Coined by Alexander Von Humboldt (1769 -1859) the expression "Avenue of the Volcanoes". This name that perfectly describes the landscape that crosses the Andean highlands of Ecuador in which a succession of extinct and active volcanoes, many of them of eternal snows, are all together and forming a natural corridor of wonderful landscapes. When contemplating them, it is easy to understand why the pre-Columbian people saw them as gods and spirits.
The Cotopaxi National Park has a protected surface of 82.515 acres (33.393 h), which is suitable for hiking, bird watching and for the acknowledgment of the moorland.
As well, there are many activities you can choose to do at Cotopaxi National Park, such as: cycling, horseback riding, and why not, a real hike to the summit!
Our full day tour starts with a first stop at the interpretation center where we will have an explanation of protected areas in Ecuador,
We will start with a short acclimatization trek at 11.811 ft / 3,600 m along a small path that is an example of the wonderful vegetation we can find at this altitude. Accompanied by a tour guide who will explains in detail about these wonderful landscapes shaped over the time by different eruptions of this volcano. The visit to this National Park includes a short hike around Limpiopungo Lake at 12.467 ft / 3,800 m., with the acknowledgment of the flora, we will do some birdwatching and hopefully we’ll see the Andean wolf, deer or rabbits. Look at the sky, we may see the majestic condor! Return to Quito. Lunch is not included.
After the hike, depending on the weather and our energies, we will continue by vehicle up to 14.763 ft / 4,500 m, and from here we will start a trek, through lunar landscapes until we reach the refuge at 15.748 ft / 4,800 meters. Descent and return to Quito.
* Climbing up to 14.763 ft / 4,500 m in a vehicle it’s up to a decision that the professional tour guide will take, and this depends on the weather, the road that can be in very poor conditions and the health of passengers