- Height above sea level: 5,897 m;
- The last eruption: August 2015;
- The mountain range: the Andes.
The volcano of Cotopaxi is a landmark of Ecuador , which is the second highest peak in the country, and also the highest active volcano. In addition, the Cotopaxi is among the highest active volcanoes in the world, so many people want to see this natural landmark full of power and beauty. But the most interesting, perhaps - this is where the volcano Cotopaxi is located. After all, it is located just 60 km from the capital of Ecuador - Quito . And this is a real oddity, because 140 years ago the eruption of the volcano was so strong that the eruption products found in the Amazon for several hundred kilometers from the volcano. And the last time the volcano showed itself very recently, in August 2015.
Volcano Cotopaxi - the visiting card of Ecuador
The volcano Cotopaxi is rightly considered a visiting card of the country. It has an almost perfect cone shape and looks incredibly beautiful. Many compare it to Mount Fuji, which is a symbol of Japan. Top Cotopaxi, starting at 4,700 meters, is covered with eternal snows that do not melt in the sun. At the same time the foot of the volcano is rich in lush vegetation, so the volcano is the center of the same park and home to almost hundreds of bird species, as well as many animals - from rabbits to deer.
The Cotopaxi has two craters, one of them is an old one, the other is a young inner one. It's amazing that they both have an almost perfect shape. Tourists, he seems almost fabulous, painted by a talented artist. Cotopaxi often adorns billboards in Ecuador.
Cotopaxi volcano active or extinct?
The volcano of the Cotopaxi is included in the list of active volcanoes in the world and today it is followed closely by 24-hour observation not only by geologists, but also by local residents, who are expecting a change of mood from the volcano every day. The very first eruption of the Cotopaxus occurred in 1532, after which it died down almost 200 years, and in 1742 disturbed Ecuadorians again. This happened again in 1768, 1864 and in 1877. After sleeping almost 140 years, in 2015 he reminded himself.
But the most terrible and powerful was the eruption in 1768. Then he caused considerable damage to the surroundings. On the way, he destroyed the city of Latakunga . April 4 will forever remain in the memory of Ecuadorians and especially the inhabitants of Quito . Then the volcano behaved horrendously, it spewed hundreds of tons of lava and was accompanied by a cannonade. The inhabitants of the capital were in utter darkness, they did not even see their palms, but the light that radiated the raging volcano was visible for tens of kilometers.
Where is the volcano Cotopaxi?
The natural landmark is 60 kilometers from Quito. In order to get to it, you need to go on Route 35, after the city of Aloag, follow the signs. The exact coordinates of the volcano Cotopaxi 0 ° 41 'south latitude 78 ° 25' 60 "west longitude. Also, excursion buses run to Cotopaxi, because such an amazing natural phenomenon can not help but be accompanied by interesting legends and amazing facts, so a guide on such a trip is simply necessary.
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