Exploring Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi National Park is a famous ecological haven in Ecuador. It is known mainly for the Cotopaxi Volcano, the tallest active volcano in the country, reaching 5,897 meters above sea level. The park covers an area of 333.9 km² and was officially created on August 11, 1975. Located about 60 km south of Quito, it’s an excellent spot for both day trips and extended visits, with several lodges nearby for overnight stays. Visitors can watch wildlife, hike, or mountain bike against the stunning backdrop of the Andes.

Visiting Cotopaxi 

In the summer of 2023, I had an unforgettable trip to Cotopaxi National Park. We set off from Quito early in the morning with twelve other people on a bus. The journey to the park was filled with beautiful stops along the way. We all took time to appreciate the views of other volcanoes and enjoyed a delicious breakfast and some special tea that helped us adjust to the high altitude.

The ride took a while, but I can’t remember exactly how long because we made a few stops. As we got closer to the park, the road shifted from being surrounded by trees to a more rugged landscape, which made the adventure feel even more exciting. One of the coolest moments before we reached the mountain was when we spotted wild horses roaming freely.

When we finally got to the base of Cotopaxi, our group tried to hike up to the base camp. The high altitude and strong winds made it challenging; some of us made it to the camp, while others had to turn back. We also checked out a small lake or lagoon near the base that added to the stunning scenery.

Bring Warm Clothes & Hiking Boots For The Park

It may sound like common sense, but it’s essential when hiking a mountain like Cotopaxi. The temperature can drop significantly as you go higher up. During my trip, I wore a sweater, a light jacket, a toque, gloves, and strong boots to keep myself warm and comfortable.

The Best Times To Visit Cotopaxi National Park

The ideal time to visit Cotopaxi National Park is from June to September. During this period, you can expect less rainfall, with temperatures varying from 9°C to 20°C (49°F to 68°F). The humidity is usually around 70%, and it typically only rains for about 11 days each month. 

Here’s a quick look at the monthly temperatures:

How To Get From Qutio To Cotopxi National Park

This is something I will have to comeback and update later on, but when I visited in 2023 I got to Cotopaxi by bus through a tour group. This was super simple as they picked us up and dropped us off right at our Airbnb. Too easy!