Cark Park at 4580 m | Tourist Attraction

Ecuador

Details

Verified:
10 months ago
Altitude:
4644.0 masl

Amenities

Something not right?

Description

Here is the highest point you can drive to in Cotopaxi NP. Nice views!

Photos

Why? By checking in after you’ve visited a place you let others know this place is still functional. You can also add or correct any information.

Add To Favorites

Latest Check-Ins

Went up this road and then to the glacier. Ok with 2wd but not big rvs. It took us 45 min to the refugee and then same up to 5100m to the glacier. Our 1988 van did not like the altitude though. Very hard to start the engin after 3 hours at 4580m ! Fortunately we had Startpilot.
Also try to park downhill.

Report Check-In

on est monté ici en fourgon aménagé. (fiat Ducato traction). sans problèmes. la route est un peu chaotique mais ça le fait. par contre nous ne sommes pas restés la nuit et trop de pluie verglaçante, nous ne sommes pas allés au refuge.

Report Check-In

The road is still quite good all the way up to the parking lot. Most vehicles should have no problem. The last 100m near the top the road does get quite bumpy in some areas so just be aware on where your wheels are.

We recommend to park in the lower parking lot. The upper one is smaller and less flat.

Report Check-In

Just checking in to update and confirm everything is as reported. The road is bumpy but well kept, wide, and generally do-able for most vehicles. We are an underpowered and overweight van, so we too had to stop about three or four switchbacks before the parking lot and hoof it up. Be prepared to work at altitude!

Report Check-In

I guess they renovated the road because no high clearance or 4x4 necessary now (see photo of the road), we did it with our 2WD without any issue. Maybe a “powerful” motor is recommended because the road rises up and up to 4500 meters. When it rains, the road can be a little slippery. Enjoy the view !

Report Check-In

We saw many car 2WD, sedan and city car could do it. Bumpy road.

Vimos muchos autos 2WD, autos de ciudad pudieron hacerlo. Ruta con mucha calamina (irregular)

Report Check-In

Bumby and sometimes muddy road which is pretty steep.
We did it with our 2WD-Van, but high clearance is recommended.
Nice view if there is no fog 😁

Report Check-In

The pathetic engine in our Westy doesn’t function at this altitude so we parked about 1 k before this spot and hiked up to the Refugio.

Report Check-In

pretty rough road but it’s soft. there were a lot of 2WD cars at the top but you need a bit of power. it was snowing at the top and a bit slick coming back down. the walk up to the refugio is a bit tough but worth it for some soup of hot cocoa

Report Check-In

the road was good until the very end. we got through in our 2wd van but needed the clearance we have. other not 4x4 cars parked on the side of the road just below the bad part

Report Check-In

Road up was pretty darned washboardy today. Right before parking area pretty rough. We had sunshine and spectacular views though. Also we saw lots of people camping near the Laguna, not allowed up here.

Report Check-In

Road up here is in ok shape. Locals do drive up here with a 1.2 liter small passenger cars. Doable in any kind of vehicle

Report Check-In

Beautiful spot! the road up was actually fine, we managed in our dodge ram with no problems at all. Park up and hike.

Report Check-In

Climbed up with our Truck. Was an adventure, but no Problem. Road is bumpy!

Report Check-In

The street is crazy
You need a car with is high
4x4 is very good
The Vulkan is close at this time

Report Check-In

We made it with 2wd, driving experience and a bit luck comparer to some city suv! Don't hesitate, if you're not able to drive the last tricky part, park the car 2-4 bends underneath the carpark and walk up! The road is definitely in bad conditions

Report Check-In

If you take your passport with you, you can get it stamped up at the refugio. Just ask the nice guy with the beard in the kitchen.

Report Check-In

Hike from parking lot up to refugio is about 30-40 minutes. Refugio had several food options and beverages, including coca tea if you're feeling the altitude. Beautiful views of the mountain and surrounding valleys if the clouds clear. Unfortunately, a recent avalanche prevented any hikes above the refugio.

Report Check-In

Drove up here with your 2WD dodge van, the road is doable with most cars. High clearance us recommended and good tires for the snowy part up there.
The walk to the base camp takes around 40 min. Don't go too early, or you can't enjoy hot beverages there, since in our case there was nobody before 10 am.

Report Check-In

From here to the refuge 40 minutes hiking; once there (4864m) : HOT CHOCOLATE !...

Report Check-In

Here is the highest point you can drive to in Cotopaxi NP. Nice views!

Report Check-In

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn More.