Visiting Cotopaxi National Park
If you are traveling in Ecuador and prioritize high-altitude landscapes and hiking, you will need to leave the capital behind. While Quito is a charming city, it lacks the raw spectacle waiting at the base of Cotopaxi. Located just 70km south of the city, this park is home to a volcano reaching an elevation of 5897 meters.
History
The commitment to preserving the Andean flora and fauna surrounding the volcano led authorities to establish this park in 1975. It has since been expanded twice to reach its current size of 40,000 hectares.
Cotopaxi National Park
First, you must allow time to acclimate to the elevation. The park sits between 3800 meters and 5897 meters, which is challenging for most people. Once you have adjusted, a remarkable journey awaits.
The terrain is unlike anything you have seen before. You are constantly overlooked by the eternal snows of Cotopaxi. They cover a glacier that dedicated hikers can visit throughout the year.
As you descend, you will encounter a mountain forest, consisting primarily of pines and cypresses.
Finally, the landscape is rounded out by the Andean tundra, a terrain marked by shades of brown and occasionally interrupted by natural lagoons.
Camping, trekking, cycling, climbing, horseback riding, paragliding are all available within the park. If you want a good night of sleep after your day, accommodations range from simple campsites to luxury rooms, with prices starting at $20 (about $20) for basic setups up to $200 (about $200) per night for upscale lodges.
During your trip, do not forget to stop at the José Ribas refuge. It is perched at an altitude of 4800 meters and offers an exceptional view of the volcano.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
Rising to an altitude of 5,900 meters, the Cotopaxi volcano and its national park are without a doubt one of the must-see spots in Ecuador.
This park is particularly well laid out and easy to access. You just need to register when you arrive, and then you can head out for a day of hiking. The trails are well marked and offer a wide range of difficulty levels.