Los Rieles - Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

Los Rieles is a guesthouse near Parque Nacional Cotopaxi.

Location
Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, Central Andes & Highlands, Ecuador, Central & South America
Coordinates
-0.933714, -78.622284
Activities
guesthouse

Best Time to Visit Los Rieles

The best months to visit Los Rieles are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 5.48°C, rainfall 119mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 87.2%
  • February: Poor, temperature 6.03°C, rainfall 126mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 87.8%
  • March: Poor, temperature 5.77°C, rainfall 170.5mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 88.4%
  • April: Poor, temperature 5.74°C, rainfall 136.7mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 88.4%
  • May: Poor, temperature 5.79°C, rainfall 105.9mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 88.4%
  • June: Poor, temperature 4.66°C, rainfall 92.6mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 88.1%
  • July: Poor, temperature 4.11°C, rainfall 81.1mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 89.3%
  • August: Poor, temperature 3.9°C, rainfall 58.5mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 87%
  • September: Poor, temperature 3.88°C, rainfall 59.4mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 86.6%
  • October: Poor, temperature 4.81°C, rainfall 99.2mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 86.8%
  • November: Poor, temperature 5.44°C, rainfall 125.4mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 85.4%
  • December: Poor, temperature 5.37°C, rainfall 133.8mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 88%

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the real draw of staying at Los Rieles, especially with Cotopaxi National Park so close?

We love Los Rieles because it offers a more intimate and grounded experience than staying directly within the park. While the park is undeniably spectacular, Los Rieles provides a tranquil base with incredible volcano views, allowing us to truly unwind after a day of exploring. The lodge itself feels luxurious and timeless, a perfect counterpoint to the rugged beauty outside.

We're planning a trip to Los Rieles. When is the absolute best time to visit for clear Cotopaxi views and comfortable hiking?

For us, the sweet spot is the dry season, from June to September. The skies are generally clearer, offering those postcard perfect views of Cotopaxi, and the trails are more accessible. We found the air crisp and invigorating during this period, making our hikes around the hacienda and towards the park truly memorable.

What kind of wildlife can we realistically expect to see right at Los Rieles, or on short excursions from the guesthouse?

While the park is home to larger mammals, we were delighted by the abundant birdlife right on the Los Rieles grounds. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds flitting amongst the flowers and various Andean birds. On shorter walks from the lodge, we often spotted wild horses and the occasional deer, offering delightful, close encounters without venturing too far.

What's the general vibe and what should we pack for a stay at Los Rieles, considering its location?

Los Rieles offers a wonderfully serene and authentic Andean experience. We recommend packing layers, as the weather can change rapidly. Think warm sweaters, a waterproof jacket, comfortable hiking boots, and sun protection. Evenings can be cool, so a cozy hat and gloves are a good idea for enjoying the sensational sunsets.

Beyond hiking in the park, what other activities does Los Rieles itself facilitate or recommend?

We highly recommend taking advantage of the horseback riding directly from the lodge. It's a fantastic way to explore the surrounding hacienda lands and get a different perspective of the volcano. Los Rieles also often arranges visits to local communities or artisan markets, giving us a deeper cultural immersion that we truly cherish.

Other Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

Parks in Central Andes & Highlands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ecuador

Travel advisory for Ecuador