Cotopaxi Volcano

The Cotopaxi volcano is located in Canton Latacunga, in the Central mountain range of the Ecuadorian Andes. 62 km northeast from Latacunga and 75 Km. southeast from Quito. Limits: Northeast Sincholagua the extinct volcano, west Rumiñahui, southeast Quilindana.

It is the second highest peak in Ecuador, after the Chimborazo. It is one of the most active volcanoes in Ecuador, the last recorded eruptions were in 1877 and 1904, and had some activity in 1942. Currently increases in its activity were recorded in volcanic activity since 2003; being the busiest year reported. The explosiveness of the eruptions and the large amount of incandescent material have generated numerous streams that have reached the Pacific Ocean, historically these flows have traveled twelve times by the river Cutuchi, three times the Pita River and four times the Napo River.

Cotopaxi Volcano provides a beautiful panoramic view, contains a landscape of vegetation cover on its slopes, mineral features of ancient volcanic eruptions seen in its eastern slopes; there is a shelter which allows locals and visitors a view that spans the valley and the Limpiopungo lagoon where there are wild ducks. Permission from the authorities of the Cotopaxi National Park is required.

A large pine plantation covering approximately 1750ha., Chuquirahuas, pumamaquis, romerillo, mortiño and capulí are just some of the species that can be found. Regarding wildlife, curiquingues, deer, rabbits, wolves paramo and the Andean condor rarely seen, they can appear at any time.