The park was created in 1975 in an area of 334 km2. It is the first national park created on the continental territory of Ecuador. Its ecosystem is home to several species of trees, especially South American pines.
The tributaries of several rivers flow from the slopes of Cotopaxi and the second volcano located within the park - Rumiñahui, including Cutuchi, Pita, and Tambo.
Many mammals live in the park, including bears, llamas, wolves, foxes, pumas, snow goats, as well as birds: condor and eagle.
