Over the Hills & Far Away: "bring your stove" Top 5 Page for this destination Provincia de Cotopaxi Restaurant Tip by richiecdisc

There aren’t any fast foot joints out here, nor is there any type of restaurant. In that respect, Cotopaxi’s namesake park is very unlike comparable North American park. No, you’ll have to fend for yourself. Well, isn’t that the main tenet of backpacking?

Favorite Dish: You can’t beat the views, that’s for sure and there’s no worrying about crowds. Everyone has their own style from folding chair-like contraptions and multi-burner stoves to eating just cold foods. I like to take a simple approach but a stove seems like an essential piece of equipment when at this altitude, just in case you do get cold! But I keep the meals simple. We usually start off with a ramen noodle soup. While we’re eating that I’m already boiling water for the main course, like mashed potatoes with mushroom soup. It doesn’t sound too great in the comforts of home but after a day of lugging a heavy pack around, it sure hits the spot. Tea rounds it off and I even found one in Ecuador that had honey right in the bag, eliminating carrying that heavy stuff around. Breakfasts can be quick cooking oatmeal but I tend to opt for cold cereal to save time and get on the trail. You never know when that reflection photo will present itself but in general it’s gonna be early. ;)

Comparison: least expensive
Directions: Close to a water source.
Price: less than US$10
Rating: 5
Theme: Eclectic/International