Clouds Over Cotopaxi – In Black and White

Two days ago, I shared a few color photos taken during a hike in Cotopaxi National Park—scenes filled with atmosphere and promise. However, the volcano never fully revealed itself. Yesterday, I posted a clearer shot of Cotopaxi, taken later from our hotel, when the clouds finally lifted and displayed the volcano in all its glory.

Today's photos bring us back to that moody day in the park.
These images were captured during the same hike through the windswept Andean páramo, where Cotopaxi played hard to get. The clouds never fully cleared, and the volcano mainly stayed hidden behind a veil of mist. The sky was heavy, the light diffused—and that gave the landscape a raw, dramatic feel.
To match the mood, I converted this series to black and white. Without color, the shapes, textures, and contrasts stand out more clearly. It's less about Cotopaxi as a subject and more about the experience of being there, surrounded by silence, wind, and the weight of altitude.

Cotopaxi National Park is home to one of the world's highest active volcanoes, rising 5,897 meters above sea level. The short trail around Limpiopungo Lagoon, at 3,800 meters, offered glimpses of wild horses, glacial streams, and hardy plants adapted to life on the edge. Even a short hike here feels like a challenge, with thin air making each step heavier than expected.