Cotopaxi National Park, National park and volcanic reserve in central Andes, Ecuador
Cotopaxi National Park is a protected reserve in the central Andes of Ecuador, covering land across three provinces and centered on an active glacier-capped volcano. The reserve includes high grasslands, volcanic formations, and two smaller dormant peaks alongside the main cone.
The area became a national park in 1975 to protect the volcanic landscape and highland ecosystems. Inca ruins from the late 15th century lie within the park boundaries, showing earlier human presence.
Local families bring animals to graze on the high grasslands and maintain ties to the land through traditional practices. The name comes from Kichwa words meaning neck of the moon, which refers to the shape of the summit when seen from certain angles.
The entrance is at Caspi checkpoint, south of Quito along the Panamericana road. Visitor centers and mountain shelters are located inside the park and offer orientation and lodging.
The eastern slopes show large boulders and deposits from the 1877 eruption, still visible today. Limpiopungo lagoon at 3800 meters (about 12,500 feet) hosts Andean birds that gather at the shallow water.
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