Chintanaigal: A visit to Cotopaxi

This weekend we went to Cotopaxi, the volcano near Quito, Ecuador. The peak of Cotopaxi is situated at a height of 5800 meters. The volcano is surrounded by the Cotopaxi National Park. The entry to the park is 10USD if one goes without a local Ecudorian ID and if one as a local ID the cost is only 2 USD. So go with your ID if you have one.
One can go in a vehicle upto a height of 4500 meters and from there to the peak, 5800 meters, one has to trek. There is snow throughout the year on the top of the mountain and one needs to have some skill in mountaineering before one can attempt to scale the peak.

The road inside the National Park is not great so be prepared for a hugely bumpy ride to the top. Also have a vehicle in good condition as some climbs are steep and pick one which has a high axle as the road is not smooth. Do not be surprised to see buses going along the way. They are a common site here.

We reached the parking lot of Cotapaxi at around 11:30 AM. Usually one has to climb quite a distance to reach the snow line, but we had snow at the parking lot. There is nothing in the parking lot except for the flat surface where vehicles can park. Nothing to each, nothing to relieve yourself.

It was quite cold and a wind was blowing every now and then which made things worse. Most of us were ill-prepared for this weather and were caught off guards. Some in the group also started feeling the effects of the height and as a result we had to abandon the attempt to scale higher heights.

So come prepared for the climb and do not be caught unawares.

After spending some time in the parking lot and after playing with the snow, many were seeing snow for the first time and so where thrilled at seeing so much snow, we started our downwards journey.

In the national park there is a nice lake (laguna) where one can see a variety of birds. The lake is at a height of 3800 meters. Here we spent some time watching the birds. We also sighted a rabbit here. It offers a very good vista of the national park.

Near the lake there is an area where one gets some refreshment and restrooms to refresh oneself.