Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, Sucumbios Region Travel Guide

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Explore Ecuador's iconic Cotopaxi National Park: Hike volcanic landscapes, spot unique wildlife, and witness the beauty of the Andes.

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Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi National Park, surrounding the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano, offers breathtaking Andean scenery and a chance to witness one of the world's highest active volcanoes. The park features diverse landscapes, from glacial lakes to paramo grasslands, and is home to various wildlife species.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

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From Eve

Know before you go

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

Acclimatize to the altitude in Quito for a few days before visiting the park to avoid altitude sickness.
Dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly. Bring warm clothing, including gloves and a hat.
Visit early in the morning for the best chance of clear skies and volcano views.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited options within the park.
Register with a park ranger at the entrance.

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Explore Parque Nacional Cotopaxi on the Map

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

Getting There

Bus & Taxi

From Quito, take a bus from Terminal Quitumbe south towards Latacunga. Ask the driver to drop you off at the El Chasqui entrance to Cotopaxi National Park. The bus ride is approximately 1.5 hours and costs around $2. From the park entrance, hire a taxi or truck-taxi to reach the visitor center or other attractions within the park. A taxi to the park entrance can cost $8 to $15. Be sure to specify your destination within the park to the driver.
Private Car

Drive south from Quito on the Pan-American Highway (E35). The drive to the southern entrance (El Chasqui) takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The park entrance is signposted from the highway. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for navigating the park's unpaved roads, though a sedan may be sufficient if driven carefully. Parking is available at the visitor center and near the Limpiopungo Lagoon.

Discover more about Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi National Park, a protected area of almost 334 square kilometers, is located in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador, straddling the Cotopaxi, Napo, and Pichincha provinces. The park's centerpiece, the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, is one of the highest active volcanoes on Earth, reaching a height of 5,897 meters (19,347 feet). Its perfectly symmetrical cone, often capped with snow and glaciers, creates a stunning vista.The park's diverse ecosystems range from high-altitude grasslands (paramo) to cloud forests, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife. Visitors may spot llamas, Andean foxes, and various bird species, including the Andean condor. The Limpiopungo Lagoon, a glacial lake within the park, reflects the towering volcano on clear days, offering a picturesque scene.Cotopaxi has a history of eruptions, with the most recent occurring in 2015. The volcano is constantly monitored, and the park has safety protocols in place. Visitors can explore the park through hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The Jose Rivas Refuge, located at 4,864m (15,958 feet), serves as a base camp for climbers attempting to summit Cotopaxi. The park also offers opportunities for camping and enjoying the tranquility of the Andean landscape.