Spanning over 82,000 acres, the cotopaxi national park is marked by a high altitude collection of andes peaks, grasslands, and glacial streams. Established in 1979, it includes cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world with 19 348ft above sea level. One of the most popular tourist attractions in ecuador is the cotopaxi national park, home of the cotopaxi volcano. Continue to the cotopaxi national park, arriving at the foot of the impressive active volcano. You have to ask the bus driver to drop you at the bridge stop. Not valid on event tickets, gift cards, sale items, or previous orders. The cotopaxi volcano supposedly meaning smooth neck of the moon that lends its name to the park is located within its. The cotopaxi national park is a massive nature reserve and the most popular in ecuador. Machachi market and pasochoa volcano are also within 16 mi 25 km. Enjoy breathtaking views of cotapaxi volcano, standing over 19,000 feet. Rivas refuge the first shelter in the park or to the volcano crater just beyond it it is an incredible experienceheres what you can expect. How to explore cotopaxi national park ecuador south american. By car no matter which entrance you decide to use to access the park, begin by heading south out of quito on the panamerican highway e35.
At 19,347 feet 5,897 meters above sea level, the cotopaxi crater is one of ecuadors most iconic landmarks. The cotopaxi volcano national park was created in 1979, and it is the second biggest national park in ecuador and second most visited after the galapagos national park. Only a short hour to an hour and a half trip from quito, cotopaxi national park is one of the most impressive national parks in ecuador, and it contains the famed cotopaxi volcano. Planning a trip in cotopaxi national park frommers. Indigenous andes people believed the cotopaxi volcano was the giver of life and rain water, in addition to a location where the gods resided.
Located along the pacific ring of fire, cotopaxi national park is most famous for the muchphotographed cotopaxi volcano, the highest active volcano in south america. The book presents guidelines to visiting 42 different volcanoes around the world. It hosts one of the most active and highest volcanos in the world, cotopaxi. Located 70kms away south of quito, cotopaxi national park is another ecuadorian highlight. Take a tour of cotopaxi national park to feel natures beauty. Cotopaxi national park tours rebecca adventure travel. The park is also well known for the four volcanoes within its bounds. On our way back to town she shared with us the tumultuous history of this beauty. This stratovolcano last erupted for 6 months in 2015 which meant it closed to the public until october 2017. With a height of 5,897 m, it is the second highest mountain in ecuador and it is one of the. The cotopaxi national park is situated about 1 hour south of quito and 30 minutes north of latacunga. Since the august 2015 eruption, the national park has stopped all climbing to the glacier and the summit of cotopaxi but has reopened the trail to the jose ribas refuge at 14,764 feet 4,500 meters.
Cotopaxi national park cotopaxi province 2020 what to. Cotopaxi national park ecuador ecuador adventure travel. The cotopaxi national park is easily accessed from the panamerican highway, and lies just a few miles north of latacunga. Cotopaxi national park latacunga national park, state. It is the second highest summit in ecuador, reaching a height of 5,897 m 19,347 ft. Keep an eye out for the condors, hawks and wild horses that inhabit the park. Cotopaxi national park, central sierra ecuador 2020.
We woke up early 6 am, we went to quitumbe bus terminal and got a bus to latacunga around 3. An ecological reserve surrounds the volcano, located on the border between the provinces of pichincha and cotopaxi. Cotapaxi hiking tours andes mountains destination ecuador. To book your private transport contact rodrigo at quito capital rides.
A nature lovers paradise, cotopaxi national park is an 88,920acre ecological sanctuary with the striking treeless vegetation of the andean moorlands, or paramo. On friday, it shot ash 12km seven miles into the air. Journey south with your local host, passing the avenue of the volcanoes, to visit cotopaxi national park, a highland zone protected since 1975. Cotopaxi national park cotopaxi province 2020 all you. A twohour drive takes you along the capital city, out into the suburbs and then the rural areas. The perfect day out at cotopaxi national park, ecuador. We were feeling a bit lazy so chose to book a private tour through our hotel. This eightday tour mixes exciting stuff like cities listed as unesco world heritage sites, lively markets, and natural wonders like cotopaxi volcano, so you get to soak in impressive cityscapes as well as sweeping vistas like a welltravelled, insightful sponge.
The cotopaxi national park is one of the most visited natural attractions of continental ecuador. If this sounds like your idea of fun then be sure to visit cotopaxi national park. Continue to banos set at the foot of tungurahua volcano and. If weather permits, your tour will end with a walk to cotopaxi, an active volcano 19,000 feet 5,900 meters above sea level. It is located only an hour and a half from quito in the ecuadorian andes. One of the top destinations in ecuador is cotopaxi national park. Cotopaxi national park cotopaxi province aktuelle 2020 lohnt. A great moor with volcanic landscapes, the natural habitat of condors, deer and other animals conform the cotopaxi national park. The human history of the area that is now cotopaxi national park dates back to. An ecological reserve of 33 393 ha surrounds the volcano, located on the border between the provinces of pichincha and cotopaxi. Cotopaxi is an active stratovolcano in the andes mountains, located in the latacunga canton of cotopaxi province, about 50 km 31 mi south of quito, and 33 km 21 mi northeast of the city of latacunga, ecuador, in south america. The greatest challenge of all about emilyn anderson great falls, montananative, emilyn anderson taught english in quito, ecuador in 2008 after graduating from hamline university, where she majored in history and political science and minored in. Cotopaxi volcano and cotopaxi national park, ecuador.
Cotopaxi national park cotopaxi province all you need. Cotopaxi volcano cotopaxi is a stratovolcano in the andes mountains, located about 28 km south of quito. Not far from quito, it could be a day trip but i recommend to stay for at least 1 night at one of the several lodges and hotels from where you can have a great view of. Located near the slopes of the majestic cotopaxi volcano and its national park, this mansion has been the scene of important events in the countrys scientific and social history contact hacienda phone. This ecuadorian national park encompasses an area of 33 393 ha and extends into the cotopaxi, pichincha and napo provinces.
This national treasure is home to the beautiful green landscapes, lots of wildlife, and of course the worldfamous cotopaxi volcano. Its not too late to save on gifts for the holidays. We visit the cotopaxi national park without any organized tour. The ultimate guide to visiting cotopaxi national park in. Cotopaxi national park wildlife viewing in cotopaxi national park while hiking around cotopaxi national park, our guide pointed out a tiny pinprick silhouette almost beyond the scope of our sight. I dont know, but it was the nearest ive ever come to seeing one in the wild. Parque nacional cotopaxi ecuador attractions lonely planet. This prodigy of the high mountains, a perfectly conic vision that would have inspired the sensibilities of frederic church, one of north americas most important realist painters, adorns the andes and northern ecuador like no other natural icon. Book our combined tours and enjoy two full days of magic, adventure, culture and entertainment at the lowest rate. A guide to discovering the parque nacional cotopaxi. Wildlife viewing in cotopaxi national park frommers. If youre short on time it doesnt mean your cultural experience in ecuador shouldnt be colossal.
On the way to cotopaxi volcano national park, you will stop at the local museum where you will learn more about the parks unique biodiversity, and visit the limpiopungo lagoon. On a walk near lake limpiopungo you will have the chance to learn about the typical vegetation and fauna found in the area. From street and road map to highresolution satellite imagery of cotopaxi national park. Cotopaxi national park fullday guided volcano tour from. A guide to discovering cotopaxi national park, ecuador. Cotopaxi national park is only a short distance outside of quito, making it a perfect day trip. Named for the highest active volcano in the world 5,897 meters, this national park is dedicated to protecting llama and other animals such as bears, wolves, puma and deer. Cotopaxi national park a nature lovers paradise, cotopaxi national park is an 88,920acre ecological sanctuary with the striking treeless vegetation of the andean moorlands, or paramo. Cotopaxi national park ecuador tours southern explorations. Was he right in assuring us it was an andean condor.
Cotopaxi national park, home to the majestic cotopaxi volcano is a beautiful national park to visit in ecuador. Around the volcano youll find outstanding hiking opportunities and wildlife such as the andean condor, whitetailed deer, little red brocket deer and wily colpeo andean fox. The human history of the area that is now cotopaxi national park dates back to precolombian cultures. The volcano is an important part of the local culture and is held sacred by nearby andean indigenous communities.
Ecuadors cotopaxi volcano may threaten 325,000 people. With tour prices ranging from 47 usd to 2,349 usd and tour durations varying from 1 day and to 14 days, there is plenty to choose from. Cotopaxi national park, ecuador is the perfect place for hiking, biking, and more. Cotopaxi is the third highest active volcano in the world that reaches 5897 meters 19,347 feet above sea level.
Because of its natural beauty, history, and accessibility, a cotopaxi daily tour is most popular in ecuador. Book your tickets online for cotopaxi national park, cotopaxi province. Cotopaxi national park latacunga 2020 all you need to. But if youre looking for those stunning early morning and late afternoon views of the volcano, consider staying overnight in one of the several lodges in the region. The park is home to cotopaxi volcano, the second highest summit in ecuador and among the highest active volcanoes in the world at 5,897 meters above sea level. Its located 20 minutes after passing the town of machachi and 30 minutes before latacunga. Our first stop is at the interpretation centre, also known as museum park, where is displayed, the history of. Cotopaxi volcano national park information, with more than.
The first day is dedicated to hiking this majestic area, enjoying the spectacular andean scenery. A visit to cotopaxi national park is a must for adventure and nature lovers alike. Ask the driver to drop you off at cotopaxis south entrance in the panamerican highway. Cotopaxi has an almost perfectly symmetrical cone, interrupted only by one minor conethe cabeza del. Cotopaxi national park is a free national park in ecuador. This page shows the location of cotopaxi, ecuador on a detailed road map. The highlight is cotopaxi volcano, but it is also surrounded by incredible landscapes, forests, mountains, rivers and lakes, and youll pass several different ecosystems as you ascend, filled with wild horses, llamas and birds. How to explore cotopaxi national park ecuador south.
Dangerous history cotopaxi is one of ecuadors most active volcanoes and, at 5,897m 19,347 ft, its secondhighest peak after the chimborazo. Cotopaxi, volcanic peak, in the cordillera central of the andes, central ecuador. Cotopaxi is located inside the cotopaxi national park, a 35,984 ha 88,920 ac reserve, approximately 50 km 31 mi away from quito, in the province of the same name. With sweeping plains, rocky mountain trails, and glassy lagoons, ecuadors largest and mostvisited national park is a spectacular setting for an outdoor adventure. The ultimate guide to visiting cotopaxi national park in ecuador. Our founder, davis smith, grew up in latin america and lived for several years in ecuador. Rising to 19,393 feet 5,911 metres, it is among the worlds highest volcanoes. Our wildlife, landscapes and nature tours are supplied by 2 handpicked travel agencies in cotopaxi national park. In the middle of parque nacional cotopaxi cotopaxi national park is the third highest active volcanoes in the world. Middle of the world pululahua quito colonial teleferico cotopaxi national park. The parks boundaries encompass 205 square miles 330 sq km, providing ample opportunity for visitors to roam its vast, barren landscape. It is also home to the highest active volcano in the world. You should avoid visiting cotopaxi during rainy months marchapril to get the most out of a visit to cotopaxi national park you should.