Cotopaxi

Parque Nacional Cotopaxi is a national park in the central Andes of Ecuador about 50 km southeast of central Quito. It is a popular hiking destination which is known for the active Cotopaxi and the dormant Rumiñahui volcanoes.

Understand
Cotopaxi, the central feature of the national park, is nearly 5,900 m (19,400 ft) in height and is one of the highest active volcanoes on earth. As of February 2023, its present activity includes heavy clouds of ashes, which are not dangerous (although some contain sulfur dioxide) but require appropriate equipment (scarf or mask and sunglasses to cover eyes, mouth and nose). The landscape of the park is typical of active volcanic areas, and there are several peaks in the protected zone well over 4,000 m in altitude.

Flora and fauna
With most of the park well above 3,500 m (11,500 ft) in altitude, the vegetation is typical of the tropical high Andes with scrubby woodlands in protected valley areas and open grasslands covering the lower slopes of Cotopaxi and other peaks. The landscape of the Páramo is an important feature of the park, a natural water filtering system for the streams coming off Cotopaxi's glacial areas. That water is an important part of Quito's water supply.

A number of rare Andean species are protected in the park including infrequently seen condors, spectacled bear, and brocket deer along with more commonly viewed foxes, white tail deer and rabbits.

Climate
Although Cotopaxi is only about 100 km (60 mi) south of the equator, its climate is dictated by altitude and there is perpetual snow about 4,500 m (14,700 ft). In the more popular areas of the park, the highest temperatures rarely exceed 20°C, and night temperatures fall below freezing. The rainy season is Summer, late December to March, although rain is possible at other times as well.

By car
The park is close to the Panamericana between Quito and Latacunga. From the north it can be accessed by leaving the Panamericana in Machachi and passing through Santa Ana del Pedregal. From the south it can be accessed by leaving the Panamericana at Santa Rita.

By bus
Buses between Quito's southern Quitumbe terminal and Latacunga can drop you off in Machachi ($1.50, 1 hour) which is the city closest to the park or directly at the intersection to the park entrance. Bus also stop at this intersection to come back to Quito or Latacunga

Buses leave from Machachi's parque central several times a day to go to Santa Ana del Pedregal ($0.60, 1 hr), the village closest to the park.

There is no public transport option to get into the park but taxis can be readily hired in Machachi for that purpose ($35 to the trail head leading to the refugio) or directly at the intersection to the park entrance where 4WD are waiting clients ($40 four the round trip to the trail head with a stop at the Laguna Limpiopungo).

By day-tour from Quito or Latacunga
Various companies provide day-tour from Quito or Latacunga that drive you to a car park that is a 45-60 minute hike to the hut. Some tours provide mountain bikes so that you can ride from the car park to the main gate. An example price would be $85 per person for a 2-person tour (Jan 2018), less per person for larger groups.

Fees and permits
There are no permits required or fees charged to enter the park or to stay overnight however the park entry must be done between 8:00AM and 3:00PM. By law, Cotopaxi's summit can not be climbed without a registered guide.

Do




Eat
You can eat at the refugio on the hike up Cotopaxi.

Drink
Water at the refuge is polluted by the ashes (Feb 2023), and should not be consumed

Sleep
Most options are outside of the park limits. Only the Refugio and Tambopaxi are within the park.

Budget
There are, as of early 2017, no budget hostels or hotels in the area.



Mid-range




Splurge
All inclusive lodging is available at several quite luxurious haciendas near the park limits.



Stay safe
Cotopaxi is an active volcano. It last erupted from August 2015 to January 2016.

Go next

 * Quito is just a short bus ride north from the city of Machachi.
 * Latacunga in the south is the access point for the Quilotoa Loop.