This shelter is 4864 steps closer to the moon - for us Europeans - an astonishing height. Cozy inside, it also defies the adverse conditions you'll find outside on your way to the glacier (or the summit).
No alcohol is served, there is a highly concentrated cocoa-flavoured sugar solution for refreshment. They like it sweet in the south. No wonder our guide preferred a hearty soup, which is served here as if you were somewhere in the lowlands.

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Laura

September 4, 2022

Hiking

The Refugio José Rivas is located at 4,864 m altitude. There you can stay overnight by prior reservation or simply strengthen yourself for the hike with coca tea or hot chocolate. There are also some snacks.

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Silvia

April 6, 2023

Hiking

It went easier than expected. The air is thin up here but doable.

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Best Hikes to José Rivas Refuge

4.8

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1. José Rivas Refuge – View from Cotopaxi loop from Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

2.38km

01:09

220m

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.9

(14)

136

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2. José Rivas Refuge loop from Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

4.97km

01:55

360m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

5.0

(6)

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3. José Rivas Refuge – View from Cotopaxi loop from Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

6.94km

04:50

1,210m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 4,870 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 1 February

10°C

2°C

96 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h

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Location: Mulalo, Cotopaxi, Ecuador

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José Rivas Refuge

1. José Rivas Refuge – View from Cotopaxi loop from Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

2. José Rivas Refuge loop from Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

3. José Rivas Refuge – View from Cotopaxi loop from Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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