The ice cone
An active volcano.
Rinaldo Wurglitsch from Vienna, Austria — CC BY 2.0 · Bernard Gagnon — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Bernard Gagnon — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Eduardo Morillo — CC BY 3.0
A national park on high, bare plains around Cotopaxi volcano, one of the world's highest active volcanoes at nearly 5,900 metres, its perfect ice-white cone visible from Quito on clear days. Dirt roads cross golden grassy «páramo», where wild horses and llamas graze and condors sometimes soar. The best-known stop is calm Limpiopungo lagoon at the volcano's foot, with an easy trail around it reflecting the mountain in the water. Some visitors drive up and then walk a steep sandy slope to the mountain refuge at nearly 4,860 metres, where the air is very thin. Access to the refuge and summit depends on volcanic activity, so check the park's notices. Do not go before acclimatising for some days in Quito. The weather changes fast and the wind is very cold, so bring warm clothes and a rain jacket. Mornings are clearest for seeing the summit.
An active volcano.
Mountain reflections.
On the páramo.
About two hours' drive south of Quito; north and south entrances off the highway
It depends on volcanic activity and is sometimes closed. Check park notices, and do not go up before acclimatising well, as the refuge is near 4,860 metres.