Cotopaxi National Park

Located just a 90-minute drive south of Quito, Cotopaxi National Park makes a pleasant day trip from Ecuador’s capital, but an overnight or two is very worthwhile. Cotopaxi Volcano, a perfectly symmetrical 19,348-foot snow cone, stands in solitary splendor, surrounded by the tawny and wind-swept páramo (highlands). Simply admire the celebrated view, or walk for an hour or so along the margin of a small lake. Intrepid travelers can engage the services of a guide and trek around Cotopaxi in five to six days. The fit can also climb to the summit, which is at almost exactly the same height as Mount Kilimanjaro. No climbing expertise is required, just a period of prior acclimatization and a strong determination to succeed.