Cotopaxi Volcano & National Park Ecuador On this page: Introduction |Facts & Statistics |Climate & Mountaineering |Getting There & Away

Introduction

Only a short trip from Quito, Cotopaxi National Park is one of the most impressive national parks in Ecuador, and it contains the famed Cotopaxi Volcano. The ecological reserve surrounds the volcano, located on the border between the provinces of Pichincha and Cotopaxi. The national park is particularly interesting because the volcano suddenly surges out of relatively flat terrain, offering spectacular views of the volcano from all directions. Cotopaxi National Park is a popular destination for visitors looking to hike, climb and trek, as well as those seeking to enjoy stunning panoramas from down below. Cotopaxi's ecosystem is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including a unique combination of pine vegetation and wolves, pumas, bears, rabbits, condors, wild horses, and foxes.

Cotopaxi Facts & Statistics

• Second highest peak in Ecuador, after Chimborazo
• Elevation of peak: 5.897 m
• Last eruption: 1904, with activity registered in 1942
• Nearest cities: Quito, Latacunga
• Native fauna: wolves, pumas, bears, rabbits, condors, wild horses, and foxes

Cotopaxi Climate & Mountaineering

Cotopaxi is one of the most popular climbing sites in Ecuador. Cotopaxi is the second highest point in Ecuador and at 5,897 meters above sea level, its climate is glacial. It is absolutely essential to have adequate mountaineering gear when you embark. Be sure to check with a professional guide and see our packing list for packing advice. For those seeking to reach the summit, a professional mountaineering guide is strongly recommended. The most common route is from the refuge at 4800m on north side of the volcano.

How to Get There and Away

No public buses enter the Cotopaxi National Park, and the volcano is about an hour's drive from the highway where buses do let passengers off. If hitchhiking doesn't appeal to you, it's usually worth the trouble to hire private transportation from Quito, for sight-seeing. Most mountaineering tours include transportation between Quito and the park.

On this page: Introduction |Facts & Statistics |Climate & Mountaineering |Getting There & Away