Cotopaxi National Park is located 60 km south of Quito, in the central Sierra, closer to the eastern Andes mountain range, covering an area of 32,255 hectares.
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| Cotopaxi National Park Ecuador |
Its landscape is adorned by the two most famous volcanoes of Ecuador: Cotopaxi and Ruminhai, on the tops of which several rivers are born: Kutuchi, San Pedro, Pita, Pedregal, Tamboyaku and Tambo, so the park is the main supplier of water for consumption and irrigation of several Andean cities. There are also several lakes here: Cajas, Limpiopungo, Santo Domingo.
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| Cotopaxi National Park Ecuador |
The Cotopaxi National Park bears the name of the main volcano, which is known as the highest active volcano in Ecuador, its height is 5897 meters. Colossus is famous for its activity (since 1738, the volcano has erupted at least 50 times, the last eruption was recorded in 1976). And finally, Cotopaxi has a very regular conical shape formed by solidified lava. Translated from the Quechua Indian language, Cotopaxi means "brilliant mountain". And the volcano really shines and shimmers on a cloudless day - above the mark of 4,700 meters the mountain is covered with eternal snows that do not melt even under the equatorial sun.
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| Cotopaxi National Park Ecuador |
The road to the volcano is called the "avenue of volcanoes", each of the many mountain peaks located along the road is distinguished by its unique flora and fauna. Wild horses, domesticated llamas, deer live in the park at the foot of the mountains. About 90 species of birds live in the valley and on the slopes of the majestic mountains, among them small hummingbirds and Andean lapwings. The most famous plants here are deer grass, valerian, mosses, lichens. In addition, it is believed that 17 species of mammals live in the park. On the lower border of the park there is a unique amphibian, endemic to Ecuador - a multi-colored marsupial tree frog, an inhabitant of the highlands. In the west, the slopes of Mount Cotopaxi are covered with the most plant-rich "cloudy" forest. Since forests grow on steep slopes.
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| Cotopaxi National Park Ecuador |
The Cotopaxi National Park attracts climbers, including beginners, lovers of hiking and cycling, fans of horseback riding, tourists interested in ornithological and botanical excursions. It is possible to climb to the top of the mountain, for this special trails are equipped, equipment is rented, and the help of a professional guide is provided. At an altitude of 4700 meters there is a place for tourists to spend the night.