The active Ecuadorian volcano south of Quito that rises to 5,897 meters is Cotopaxi. It is an almost perfectly symmetrical stratovolcano in the Andes and one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
Cotopaxi is located in Cotopaxi National Park, about 50 kilometers south of Quito and northeast of Latacunga. Its cone rises from a high plain at roughly 3,800 meters, and the mountain’s broad base spans approximately 23 kilometers. A glacier begins near 5,000 meters, making Cotopaxi one of the notable glaciated volcanoes near the equator.
The volcano has erupted repeatedly, with historical activity producing lahars—fast-moving mixtures of volcanic debris, rock, and water. These mudflows have carved valleys around the mountain and pose a major hazard to nearby communities. The first recorded successful ascent took place in 1872, led by Wilhelm Reiss and Ángel Escobar.
Cotopaxi is often confused with Chimborazo, which is Ecuador’s highest mountain but an inactive volcano. Cotopaxi is lower than Chimborazo, yet its active status and sharply symmetrical snow-capped cone make it especially famous.