Cotopaxi: Ecuador's Iconic Volcano

Cotopaxi, rising to 5,897 meters (19,347 feet), is the second-highest peak in Ecuador and one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Its name is believed to mean "Neck of the Moon" in an ancient indigenous language. The volcano's almost perfectly symmetrical cone, capped with tropical glaciers, has captivated climbers and tourists for centuries.Cotopaxi has a long history of eruptions, with over 87 recorded since 1534. The most violent eruptions occurred in 1744, 1768 and 1877, with the 1877 eruption causing lahars (mudflows) that traveled over 100 km to both the Pacific Ocean and the Amazon basin. An ongoing eruption began in October 2022 and as of February 2023, the volcano had produced approximately 8,000 earthquakes.Today, Cotopaxi and its surrounding grasslands are protected within Cotopaxi National Park, a major tourist destination. Visitors can hike to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,800 meters (15,750 ft) or even attempt the summit with a certified guide. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including wild horses, Andean condors, llamas, and various bird species, particularly around Limpiopungo Lagoon. Other activities include mountain biking and horseback riding.