Cotopaxi Volcano, Cotopaxi, Equador is a strato-volcano that is found in the Andes Mountains about 17 miles to the south of Quito, Ecuador. The Cotopaxi Volcano is the second highest peak in Ecuador rising to 19, 347 feet above the sea level. The name Cotopaxi means neck of the moon.
Cotopaxi Volcano, Cotopaxi, Equador is characterized by a symmetrical cone that soars from the highland plane of 12,500 feet and a base width of 14 miles. It is also one of the few place you will find the phenomena of equatorial glaciers. These glaciers manifest themselves from the height of 16, 400 feet with the mountain visible from the Quito skyline. It forms part of the chain of volcanoes located in the Pacific Plate which is commonly referred to as the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Cotopaxi Volcano, Cotopaxi, Equador is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, having erupted a total of fifty times since 1738. The most destructive eruptions were recorded in 1744, 1768 and 1877. The volcano poses great risks to the communities living around it. The last activity recorded at the volcano was in 1942 and 1975, but there were no major events associated with them, save for the sulphuric emissions and melting of the cone. In the event of an eruption, the melting glaciers would pose the greatest risk as witnessed in 1744 and 1768 when the town of Latacunga was decimated.
One of the popular activities at the volcano includes climbing, which is done under the directions of an experienced guide. Mountain biking is another favourite recreational activity at the volcano. In the Ancient civilizations, Gods were thought to reside on the peak of the volcano as described by traditional paintings of the Tigua people. Visitors can visit the volcano at any time of year as the infrastructure is commendable. With a 4WD vehicle, one can ascend to just a few metres from the trail to the peak.