On our way further south, we visit a striking landmark of Ecuador: the Cotopaxi volcano. It is one of the highest active volcanoes at 5897m. Of course, we don’t get quite that high, as we would have to plan a tour lasting several days with a guide and alpine equipment to reach the summit. The associated national park is open to private cars, giving us the unique opportunity to spend the night at the foot of the volcano in the middle of the national park.

Cotopaxi is almost perfectly conical and, with its perpetually snow-covered peak, is an ideal image of a volcano – a volcano that almost any child would draw. Cotopaxi is also the most climbed mountain in Ecuador. Although you have to cross a few glaciers to climb it (which is why climbing it without a guide is not permitted or recommended), Cotopaxi is considered technically easy to climb. Apart from the altitude, of course.

The view during our entire stay in the national park is breathtaking and constantly dominated by the Cotopaxi volcano. We take a short hike around the Limpiopungo lagoon and walk up to the José Ribas mountain hut at 4800 meters above sea level. Here we try tea made from coca leaves for the first time. The coca tea is said to have a slightly blood-thinning effect and thus help to cope with the high altitude. And indeed, the descent afterwards is actually a little easier than the ascent, but maybe that’s just normal after the short break and refreshment in the refuge.

The volcanoes in Ecuador are impressive and like something out of a picture book: a towering peak with a white blanket of ice and snow, which merges in a sharp cut into a gray, barren lava stone landscape. Such a sight is extraordinary and unique for us Europeans. It’s easy to forget that Cotopaxi is actually a very active volcano and is constantly classified as a medium danger level. Fortunately, we got down from the Cotopaxi volcano safely and without any accidents.