view from near the Peak of Cotopaxi
This region of Ecuador is very popular with trekkers given the wealth of challenging peaks and spectacular scenery. Its not advised that you take on the full trek to the summit of Cotopaxi without some trekking experience and a good level of fitness. Those of you not confident about taking on the peak can find many other excellent treks within the Cotopaxi National Park and you’ll enjoy the view of the threatening summit for a more modest altitude. If you’re into your mountain biking then there is also the opportunity to hire bikes and a tour guide within the National Park, which gives you a great chance to cover more ground and admire the scenery. Again though, the altitude makes the uphill sections very hard work so it helps to have a reasonable level of fitness, or at least spend a few days at that altitude to acclimatize.
This region of Ecuador is very popular with trekkers given the wealth of challenging peaks and spectacular scenery. Its not advised that you take on the full trek to the summit of Cotopaxi without some trekking experience and a good level of fitness. Those of you not confident about taking on the peak can find many other excellent treks within the Cotopaxi National Park and you’ll enjoy the view of the threatening summit for a more modest altitude. If you’re into your mountain biking then there is also the opportunity to hire bikes and a tour guide within the National Park, which gives you a great chance to cover more ground and admire the scenery. Again though, the altitude makes the uphill sections very hard work so it helps to have a reasonable level of fitness, or at least spend a few days at that altitude to acclimatize.
The length of the Andes mountain range is punctuated with volcanoes, many of which create some of the most imposing and impressive peaks. The Andean region of Ecuador is no exception with the region to the south and southeast of Quito boasting one of the highest densities of volcanoes on the continent. The area is very popular with trekkers due to the lush green valleys and spectacular and challenging snowy peaks as well as the fact that it is easily accessible from the capital. If you are looking to climb a summit or take on any challenging treks in the region it is always advisable to go with a tour company. The altitude some treks reach can be very high and the conditions can be changeable, plus the tour groups will provide you with all the equipment and food you need.
One of the best-known volcanoes in South America is Volcano Cotopaxi, which lies within an hours drive of Quito. It is said to be the highest active volcano in the world (although Volcano ‘Ojos del Salado’ on the Argentina - Chile border is certainly higher but there are doubts as to whether it is ‘active’) Whether Volcano Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world or not, it is certainly and impressive site and well worth visiting if you’re spending time in Ecuador. Cotopaxi is both the name of the volcano and the surrounding national park. The nearest town is Latacunga (about 10 miles away), which is the ideal starting point to trips to see the volcano. Although the capital Quito is only 50 miles away and the volcano can be seen on the skyline from there.
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The peak is just under 6000m (nearly 20,000ft) and this altitude ensures that the peak is constantly covered in snow. It is technically referred to as a ‘stratovolcano’ and it’s symmetrical, snow-capped cone makes for a very photogenic sight. I’ve been reliably informed that it is still active although no significant eruptions have occurred for over a hundred years. I was also told that Cotopaxi erupted in 1534 to interrupt a battle between the local Inca tribes and the Spanish Conquistadors causing both parties to flee, but wasn’t convinced as to whether this was historic fact or a nice legend to tell the visiting tourists.
The National Park and Volcano Cotopaxi
Volcano Cotopaxi
Costs and Generla Advice for trips to Cotopaxi National Park
Generally I’ve always been able to book tours and treks at short notice from Quito and wouldn’t advise booking before you arrive in Ecuador as the prices can be higher doing it this way and also this gives you less flexibility in your travel plans.
If you are looking to climb the summit of volcano Cotopaxi the trip can be done with an organized tour starting and finishing in Quito. Expect to pay around $250 - $300 for the 2-day trip, which will include all the equipment you need as well as the guides and all you food. The cost of entering the park is an additional $10, which is paid on arrival at the park’s boundary. The best time to visit is between December and April as the weather conditions are generally more settled, although people to trek in the park all year round. When visiting to the park I stayed in a hostel in a small town / village called Posada del Rey which offered perfectly reasonable and clean accommodation. Lasso is the nearest location for hostels near the park, although Latacunga is a lot larger and not much further away, and even Quito is less than an hour away by car.
David Wilson - 25th February 2008
David Wilson - 25th February 2008