Tourist attractions in Ecuador
Cotopaxi Volcano
Cotopaxi Volcano
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Cotopaxi National Park
The Cotopaxi volcano, with its majestic snow-capped summit and almost perfect cone shape, stands as an emblem of the Ecuadorian Andes and one of the country's main tourist attractions. This active volcano, located in the heart of Ecuador, is not only a natural jewel that attracts adventurers from all over the world, but also a cultural and historical icon deeply rooted in the identity of Ecuadorians. If you are planning a visit to Ecuador, Cotopaxi should be on your list of must-see places. But what makes it so special? Below, we'll tell you everything you need to know to make your visit unforgettable.
0.32 Km.
Morurco Hill
Cerro Morurco is a rock formation located on the south face of the Cotopaxi Volcano, it is also called the Inca's Head, due to the way its towers or rocky pillars give it; it is generally covered by glaciers; it is the remnant of the old volcanic building that was destroyed in the Pleistocene. El Morurco has a structure of pillars linked by small hills that descend in a north-south direction from the southern moraines of Cotopaxi, it has a height of 4920 m.a.s.l. and is located within the Cotopaxi National Park. During the tour you can also see the Burrohuayco ravine or canyon and the Chuquirahua Waterfall. The climate is particularly cold due to the presence of winds that come from the south, forming glaciers on the mountain. The landscape is made up of parallel packed plateaus and wide ravines, towards the east the topography sinks in the region of the valley at the base of the Quilindaña. To access from Mulaló you have to take the road that leads to the community of Ticatilín, and ascend crossing the sandbanks that are at the foot of it, the weather conditions often do not allow you to reach the top, however, in favorable conditions you can perform rock climbing from the base to almost 300 m upwards (over 4800 m.a.s.l.) for this it is necessary to use special equipment and high mountain guides.
3.56 Km.
Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center
Interpretive Center allows you to learn more about the Cotopaxi National Park. Going through the four rooms of the Interpretation Center that was remodeled approximately a year ago by the Support Program for the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP) of the Ministry of the Environment, co-financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through the KFW, is literally entering the ecosystem of the Cotopaxi National Park. The same environment to which the volcano turns, it is remarkable to know the phases of the paramo, according to the guide that guides the visitors there is the sub-paramo at 3400-3900 masl, paramo 3900-4400 masl, the super-paramo that goes from 4400-4900 masl and the icy one of 4900-5897 masl, in addition the colossus is the second highest place in Ecuador. The entire ecosystem is a source of life, not only because it provides fresh water, but also because it provides natural medicine. Also, information is shown on the emergence of springs and several lagoons such as Limpiopungo, Santo Domingo and Cajas. They feed on rain, groundwater and melting ice. These lagoons are a refuge for at least 45 species of birds, there is also data on the 10 highest peaks in Ecuador. The center is dynamic and interpretive, providing data on the 32,000 hectares of the Park, it is open from Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 15:00 and more than 250,000 people arrive each year, of which the national tourist occupies 70 % and abroad 30%, while 80% attend the Interpretation Center. At the main entrance there is a video surveillance system that transmits both internal and external actions in real time, in order to prevent any type of damage from being done. Likewise, there are several trails such as: del Páramo, Limpiopungo, Kawsay Ñan, among others. Next door there is a "Quinde" handicraft store, Gladys Calvopiña, is in charge of selling, in the place products made in tagua and wood are sold. Everything is produced in Ecuador and by the hands of 20 artisans from the area. "We have a lot of acceptance for quality and price," she said. This has allowed to increase the datafast.
7.63 Km.
Limpiopungo Lagoon
Limpiopungo or "Clean Door" is a lagoon between the Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui volcanoes. The natural landscape has a singular beauty. It is a permanent site and a must for all those who go on excursions to the Cotopaxi National Park. Another volcano that is part of the millenary scenario is the Sincholagua. Limpiopungo is located 13.5 km from the entrance to the Park, at the foot of the road that leads to the Cotopaxi Volcano Refuge. It is crossed by strong winds at surface level. The visitor can play at beating them. The mirror of the lagoon reflects the Rumiñahui volcano, a stone mass with the appearance of a mountain range. Landscape photography is the most rewarding activity that can be done in the place. When the weather is clear, spectacular shots of the Cotopaxi cone are obtained. Only one other volcano in the world is so beautiful and portrayed, Mount Fuji in Japan. The biodiversity of the moor is present in and around its calm waters. At 3,900 meters above sea level, it is a sanctuary for the rest and reproduction of the Andean gull, ducks, hummingbirds, curiquingues, condors and other bird species. Wild horses run and llamas graze on the nearby plains. It is also the habitat for deer, lizards, rabbits and spectacled bears. Those who have the opportunity to visit Limpiopungo feel that it has a special energy. It is considered a nature destination for people with different abilities and families. There is a trail that surrounds the whole lagoon. To enjoy the silence. It is possible to walk it or ride a bike. Limpiopungo. Perfect base to know the Cotopaxi National Park: the route of ascent to the Rumiñahui, mountain bike trails, camping in the Rinconada, arrive at the José Rivas Refuge and the glacier, visit the archaeological site El Salitre. The Cotopaxi National Park was created in August 1975. Its name is due to the active volcano Cotopaxi of 5.897 msnm.
7.75 Km.
El Boliche National Recreation Area
It is located next to the Cotopaxi National Park. El Boliche is known for its pine and cypress plantation, which covers 200 hectares and has almost completely replaced the paramo. The first trees were planted in 1928 in what was the Romerillos hacienda, with the idea of recovering the eroded soils and "reforesting" the moor. Those were other times: today it is known that these plantations affect the soil and the biodiversity of this ecosystem, and that the páramo does not need to be filled with trees. Next to this area is the "El Boliche" Station of the Ecuadorian Railway Company and, thanks to this, hundreds of visitors arrive every weekend to tour the attractions offered by this protected area. Location It is located next to the Cotopaxi National Park, in the parish of Mulalo, 27 km from Machachi and 30 km north of Latacunga. Continuing along the Pan-American highway, a sign indicates the entrance, you have to travel 3 km more along a carriageway. recommendations Wear warm clothes, rain poncho or waterproof sweater in case of rain or drizzle. Appropriate footwear, type half-round boots in case of walks.
17.15 Km.
Cunuyacu Hot Springs and Waterfall
The natural thermal water pools of Cunuyacu are located at 4125 meters above sea level at the foot of the snowy Iliniza Sur, the Thermal Waters are made up of its two slopes of underground origin, its waters are transparent and of volcanic origin, the waters rest in a kind of pool where they reach a temperature of approximately 22ºC to 25ºC, which is why they are hypothermal waters. They are one of the best preserved treasures in the province of Cotopaxi, like the waterfall of the same name; The small waterfall is shown as a waterfall of about 12 to 15 meters high, the water is at a temperature of approximately 6ºC, these natural attractions are part of the Los Ilinizas Ecological Reserve. Its name comes from two Quechua words yacu = water, cunu = rabbits, it was named in this way due to the large presence of paramo rabbits that inhabit the surroundings of the attraction.
28.73 Km.