranger station and the hacienda Refugio, and then just continue on the dirt road to the trailhead. If you are following Maps.me the road will eventually be marked as a hiking trail. Road is a bit rough, but not bad.

June 9th, 2018 by jul.nueckel

Highlight of our SA trip! Its possible to camp here for free. They have a Zona de Camping near the Parking. Noone there and no infrastructure but beautiful views! We camped there one night and left the motorbike in the Parking while going up to Illiniza Norte as a day trip. About 6 hours to the peak. (Easier route to summit is the route NOT going via the Refugio).
Officially you have to enter the NP before 16:00. We signed in at 17:00 and the officer made no problem.
Beautiful spot!

October 14th, 2017 by jsgaroundtheworld.blogspot.com.uy

A guide is not really needed for the north summit. Big path, good marked and easy to find even it's foggy.

May 18th, 2017 by Overland The Americas

Very nice camp spot with views of the Illinizas (weather permits). Flat grassy spot no facilities. Great spot at 3950 meters to base yourself before climbing or hiking to the refugio. 2.5 hour hike to the refugio (average) and 3 more hours to climb Illiniza Norte. You must hire a guide to summit. Several fatal and serious accidents have occurred recently in the Illinizas. Stay safe. ;) — Road conditions are not great but it's not too bad. 4x4 and high clearance recommended.

April 15th, 2017 by AshLivin.com

Beautiful spot to base yourself for a hike up to the refuge (or further). Quite cold! 4x4 recommended but the road is not as rough as the other comments suggest. We hiked up to the refuge and it took us around 4.5 hours round trip. Be prepared for cold and rainy weather up at the top! (Also, the elevation of the parking area is 12,969 ft, not 8,900ft).

July 9th, 2016 by roduit.guillaume

Actually collectivos are climbing up there if you prefer to save your car...

July 8th, 2016 by roduit.guillaume

The road is getting worst and worst. Reaching the parquadero is managable but would better have 4x4 or self-confidence. If not, you may prefer renounce, preserving you car for the rest of your trip being the best option.
Furthermore, you don't need to get there to get an wounderful view of the Cotopaxi.

February 10th, 2015 by sprintervandiaries.com

Parking lot at the head to the trail to Los Illanizas. No infrastructure. Road leading to the parking lot is a little washed out at parts but we had no trouble. If it rains a lot, getting down can be dangerous. Beautiful views when weather is good.