Cotopaxi

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.

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