Travel Guide to Mirador de Cristal Shalalá

Getting There

• Car

  If you are driving, head towards Cotopaxi National Park. Once inside the park, follow the main road towards the Pujilí entrance. After entering the park, continue straight on the main road until you reach the 'Laguna de Limpiopungo' viewpoint. From there, take the Unnamed Road that branches off towards Malingua Pamba. Continue on this road for about 8 km, and look for signs indicating 'Mirador de Cristal Shalalá'. The destination should be located at coordinates 44J2+27M. Make sure your vehicle is suitable for rough terrain as parts of the road can be challenging.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Mirador de Cristal Shalalá via public transportation, take a bus from Quito to Latacunga. From Latacunga, you can catch a bus to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance. Once you arrive at the park entrance, you may need to hire a taxi or arrange for a local shuttle service that can take you towards Malingua Pamba. It's advisable to confirm with the driver that they can drop you off at the Unnamed Road leading to Mirador de Cristal Shalalá. Be prepared for a short hike from where the vehicle drops you off to reach the viewpoint. The total cost for buses should be around $5-10, plus additional costs for taxi/shuttle services.

• Hiking

  If you are already within Cotopaxi National Park and prefer hiking, you can start from the 'Laguna de Limpiopungo' viewpoint. Follow the trails that lead south towards Malingua Pamba. The hike will take approximately 2-3 hours depending on your pace. Ensure you have proper hiking gear and sufficient water, as the trails can be rugged and the altitude may affect your stamina.