The still active volcano Cotopaxi (indigenous: neck of the moon) is the most popular mountain in South America and is situated in the homonymous national park.
The mountain is characterized by quite stable weather conditions, which makes it accessible all year round.
The summit is famous for it’s perfect cone shape, from where you have a fabulous view on the crater, with its diameter of 800 m. The climb is considered to be technical, because of the ice equipment needed, and because of its significant height. Normally you can do the tour in two days, but you also have the possibility to spend one more day in the national park to get used to altitude. In all cases you’ll be stuck by this impressive glacier
Cotopaxi is one of South America’s most famous volcanoes and one of its most active ones. With its 5897 m it also ranks among the world’s highest active volcanoes (26th highest).
The majestic, snow covered symmetrical stratovolcano is located on the Eastern Cordillera of the Ecuadorian Andes, 60 km south of Quito and 35 km northeast of Latacunga.
Cotopaxi’s steep cone has nested summit craters, the outer of which measures 550 x 800 m in diameter.
Cotopaxi erupted more than 50 times since 1738. The most violent historical eruptions of Cotopaxi volcano were in 1877 its eruptions often produced pyroclastic flows and destructive mud flows (lahars). Some lahars have travelled more than 100 km and reached the Pacific to the west and the Amazon Basin to the east.
At the moment, it has been dormant for over 135 years, which is an unusual long interval in its recent history.
stratovolcano 5897 m / 19,393 ft
Ecuador, -0.68°S / -78.44°W
Volcanism is the most fascinating force of the planet.
Volcanic areas are among the most interesting and beautiful in the world. For this reason Cotopaxi offers the fascinating view.
Andes Alpes Expeditions organized Volcano tours
Our tour mountain guides are profesional and photographers To achieve a more flexible and personal way of traveling we work with small groups.
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