Volcanic peaks pierce Andean clouds while indigenous markets pulse with textiles, tradition and mountain spirit.
You know that friend who's always suggesting "somewhere different" for your group trip? This is their moment. Cotopaxi National Park sits two hours south of Quito, where a near-perfect volcanic cone dominates the skyline at 5,897 meters. The things to do in Cotopaxi stretch from glacier hikes to horseback riding across páramo grasslands that look like another planet. But here's what makes it work for groups: the park anchors a region packed with haciendas-turned-lodges built for hosting crews of 6-10, indigenous markets happening multiple days a week, and adventure operators who actually get that not everyone in your friend group summits volcanos at dawn. Some of you will push for the refuge climb while others nurse coffee at a mountain lodge. Both options exist, often at the same property. The altitude hits different at 3,800 meters base elevation. Plan two days minimum to acclimatize before any serious hiking, or someone's spending the trip with a splitting headache. Fly into Quito's…