COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK

Day 1: Quito – Cotopaxi National Park – Rumiñahui

AM

Embarking on a southward journey from Quito, after a 2.30-hour drive, we will arrive to Cotopaxi volcano. If the weather is clear, we can admire other volcanoes and mountains such as Pichincha, Corazón, Antisana, Illinizas, and Rumiñahui.

Alexander Von Humboldt, an important German scientist that came to Ecuador in the 18th Century, named this territory the Volcanoes Avenue due to the number of high mountains that can be admired.

PM

Continuing southward, our next destination is Cotopaxi National Park. At 19,347 feet-height (5.9 km), Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world. On a clear, enchanted day, the volcano boasts an eternal snow-capped peak. Despite the high altitude, the park is teeming with numerous bird species and diverse plant life, visible during a light hike.

To the northeast stands Rumiñahui at 4,557 meters, and between these two mountains lies the plain and lagoon of Limpiopungo (approximately 3,800 meters). If the weather is favorable, the north face may offer spectacular views of Cotopaxi. The surrounding scenery also features other volcanoes like Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, and Sincholagua.