In this post, we’ll give you a guide to Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador! Cotopaxi is a must-see on your trip to Quito. The Cotopaxi volcano is the highest active volcano in Ecuador at 5,897m above sea level!

It makes a great day trip as it is only a short distance from the city of Quito. If you want to see more of the park, there are also some lodges available in the area.

We’ll show you the highlights and everything you need to know for your trip to Cotopaxi. Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. When to visit Cotopaxi
2. Where to stay in the Cotopaxi area
3. What to do
4. Getting to Cotopaxi

Fast Fact: The name “Cotopaxi” supposedly means “smooth neck of the moon.”

1. When should I visit Cotopaxi?

The best time to visit would probably be from June to September. In these months, you won’t see too much rain and temperatures range from 9°C-20°C (49°F-68°F). Humidity is around 70% and it generally only rains for around 11 days in the month.

This weather means that you should have a clear view of the volcano and you aren’t likely to be too cold or too hot. Great hiking weather!

If you plan to hike, you should bring some warm gloves and a warm jacket as it gets colder the higher you go on the volcano. If you forget to bring some with you, you can find them in Quito before you head out to Cotopaxi.

We can’t guarantee volcano visibility, but you are most likely to see it in the early morning to early afternoon. The later it gets, the more fog and cloud can cover the volcano’s snow-capped summit.

More reading: Ecuador Landmarks

Fast Fact: While Cotopaxi is Ecuador’s highest active volcano, Chimborazo is the tallest mountain in Ecuador (and the highest point on Earth, depending on how you measure). 

2. Where can I stay at Cotopaxi?

Camping is no longer permitted inside the National Park since Cotopaxi’s eruption in 2015. There are some local haciendas around the park that are available to stay at. Our tours will provide you accommodation at one of these local haciendas. Here is our Cotopaxi tour.

3. What should I do at Cotopaxi?

There are a variety of activities available at the park. These include hikes that can be tailored to you, some with easy 1-hour hikes or longer 6-hour ones.

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Cotopaxi National Park is home to lots of wildlife that are sure to make these hikes even more interesting. You could see llamas, deer, Andean wolves, and rabbits, to name a few. The park is considered one of the most important in the country!

Mountain biking is also available, and it’s such a beautiful ride! You can start at around 14,760 ft and descent into the Limpiopungo valley. In the area, you can also see the Laguna Limpiopungo. This ‘lagoon’ fills during the rainy season. But all year round, you can see Andean gulls, hummingbirds, and wild horses!

There is also local indigenous markets to visit in the area (open every days – except Friday).

4. Where is Cotopaxi? How do I get there?

Cotopaxi National Park is roughly 6 km south of Quito. An interesting fact about Cotopaxi National Park is that it actually spans 3 provinces: Pichincha, Napo, and Cotopaxi Provinces.

If you travel with us, we’ll get you there. If you choose to visit on your own, a taxi is probably the best way to get to the park. It shouldn’t cost you too much, and most drivers will know how to get to the towering volcano; you can’t really miss it.

More reading: National Parks in Ecuador

Your Turn

Did you enjoy learning about Cotopaxi National Park? Any questions? Let us know in the comments!