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One of the best hikes in the world is the
Around Cotopaxi
Also called:
Hikes in the same region:
- Papallacta to Cotopaxi
- Antisana to Cotopaxi
A state of emergency was declared in the Cotopaxi region in March, 2006. Public gatherings and marches were prohibited. A curfew was put in place. Best not plan a hike here until the situation stabilizes.
Do you know this hike?
It is a "stub". You can expand this page by emailing suggestions in the appropriate sections below. Our editors will add your comments. Thanks!
WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE
 it's our favourite trek in ECUADOR
- circumambulate Cotopaxi (5897m), second highest peak in the country
- it's in the most popular National Park
- it's a volcano and still active!
- arid high grassland with wonderful views
- colourful ground flowers
- few trekkers on the far side of the mountain
- keep your eyes open for rabbits, wild horses, deer & fox
- Laguna Limpiopungo a hot spot for birders
- several good sidetrip options
- mountaineers climb Cotopaxi June-August, and December-February. You can trek and climb the most popular peak in Ecuador those months.
- hike Around Cotopaxi almost anytime of the year
- this trek recommended for all experienced multi-day hikers
- fishing, horseback & mountain bike trips are good options here too
- ... add a comment here
photo Bevan Hughes
CONSIDERATIONS
- altitude sickness is a real concern
- the trek climbs above 4200m!
- schedule time to acclimatize
- finding a campsite out of the wind can be a problem
- you must carry a tent
- purchase stove fuel & perishables in Quito
- Cotopaxi has erupted 50 times since 1738
- the nearby town of Latacunga has been destroyed 3 times
- the volcano seems to be warming up since 2003
- conversational Spanish is needed
- Christmas is always good hiking
- December - January is driest but it can be windy
- June - September is dry
- August tends to be very windy
- temperatures this close to the equator vary little through the year
- average daytime high is about 7C ( 45°)
- average night-time low can go below freezing
- tourists arriving in Ecuador normally get a 30-90 day visa
- Parque Nacional Cotopaxi entry fee is about US$10 for foreigners, if you can find someone to collect it from you
- rent gear, if needed, in Quito
- ... add a comment here
LOGISTICS
If you sign on with a guided trip logistics will be organized for you. This section is for independent hikers.
- 55km south of Quito, access to the trailhead is easy
- 5-6 days recommended to hike Around Cotopaxi
- Pansaleo to Mulaló is our recommended route as described in Lonely Planet Trekking in the Central Andes 2003
- other guidebooks include different itineraries
- moderate difficulty
- good shorter trek options are available
- bus Quito to Machachi (1hr)
- walk 6km or hire a pickup (US$10) in the plaza to take you to Pansaleo village or beyond, even closer to the trailhead
- exit the trek at Mulaló, hire a pickup to take you to the Panamericana highway (US$1.50) or to Latacunga (US$6)
- bus back to Quito
- ... add a comment here
INDEPENDENT OR GUIDED
You can sign on with a guided trek for as little as US$60 / day, a good value if you find the right guide. Check the list below. We have not personally used any of the companies.
Still, we recommend you hike Around Cotopaxi independently if possible.
LOCAL INFORMATION
South American Explorers should be your first stop in Quito. Membership is US$50 / year but they help non-members as well. Look for hiking partners there.
BEST TREKKING GUIDEBOOKS
BEST TRAVEL GUIDEBOOKS
The L!VE guide is the new kid on the block. Check it out if you want some different content.
OTHER RECOMMENDED BOOKS
BEST MAPS
There is no great trekking map for this hike. The best available are 4 topos:
- IGM 1:50,000 Cotopaxi (sheet 3991-IV), Sincholagua (sheet 3992-III), Machachi (sheet 3892-II), Mulalo (sheet 3891-I)
You might be better off with the simple map included in Lonely Planet Trekking in the Central Andes .
Browse on-line maps:
BEST WEBSITES
After this site, the most useful links are:
BEST PHOTOS & TRIP REPORTS
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