Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Cotopaxi - Ecuador's second highest volcano, with a height of 5,897 m (19,347 ft) - is the world's fifth highest active volcano. The snow-capped beauty can be seen from Quito on a clear day and is one of Ecuador's most visited sites. Set against the barren landscape of high altitude, the white glacier cap is striking.

We arrived in the Cotopaxi National Park in the early afternoon, with moody clouds blowing through the hilly landscape void of vegetation. As we arrived at our hotel, the clouds cleared to reveal the gorgeous volcano. It truly was majestic. Our hotel had an unobstructed view, so we enjoyed a late lunch while gaping at the volcano. Talk about a room with a view!

While we had planned on an afternoon hike, lunch took too long and the clouds blew in, making for unpleasant walking conditions. Instead, we decided to drive to Cotopaxi's basecamp - located at 4,810 m (15,760 ft).

The drive is up a bumpy, unpaved road. Our 2007 Mitsubishi 4x4 car - fondly named "Bishi" by its prior owners - chugged along, gasping for air as we climbed the volcano. When we pulled to the side to admire the view, Bishi was exhausted. The high altitude did not play well with our Diesel engine - we had to turn back. Sadly, we never made it to the glacier for a hike..

To give a perspective of how high we were, the altitude of Mont Blanc in France is about the same as where the glacier starts in Cotopaxi. Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps. So, essentially, our car summited Mont Blanc before it didn't want to climb anymore.

The next day was cloud covered. We tried to wait it out, but the clouds never cleared by lunchtime. So, the kids enjoyed a little time on the horses and we headed to our next destination - the volcano lake of Quilotoa.