Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cotopaxi National Park
The most visited national park in Ecuador,
Parque Nacional Cotopaxi
stretches out over
four provinces and is home to the active Cotopaxi Volcano. Its perfect white cone reaches
19,347 ft. (5,897 m) and when the moon rises over it, can be seen glowing from miles
away. Just under two hours south of Quito, visitors can enter the park on a day trip with a
guide who usually drive travelers to the
refugio
at 15,748 ft (4,800 m) and lead them on a
hike around one of the volcano's craters before returning to Quito. Downhill cycling from
the refuge is also a popular day trip option but if you're looking to climb make sure
you've properly acclimatized beforehand. Early excursions (6am-8am) are strongly re-
commended as Cotopaxi hides behind a banner of clouds for the rest of the day.
Cotopaxi Volcano
Laguna Quilotoa
Quilotoa Lake is possibly Ecuador's most spectacular attraction in the Andes region.
Multi-day hikes along the Quilotoa Loop - whose star stop is the lake - lead travelers
through remote Kichwa villages and stunning scenery. The lake itself is cupped by a
