Mulaló, Latacunga, Cotopaxi, Ecuador
4.3
Introduction
The Cotopaxi volcano, located in the Andes Mountain region, has an elevation of 5896 meters and is the second highest mountain in Ecuador. It is also one of the more active stratovolcanoes. Since 1738, the volcano has erupted over 50 times, with the most recent eruption occurring in August 2015. Due to its large volume and frequent activity, as well as its proximity to cities like Quito and Latacunga, it is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Ecuador. The foothills of the volcano are covered in vast highland grasslands, while areas above 4700 meters are permanently covered in ice and snow. The mountain region is home to wild animals such as white-tailed deer, wild rabbits, and Andean foxes. Visitors can hike and camp in the Cotopaxi National Park without special equipment. A popular route is to hike around Lake Limpiopungo, located near the highland forests, which can be completed in a day with a return to Quito. For those wishing to summit the volcano, it usually takes around 2 days and it is essential to hire a professional guide and have the necessary equipment. The best climbing seasons are from June to July and from December to January, avoiding the months of April and May when there is the most rainfall. There are available mountain huts on the mountain, costing $32 per night, with limited electricity and water and equipped with facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms. It is important to dress warmly and wear gloves, hats, and suitable hiking shoes when visiting the park. Additionally, the Ecuadorian National Security Coordination Department provides real-time warnings based on volcanic activity, and road closures may occur, so it is important to follow the park's instructions. Address Mulaló, Latacunga, Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Transportation To go to the national park, you can take a long-distance bus from Quito Terminal Quitumbe to either Latacunga or Machachi. If you take the bus to Latacunga, tell the driver to get off at "Entrada de Cotopaxi", and then there is a shuttle pickup truck to the south entrance of the park (Control Sur / El Chaspi). If you take the bus to Machachi, you can get off at the Amazonas Market or the central square in the town center, and there is a shuttle pickup truck to the north entrance of the park (Control Norte / El Pedregal). The shuttle pickup truck usually costs around $20-35, and you can negotiate for a lower price if there are more than two people, usually around $25. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive to the park parking lot, and the road is a bit bumpy. The road conditions to the south gate are better than the north gate, but the scenery along the way is slightly inferior. Many Quito travel agencies offer day trips to the park for prices ranging from $70-100, including a guide and transportation.
