One of Ecuador’s most popular national parks is home to a vast oasis of mountain forests, Andean tundra, hiking trails and an active volcano.
Cotopaxi National Park has an enormous wealth of spectacular natural scenery in the Andean Highlands near Quito. The highlight for visitors is the stunning Cotopax Volcano that looms ominously over the park’s diverse landscape. Traipse through terrain that features páramo (alpine neo-tropical tundra), valleys, lagoons and rivers. Popular activities range from hiking and cycling to horseback riding and camping in the park.
Gaze up at the Cotopaxi Volcano, which stands tall at 5,897-metre (19,347-foot). The Incas referred to the imposing lava-spewing rock as the “neck of the moon”. The most recent eruption of the snow-capped volcano occurred in 1940. Although it is technically active, daredevil climbers attempt to ascend its glaciers year-round.
There are less dramatic ways to enjoy the scenery around the park. You can reserve a trip with a tour guide who will take you on exciting trips. Take part in hikes and excursions in the Pichincha, Napo and Cotopaxi provinces and see three more volcanoes located in the proximity. Discover some of the park’s most fascinating scenery on foot. Peruse the exotic flora and fauna that decorates the landscape. You will find a variation of páramo plant species alongside potential sightings of llamas, Andean wolves, pumas, deer and marsupial mice.
Learn about the science and history behind the park’s intriguing nature at the charming museum and visitor centre in Cotopaxi. Hear tales of the indigenous peoples, find out about types of animals and see a relief map of the volcano. All this takes place at around 4,500 metres (14,764 feet) above sea level so prepare for some light altitude sickness.
You can find Cotopaxi National Park about 53 kilometres (32.9 miles) southeast of Quito. There is a small entrance fee as well as individual charges for tours and day trips. There are many different types of tours with different options for group sizes, meals and overnight stays. The months between November and May are the ideal period for outdoor activities.
