How to get to Cotopaxi and El Boliche
El Boliche station, next to Cotopaxi National Park.
Ecuador’s national Tren Ecuador railway service has been suspended since 2020. The Train of the Volcanoes (Chimbacalle–El Boliche) is not running at present. El Boliche station sits next to the recreation-area gate; reach it via the Panamericana. Always confirm availability before travelling.
Get off at El Boliche station (Train of the Volcanoes). From there, El Boliche station is right by the gate of the recreation area; the Cotopaxi refuge is a further ~1 h up the track.
About the place
El Boliche was the destination station of the Train of the Volcanoes, which left Chimbacalle and crossed the Avenue of the Volcanoes. It stands next to the El Boliche National Recreation Area and shares a gate with Cotopaxi National Park, dominated by the almost perfect snow cone of Cotopaxi volcano (5,897 m), one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. With the train suspended, you reach it via the southern Panamericana: the Caspi control point and the park’s north gate are a few minutes from the station.
Getting there from key points
| From | How to get there |
|---|---|
| Latacunga | Bus along the Panamericana + taxi to the gate, ~40 min |
| Machachi | Bus/taxi along the Panamericana, ~30 min |
| Quito | Bus to Latacunga, get off at the Caspi checkpoint, ~1 h 30 min |
| El Boliche (station) | Right by the recreation-area gate |
Step by step
Travel along the southern Panamericana to the Caspi checkpoint / north gate of Cotopaxi National Park, next to El Boliche station.
Explore the El Boliche area (pine forest, trails) or enter the park toward the Limpiopungo lagoon.
For the volcano, continue by 4x4 to the car park and hike up to the José Rivas refuge (4,864 m) on Cotopaxi.
Useful information
Frequently asked questions
Does the train run to reach Cotopaxi volcano?
The Train of the Volcanoes (Chimbacalle–El Boliche) is not running at present. El Boliche station sits next to the recreation-area gate; reach it via the Panamericana. Always confirm availability before travelling.
Which is the nearest station?
The nearest station is El Boliche, on the Train of the Volcanoes route.
How do I get there from Latacunga?
Bus along the Panamericana + taxi to the gate, ~40 min.
How much does it cost?
Entry to El Boliche and Cotopaxi National Park is free; the 4x4 to the refuge car park is arranged separately. The Train of the Volcanoes, when it ran, cost about $33–$45.
Where can I see more attractions near the railway?
See all attractions near Tren Ecuador.
Índice de contenidos
Updated: July 2026