Only an hour and a half trip south from Quito, Cotopaxi National Park is one of the most impressive national parks in Ecuador. An early departure at 7:30 am venture you into the Ecuadorean Andes  through the Panamerican Highway admiring the diverse ecosystems of the route know as the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”, as a clear sign of the majesty of the Andes. Continue to the Cotopaxi National Park, arriving at the foot of the impressive active volcano.
Established in 1979, it includes Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world with 19 348ft above sea level.  An ecological reserve  of 33 393 ha surrounds the volcano, located on the border between the provinces of Pichincha and Cotopaxi.
Many sources claim that Cotopaxi means “Neck of the Moon” in native indigenous language.  This stunning park possesses both natural wonders and a fascinating history. There are a variety of vegetation zones within the park, from massive glaciers  high up the volcano, humid Mountain Forest dominating the low elevations, and paramo grasslands surrounding the Lake Limpio Pungo. Other volcanoes in the area are Rumiñahui, Quilindaña and Sincholagua.
For a magical journey into Ecuador’s natural heritage, be sure to visit Cotopaxi National Park. It is just a perfect combination for a full day close to Quito.
Lunch included in Tambopaxi, the only ecolodge and acclimatization center situated at an altitude of 12 300 ft above sea level, in the heart of the Cotopaxi National Park which offers a pleasant restaurant.