Cotopaxi National Park Reopens
Cotopaxi National Park will is now reopening after 120 days of closure. The official announcement is based upon the thorough monitoring of the situation by the Ecuadorian Institute of Geophysics who determine a steady reduction in the internal and superficial activity in the past few weeks. Consequently, the Risk Assessment Bureau has decided to lift the ban on visiting this national park under special security measures and supervision of qualified local staff.
As part of the increased safety measures, park rangers have received adequate training to deal with emergent situations and they will be in constant radio communication with official authorities in order to receive information on any sudden changes in the volcanic activity as long as the Yellow Alert remains active. This will be in addition to the siren alert system installed in place.
All these measures are intended to provide early warnings to visitors and park rangers in case it is necessary to evacuate the area. The identification of safe places and refuges has been established and displayed in case of emergencies. The Cotopaxi is one of the best monitored volcanoes in the world with the the most modern technology equipment available. However, all these preventive measures might not be sufficient to foretell a sudden increase of activity.
Therefore, it will be important to recommend all clients to bring their own hat or cap, security goggles and masks among other items that will be necessary to take with them and will be checked upon entering the park. All this information, among other things will be explained again at the time of booking. Later on, more specific information will be given to our clients by their local guide.
The approved timetable for visitors will be from 09:00 (am) to 14:00 (pm) and the ascent to the Jose Rivas refuge or the summit remain banned. It is imporant to mention that despite the volcanic activity has decreased and visiting the Cotopaxi national park is now allowed (with certain restrictions), the eruptive process continues.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions