COTOPAXI MAGIC

Cotopaxi National Park is found just 48km outside of Quito, which means it’s an excellent day trip from the capital. The national park is blessed, of course with the magnificent Cotopaxi volcano, Ecuador’s second highest peak, at 5,897metres elevation.  with a number of things to see and do, it may be worth considering staying a night there. As a guide, the best time for clear views of the Cotopaxi volcano, is during the dry, windy season from mid-July until early October. You can horse ride, hike, camp, mountain bike in Cotopaxi National Park as well as visit the stunning Laguna Limpiopungo. Here are some ideas for what to do in The Cotopaxi national park. 

The Magnificent Cotopaxi volcano

Hike around Laguna Limpiopungo 

Laguna Limpiopungo is a seasonal lake that swells during the rainy season.  It is the home to nesting Andean gulls and hummingbirds along the hiking trail.  On a clear day, the views of the volcano from Limpiopungo are spectacular. The wild horses of Cotopaxi often graze near the end of the trail and there are many companies that offer horse riding tours of the area. 

view from Lake Limpiopungo

Hike to the summit (or the refuge) 

Ecuadorians love to connect to their mountains and a popular way for local people to do this is to hike as high as possible. Following the eruption in 2015, the National Park stopped all climbing to the summit of Cotopaxi for two years, it is however open once more. If you want to hike to the summit, check its status first, as access depends on the level of volcanic activity at the time. This is a difficult hike and adequate acclimatization is not only recommended, but essential! There are different routes to the top, all of which start at the José Ribas refuge.

Refuge on the way to the Summit

It’s highly recommended to go with an experienced local guide and company who provide the adequate equipment for the summit climb. if weather conditions are clear, the views are spectacular. If you don’t fancy taking on the summit, the views from the refuge are pretty impressive also!  

Almost There!

Downhill it! 

Can there be anything cooler than cycling down an active volcano? The Cotopaxi national park allows companies to cycle down its side with a reputable company, so give it a go! 

There are essentially three sections of the downhill, when you bike down Cotopaxi:  

SECTION ONE 

The best section, but also the most difficult. It is a steep downhill with constant bumps that can make your arms feel like they are falling off, but the spectacular views will make up for it, with the back drop of Cotopaxi volcano and the surrounding countryside is a once in a lifetime experience!

Cycling in the Cotopaxi national park

The good news is that you can stop and rest, whenever you want to as the more Intrepid cyclers, disappear into the distance, and the photographers and safety conscious, take a “peddle” back to appreciate the views.  This challenging ride is do-able, tough, yet fun and this first section is a real “off-road” experience.  

Cotopaxi Summit

SECTION TWO 

Section two requires some peddling. The ride is along a flat plateau, cycling dirt tracks and rocky sections. The Cotopaxi volcano is further behind you now, and there are two or three uphill sections that will require you to drop gears.

Local llama en route

The speed is much slower, but slightly harder work as you cycle the fabulous trail that will take you through the stunning Ecuadorian countryside. Half way through this section, you will have a welcome lunch stop to catch your breath, before you carry on through the final section. 

Cycling Cotopaxi

SECTION THREE 

It’s much easier from here as you head to the paved road. There is however an uphill section with hardcore bumps which test you arms and hands once more.  It is however really good fun, though, to take your mind off the unease. Then it is virtually all downhill along a smooth road, surrounded by mountain ranges and the peaceful, perfect way to end the day´s cycling.

Cotopaxi National park

The coffee /beer at the national park entrance, is a congratulatory goodbye as you and jump back in your transport to return to Quito.