GENERAL INFORMATION

• Area: 82.512 acres (33.393 ha)

• Date of Creation: August 11, 1975
• Altitude: 11.115 — 19.348 ft (3.400 - 5.897 m)

The Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, becoming a challenge to any hiker for its difficulty. Its symmetrical cone can be seen from the capital, Quito, on clear days. The times it has erupted, approximately every 50 years, it has caused gigantic destruction, especially because of the lahars (avalanches of mud and rocks caused by the melting of the snow of the volcano) that can reach 25 feet of height and 55 miles per hour of speed. However, the city of Latacunga has been time and again rebuilt 22 miles from the volcano after being devastated, perhaps to continue admiring the imposing beauty of Cotopaxi. The park also includes the mountain Rumiñahui, and between both peaks lies the valley of Limpiopungo, with its respective lake, all of this teeming with life surprisingly adapted to the altitude.