Travel blog

How to Get From Quito to Cotopaxi and Chilcabamba Lodge

How to travel from Quito to Cotopaxi: travel times, road routes and tips for reaching the lodge without hassle.

← All articles2 min read

Getting from Quito to Cotopaxi is easier than it looks: Chilcabamba is about 1.5 to 2 hours by road, near Machachi, and roughly 8 kilometres from the national park's northern entrance.

Ways to get here

  • Your own or a rental car: the most flexible option, with stops along the way.
  • Private transfer: comfortable if you travel with luggage or in a group.
  • Guided tour or transfer: useful if you want to combine your arrival with a park visit.
Sunset over the road to Cotopaxi

Practical tips

  • Leave Quito early to avoid traffic and arrive in daylight.
  • Fill up the tank before leaving the urban area.
  • Save the lodge location before you go; mobile signal in the páramo can be patchy.
  • If you will arrive after dark, let us know in advance.

Full route details

On the getting here page you will find the map and step-by-step directions. If you have questions about your transfer, contact us and we will help.

Aerial view of the lodge in the páramo

Frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from Quito to Chilcabamba?

Roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and where you start.

Is there mobile signal in the area?

There is Wi-Fi at the lodge, but mobile signal can be patchy in the páramo, so save your route before you leave.

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