Cotopaxi
March 16, 2019
Cotopaxi Volcano is Ecuador's tallest active volcano and is home to the second most visited national park in Ecuador. (Which of course begs the answer that the first most visited park is the Galpagos Islands.) When skies are clear, we can see the volcano from Quito on our way to work. And it's imposing.
 |
| Cotopaxi from a somewhat safe distance |
Today, we visited Cotopaxi. (Which of course begs the question of "why would you intentionally visit an active volcano," and I suppose the age old answer from aged old people is, "because it's there.")
On our way to the volcano, we stopped for breakfast and took the opportunity to do a close up photo shoot of cows and llamas. They seemed to love the attention, at least until they realized I wasn't bringing them food. Next time, bovine.
After our breakfast and the "animals on parade" photo shoot, we rode the unpaved road to the volcano. We walked switchbacks up the mountain for an hour, stopping every ten (probably five) minutes or so to take pictures (read: catch our breath.) When we first started, I thought there was no way I could do the climb to the refugio, which is code for restrooms and snacks, at 16,000 feet, but every time I looked up at the blinding snow, I was pulled a little closer. The thought of restrooms and snacks was also quite the motivator.
 |
| Bill close to the refugio, wearing complimentary colors to the landscape. |
 |
| Blue skies at Cotopaxi are not the norm in March (the rainy season.) We were blessed! |
The refugio was a little like a ski shop, serving hot cocoa, and a little not like a ski shop, serving corn. People from all over the world climb this mountain (active volcano), bring their nation's flags and hang them on the walls. Ecuadorians come as well and enjoy the day trip with their families.
On our way back down, the views did not stop. And, thankfully, we also didn't stop as much as we did walking up! I stayed with our guide, Maria, and practiced my Spanish with her. She taught me all the off color words I shouldn't say, which is actually very helpful!
 |
| View on the way down |
 |
| Wild horses at the park |
