Cotopaxi Volcano, also known as Volcán Cotopaxi, rises in Ecuador, South America, within Cotopaxi National Park near Latacunga. It is an active stratovolcano and the second highest peak in Ecuador, at 5,897 meters. Its nearly perfect cone shape, crowned with glacial ice, makes it one of the country's most recognisable landscapes.
What to expect
Cotopaxi is best suited to visitors who want to see a large volcano up close in its high-Andean setting. The national park surrounding it offers wide páramo grassland and views of the snow-covered summit, which is the main draw for most people who make the trip.
- A striking, symmetrical cone of an active volcano, with glacial coverage on its upper slopes
- A high-altitude park setting that suits walkers and those interested in landscape and geology
- Views of the summit that change with the weather, so a clear day is worth planning for
Planning your visit
The park sits at high altitude, so it is sensible to allow time to acclimatise and to dress for cold, changeable conditions. Latacunga, the nearest town, is the natural base for arranging a day trip or longer stay in the area.
For current information on access and visiting arrangements, you can call the park's contact line at +593-2-254-3348 before you travel.
