Geography
The
hollow occupied
by the province
of Cotopaxi
is the fourth
from the north,
the province
also occupies
Patate. Tiopullo
is on the
provinces
northern border,
Cotopaxi houses
some extensive
paramos
and
valleys. Los
Ilinizas,
el Cotopaxi
and el Quilindana
are the regions
most outstanding
peaks.
Volcano
El Cotopaxi
Volcano
Cotopaxi (
5.943 metres
) is the most
active volcano
in the world.
River Cutuchi
originates
on its slopes,
which is formed
by rivers
el Manzanahuayco
and Ruminahui.
Close to the
volcano are
paramos
Pansache,
Chalupas,
Langoa, Banos,
Salayambo
and Mulatos.
La
Cordillera
(the
mountain chain)
Along
the western
slopes extinct
lake volcano
Quilatoa can
be found.
In its crater
you can observe
the lake of
the same name,
whose waters
are extremely
rich in minerals.
At the foot
of Quilindana
the lake of
Yuracocha
is situated.
Near to Slacedo,
towards the
south, Lake
Yambo is located
which can
be seen from
the Panamerican
highway.
Rivers
The provinces
main river
is River Cutuchi.
Other rivers
complete the
hydrographic
system, including
el Yanayacu,
Nagsiche,
Chalupas,
Illuchi, Patoa,
Pumacunchi
and Quindigua.
Demography
As
is common
in the majority
of provinces
in Ecuador
, there is
a great difference
between the
urban and
rural populations
with regards
to housing,
education,
health and
employment.
Since 1962
the number
of inhabitants
abandoning
the province
in search
for a better
life elsewhere
has been increasing.
Climate
The
climate here
varies: humid,
rainy and
sub humid
tropical weather
systems are
found here.
The climate
is so varied
as it extends
from the icy
Andean peaks
all the way
to the humid
heat of the
subtropical
western sectors.
The
capital of
the province,
Latacunga,
is situated
at an altitude
of 2800 metres
. The climate
here is mainly
warm and pleasant,
but sometimes
windy and
cold.
Last Updated
8th August
2006 (DLW)
