Today I'm going to show you one of the most impressive places I visited in Ecuador: Cotopaxi National Park. This ecological reserve is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful in the country.
With its imposing snow-capped volcano as its centerpiece, it offers breathtaking landscapes and a direct connection to Andean nature. Cotopaxi National Park is a very popular option among mountaineering and hiking enthusiasts, and for anyone who loves admiring beautiful landscapes without having to do any difficult trekking.
In this article, I'll tell you what you can do inside the park, how to get there on your own, and why it's worth including in any Ecuador itinerary.
Table of Contents
About the Cotopaxi Volcano
What makes this National Park so impressive and interesting to visit is the presence of Ecuador's second highest volcano, which reaches 5,897 meters above sea level, surpassed only by Chimborazo at 6,263 meters. Its imposing silhouette rises above the relatively flat terrain, creating a spectacular contrast that attracts nature lovers and photographers alike.
The views of the volcano from several kilometers away, as well as those from the top of the park, are simply fabulous. The combination of altitude, landscape, and the majesty of the surroundings makes each panoramic view a unique experience that reflects the grandeur of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Climb to the top of the Cotopaxi volcano
Cotopaxi is one of the most emblematic and coveted peaks for mountaineers in Ecuador. Climbing it requires specialized equipment, good physical condition, and, above all, hiring a professional guide, since the altitude and weather conditions can be demanding and changeable.
The most used route to approach the summit begins at the José Rivas Refuge, located 4,864 meters above sea level on the northern slope of the volcano. From this point, many organized excursions allow visitors to experience the majesty of Cotopaxi without the need for a full ascent, offering spectacular views of the crater and the glaciers that crown it.
When the Cotopaxi volcano erupted
The Cotopaxi Volcano has had multiple eruptions throughout history, but one of the most recorded and significant was in 1877, considered its largest eruption in historical times. Since then, it has had several minor eruptions and periods of intermittent volcanic activity, making it one of the most active volcanoes in Ecuador.
Its recent activity has been constantly monitored; For example, in 2015 and 2016 there were increases in activity that led to preventive alerts and access restrictions to the park. This makes Cotopaxi a volcano that, although open to visitors, always requires caution and monitoring by local authorities.
Where is Cotopaxi National Park?
Cotopaxi National Park is located in the central region of Ecuador, covering parts of the provinces of Cotopaxi and Pichincha. It is located approximately 50 km south of Quito, making it an accessible destination for day trips from the capital.
The park protects the Cotopaxi volcano, one of the highest and most active in the country, as well as extensive areas of Andean moorland, lagoons, rivers and nature trails. Its strategic location allows you to combine your visit with other nearby attractions, such as the José Rivas Refuge and the Andean flora and fauna viewing areas, offering a complete nature and adventure experience to all visitors.
You might be interested in knowing what my 2-week Ecuador travel itinerary was.
How to get to Cotopaxi Volcano on your own
The two cities that are used as a base to reach the Cotopaxi Volcano due to their proximity are: Quito and Latacunga.
From Latacunga
I based myself in the city of Latacunga, since I took advantage of its location to visit not only Cotopaxi, but also the Quilotoa Lagoon.
From Latacunga, we have to go to the bus terminal and take any bus that goes to Quito on Route 35.
The trip is relatively short, even though the bus makes stops along the way. To avoid overshooting the bus, I recommend asking the driver or a passenger where to get off.
From Quito
The distance is approximately 50 km, which translates to about 2 hours by car depending on traffic and weather on the road. The most common route is to take the Panamericana Sur (E35) south towards Latacunga.
If you don't have your own vehicle, there are several public transportation options and organized tours. From the Quitumbe Terminal buses leave for Latacunga, from there you can take a taxi or private transportation to the park. Or you can get off at the fork in the road leading to the entrance.
When you reach this fork in the road, whether from Quito or Latacunga, the first thing you'll notice is that you're practically in the middle of nowhere, surrounded only by the road. Although it may seem daunting at first, don't worry too much, as you'll see later that there are easy ways to access the park.
One thing I would have liked to know from the start is that, from the stop on the route to the park entrance, there is a relatively long stretch of paved road, about 5.6 km, with no public transportation taking us directly. This leaves two main options for visiting Cotopaxi and planning the logistics of our trip:
- Option 1: Hitchhike or walk to the entrance (not recommended)
- Option 2: Hire a guide with a car or a taxi
Can you visit Cotopaxi National Park independently?
I had every intention of visiting Cotopaxi National Park on my own, as I usually do on my trips. However, the distances within the park are enormous, not only to reach the entrance, but also to explore the various points of interest within. This makes it practically impossible to enjoy the park without private transportation.
Based on my personal experience, I must say that this option is not feasible, and I mention this so that those planning a visit have a realistic idea of what it means to explore this impressive park on their own.
Visit the Park with private transportation
Whether we are in Quito, Latacunga, or even at the bus stop along the route, it is easy to find agencies or local guides that offer private transfers to Cotopaxi National Park.
If, like me, we arrive at the stop and don't have any prior contact, a good option is to go to a restaurant or inn in the area and ask if they know someone who can take us to the park. In my case, I didn't even go inside: an older man in his pickup truck stopped me on the street and offered me a tour.
He explained to me the route, the places we were going to visit and the price, and I didn't hesitate to accept. Shortly after, another traveler who was also on his own joined in, and the cost was reduced: we finally paid about $25 per person for a full visit to the park, including the José Rivas Refuge.
What to see in Cotopaxi National Park
At the entrance of the Park, right where you have to announce what you are entering, there is the Park Museum in case they want to make a stop. We kept going because we weren't really interested.
Limpiopungo Lagoon
Most Cotopaxi National Park tours include a stop at the Limpiopungo Lagoon, an ideal place to appreciate how geology and volcanic activity have shaped the region. The rocks and topography of the area clearly show the effects of ancient volcanic eruptions, creating a unique landscape full of contrasts.
Additionally, for photography lovers, this is an excellent spot to capture panoramic views of the volcano with the lagoon in the background, achieving spectacular images.
Chuquirahua Forest
Another frequent stop on the tours is a chuquirahua forest, a typical Andean floral species that grows around 4,200 meters above sea level. This small natural oasis allows us to observe the region's endemic flora up close and rest while admiring the surroundings.
Jose Rivas Shelter
The last and highest stop on the tour is usually the José Rivas Refuge, located at 4,864 meters above sea level. The ascents to the volcano's summit start from here, although most tours do not include the full climb due to time and difficulty reasons.
To reach the shelter, the van travels along a cobblestone road that runs along the side of the volcano to a parking lot, from where it is only possible to continue on foot.
As you get out of the truck, you immediately feel the change in weather: the cold and wind at altitude are much more intense than at the lagoon, so it's essential to dress warmly. The climb to the refuge is gradual, designed to avoid fatigue and the effects of altitude, and usually takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
Once at the José Rivas Refuge, you can rest, enjoy a hot chocolate, have a light meal, and, above all, admire the impressive panoramic views.
On clear days, you can see a radius of hundreds of kilometers, including the Andean plain and the peaks of other nearby volcanoes. Take advantage of this opportunity to ask your guide questions about the history, geology, and flora of the area.
There we can rest for a while, drink hot chocolate, eat something if we want, or simply admire the panoramic views of the horizon.
Return
After exploring the surroundings of the refuge and soaking up the scenery, it's time to return. We follow the same path we took to get back to the van, which drops us off at the agreed-upon point.
Finally, from there all that remains is to take the bus back to the city where we are staying, concluding a complete excursion in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Best time to visit Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park can be visited year-round, but the experience varies depending on the season and weather. The best time for those seeking clear skies and good views of the volcano is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. During these months, it's easier to hike the trails and enjoy Limpiopungo Lagoon or the viewpoints without the hassle of rain or fog.
During the rainy season, from October to May, the weather is more unpredictable. There can be frequent rain and fog that makes it difficult to see the volcano's summit, but the trade-off is that the landscapes look much greener and more vibrant. If you enjoy landscape photography with dramatic clouds or less-crowded trails, this can also be an attractive option.
In any case, it's recommended to leave early in the morning, as visibility tends to decrease in the afternoon due to cloud cover and wind. This way, you can take advantage of the entire day to explore the various points of interest within the park.
Final reflections on the visit to the Cotopaxi Volcano
He Cotopaxi Volcano tuvo un poder de atracción increíble sobre mí. Incluso desde Latacunga, su silueta cónica se alzaba imponente en el horizonte, como si me llamara a acercarme (sí, casi como Saurón atrayendo a Frodo 😄).
For me, the most spectacular part of the trip was the views of the volcano, both from the entrance road to the park and from the Limpiopungo Lagoon. Seeing it rise above the plain made me forget all the hustle and bustle of the trip there and back, and was a reminder of how small one feels compared to the grandeur of nature.
If you enjoy mountainous and volcanic landscapes, this is a must-see. Just decide whether it's better to book a tour from the city where you're staying or directly from the route, and then let the guide guide you to make the most of the experience.
How are you doing? I wasn't planning on paying for a guide, to be honest. Thanks for the advice.
What year did you go? I understood you couldn't go to the shelter, so I wanted to go alone. Is it open?
Hi Maca! I went in November 2016. I don't know if it's open now, to be honest. Besides, when I went, it was almost summer and there was no snow on the trail. I don't know if it's as accessible in winter. The distances are very long to hike, even if you don't go to the refuge, there are long stretches. Perhaps, instead of a 4x4 with a guide, you could save a bit by taking a taxi or a private car.