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Where it's at
Located in the Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, mainland Ecuador's
most popular national park hosts the world's highest active
volcano. At over 18,000ft, Volcan Cotopaxi is Ecuador's
second highest peak and this snow-capped giant just begs to
be climbed.
Although active, this ice-cream cone shaped volcano has not
erupted since 1942, but some tremors were felt in the 1970's.
Hundreds of climbers of all levels attempt the peak each year,
but altitude sickness is a real problem and you will need
to make sure that you acclimatise first. Nausea, headache
and fatigue may signal a bout of altitude sickness and sufferers
should descend.
The park is about 40 miles south of Ecuador's capital city,
Quito, and halfway to Banos on the Pan-American
Highway, or the Avenue of Volcanoes as it is aptly
named. From the parking lot you can ascend as far as the somewhat
spartan Jose Ribas Refugio at 13,000ft before attempting
the last 3,000ft climb to the summit before dawn at around
12:00/1:00 am to avoid melting afternoon snow.
Trekkers tips
Entrance fee to the park is $20, and it costs $10 a night
to stay at the Jose Ribas Refugio where there is running water,
but you need to bring food and sleeping bag.
Guides can be arranged in Quito and Ambato. The SAEC organization
in Quito can advise potential climbers of conditions in the
park. |
