Cotopaxi
★ 4.8🇪🇨 CotopaxiSuggested visit Half a dayBest season June to September and December to January, with clearer skies
Natural wonderVolcanoHiking
One of the highest active volcanoes in the world, its near-perfect snowy cone dominating the Andean plateau.
Overview
At 5,897 metres, Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and Ecuador's most famous natural landmark. Its cone is almost perfectly symmetrical and crowned with glaciers. Around its base lies Cotopaxi National Park at about 3,900 metres, where a road reaches a car park and a walk continues to the refuge at roughly 4,800 metres; horse riding and hiking are also possible.
History
It has erupted more than fifty times since 1738, most recently with notable activity in 2015; the German explorer Wilhelm Reiss made the first ascent in 1880.
Highlights
- •The snow-capped cone
- •The refuge at about 4,800 metres
- •Highland lakes and wild horses
- •Horse riding and hiking in the park
Practical tips
- •Acclimatise before the high sections and avoid overexertion
- •Cloud builds in the afternoon; go in the morning
Practical information
- Best time
- June-September
- Tickets
- Park entry about USD 10
- Opening hours
- 8:00-16:00
- Local food
- Locro de papa, grilled meat, coca tea
- Getting around
- About 1.5 hours by road from Quito to the park entrance.
- Visa
- Visa-free for stays up to 90 days with a valid passport.
Traveller reviews
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