Cotopaxi National Park

The Cotopaxi volcano, with its nearly perfect snowy cone rising to 5,897 meters above sea level, is a global natural icon, alongside the Galapagos Islands. Thousands of international mountaineers have reached its summit, with many more aspiring to do so. Located centrally in the inter-Andean valley, near cities like Quito and Latacunga, Cotopaxi National Park is a popular destination where many visitors experience snow for the first time. Dominating the park’s landscape, Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. The park also includes Morurco (4,880 m) and Rumiñahui (4,722 m) volcanoes. Named by Alexander von Humboldt in 1802, the park’s ecosystem features moorlands with unique flora and fauna, mainly grasslands and tall shrubs.