Cotopaxi Volcano – Neck of the Moon

The Cotopaxi Volcano is situated 35km southeast of Quito, the volcano was considered a holly mountain by the Panzaleos Indigenous that lived in the area before the incas conquered the region. The name Cotopaxi can be traduced in the Quechua language ”Neck of the Moon”. The Cotopaxi Volcano has an altitude of 5895m.a.s.l. and it’s crater has a diameter of 800 x 550m . The Cotopaxi it is considered the second highest active volcano in the World; whereas he highest Volcano is the “Ojos del Salado” with an altitude of 6’893m.a.s.l., situated in the northern part of Chile. The symmetrically conical shape and the snow covered summit award the Cotopaxi with a “perfect” stratovolano look.

Cotopaxi’s summit was first climbed on November 27, 1872 by the german explorer and volcanologist Wilhelm Reiss. Nowadays climbers have it easier, a road winds up to a parking space at 4600m.a.s.l. and from there is it another 200m altitude difference to the Jose Ribas Hut where the serious climbing starts. Climbing the Cotopaxi is not easy due to the altitude and the glacier; thus, excellent climbing gear and a good local guide are imperative for those venturing the ascent to the summit.

The last eruption of the Cotopaxi Volcano took place in 1904. An earlier erruption in 1877 was so strong that the whole glacier melted away and enormous lahar flows devastated the city of Latacunga, 30km south of the volcano.

A visit to the Cotopaxi National Park is an excellent day trip from Quito, the only requirements for a good journey are a good acclimatization to the altitude and the nice weather.