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- May 6, 2023
- ☁️ 11 °C
- Altitude: 3,864 m
- EcuadorProvincia de PichinchaMachachiOvejeríaLaguna de Limpiopungu0°37’6” S 78°27’54” W
Cotopaxi
May 6, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
Today we set off for an early morning adventure at Cotopaxi National Park. We had the same guide as yesterday as well as a local Indigenous guide, both of whom were very fun! On the way in our Indigenous guide sang a song in honor of Cotopaxi and then discussed with us the uses of many medicinal plants that grow in the park. We stopped on the way to get some Coca tea (made from the same leaves that make cocaine... Don't worry it's safe to drink, tastes great, and is a local remedy for altitude sickness). We stopped many times along the way to admire the amazing view and we even had a dance celebration in tribute to the volcano (I got to wear an epic orange hat... See pictures). The ride was one of the bumpiest journeys ever. Our guide said it was like getting a massage but honestly felt more like a wooden roller coaster at Wonderland.
We were blessed with incredible sunny weather in the morning and thus, got the most beautiful view of the Cotopaxi volcano in its entirety. We also were able to see 3 other surrounding volcanos. Once we got to the "parking lot" we began our accent. This was an hour long uphill hike that was breathtaking - in that it was beautiful and literally took my breath away because we were hiking over 4500m in elevation. We took it slow and took lots of breaks to catch our breath and admire the view. Our guides were very helpful and were always checking in on us. As we neared the Jose Rivas Refuge, the wind picked up and a few times Angus and I had to hold each other to stop ourselves from being blown over! At the top (4864m) we stopped for a short rest with some hot chocolate before heading back down. The way down was much faster and we saw a fox which was pretty neat.
We then continue to the Laguna Limpiopungo. We got to see some of the local birds and wild life as well as a lot of wild horses! We then headed out of the park and had some food before returning home in the afternoon. It was a long and tiring but absolutely epic day!
Also challenge: try to find my name on the Canadian flag (you sign it once you reach the base camp!)Read more
Fantastic views of the volcano - glad to see that luck was on your side as they often can be shrouded in cloud. The only one's I saw in Ecuador were from the plane! [Pat]
Traveler I know we got so lucky! It was cloudy in the morning and as soon as we arrived it cleared up and then as soon as we left it started raining!
Traveler You should frame this one
Traveler I know! I love this picture!