Cotopaxi, Southern Sierra Travel Guide

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Discover Cotopaxi, Ecuador's iconic and active volcano: a challenging climb and stunning natural beauty in the Andes.

Cotopaxi, a towering, active volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes, is renowned for its perfectly symmetrical cone and glacial peak. A challenging climb, it's also a stunning sight from the surrounding national park, offering hiking, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking views.

A brief summary to Cotopaxi

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cotopaxi.

Acclimatize to the altitude in Quito or another high-altitude location for a few days before attempting any strenuous hikes.
Visit during the dry season (May to August or November to February) for the most stable weather conditions.
Bring warm clothing, including gloves and a hat, as well as rain gear and sturdy walking boots.
Register with a ranger at the park entrance; there is no entry fee.
Bring your own snacks and plenty of water, or have a meal at the volcano refuge hut.

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Explore Cotopaxi on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Cotopaxi, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Quito, head to the Quitumbe bus terminal. Take a bus to Latacunga (approx. $3-5, 1.5-2 hours). Inform the driver you're going to Cotopaxi National Park and to drop you off at the park entrance. From the main road, hire a pickup truck or taxi to the park entrance (approx. $10-$30, 15 km). Keep in mind that there is no public transportation within the park.
Car

From Quito, take the Pan-American Highway (E35) south. The drive to the park entrance is approximately 1.5-2 hours. Look for signs for Parque Nacional Cotopaxi near Machachi. Follow the local roads for approximately 20 km to reach the park entrance. Be aware that the final stretch can be rough and may require a 4x4 vehicle, especially during rainy season. There is no entrance fee, but visitors must register at the entrance.

Discover more about Cotopaxi

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.