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| Other sites of interest |
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 Northern Iliniza (5 126 m)
Southern Iliniza (5 704 m)
These two snow-covered rock peaks 1 km apart lie in front of Cotopaxi and long ago were a single volcano. The possibilities they offer visitors are very interesting, depending upon their location and characteristics. The Northern Iliniza has no technical difficulties and can be climbed with trekking supplies only; we recommend its climb as acclimation before tackling a higher mountain. The Southern Iliniza, on the other hand, is covered by glaciers with ice cascades and offers several possibilities for climbers who want to show their skill and mastery of the sport. The ascent is interesting and not too lengthy, providing that the mountaineer is experienced in climbing on ice and in mixed terrain. |
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The Ecuadorian Andes are divided into two main ranges: the Western and the Eastern Cordilleras, where the country’s most important volcanoes are located. Formed as a result of tectonic movements, these volcanoes were for many years (at the beginning of our history) the terror of the Indians and the admiration of the Conquistadors, the instrument of study of the naturalists and the scourge of those living nearby. Most of those volcanoes are dormant today and climbing to their summit is an unforgettable experience.
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Access |
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There are very good well marked highways to Ecuador’s Andean Peaks.
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Tourist Attractions |
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 Chimborazo, (6.310m)
The highest of Ecuador’s Andean mountains ( 6 310 m), the Chimborazo is also, as a result of its location near the equator, the highest point from the center of the earth. Climbing to its peak is a feat, even for the most experienced and intrepid mountaineer. Not only good acclimation, but also excellent physical health is needed to be able to climb from the Whymper refuge’s 1 300 m to the peak. The climb takes a good 9 to 12 hours. Those who reach the summit join the chosen few who have left their prints on this extraordinary mountain.
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 Cotopaxi, (5.987m)
Majestically rising amid the Eastern Andean Cordillera within the confines of the National Park by the same name, the Cotopaxi belongs to the group of active volcanoes in Ecuador. Its almost perfect cone shape is its symbol and has earned it world fame. It has become a requirement for any mountain climber aspiring to conquer greater heights. Technically, it is not a difficult mountain to climb, but because of its height, it is very important to be well acclimated and prepared both physically and emotionally. There is a spectacular view from its summit of the landscape with all of Ecuador’s snow-covered mountains. Its crater 800 m in diameter, from which gases still spew, brings to mind the days when the volcano unleashed its full fury against nature.
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 Cayambe, (5.790)
Part of the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Sanctuary, this is the only volcano in the world whose glacier-covered summit the equator bisects. Cayambe is also the third highest mountain in Ecuador. Edward Whymper and the Carrel brothers were the first to climb it in 1800. The site of Ecuador’s largest and most handsome glaciers, it offers possibilities for skiing to the intrepid few who dare to do so at over 5 500 m. Unlike the other volcanoes, it is not visited very frequently because of its difficult access, but those who conquer it are always pleasantly surprised by its beauty.
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 Tungurahua, (5.016 m.)
One of the country’s active volcanoes, the Tungurahua is located in the southern part of the Eastern Cordillera, with the Amazon plain stretching eastward. Its base is situated at 1 800 m and it is necessary to pass through different altitudinal levels with their varying microclimates to reach the summit. Subtropical cloud forests dominate up to 3 800 m, followed by smaller, but extremely dense vegetation up to 4 000 m. The sharp contrast between the glacier at the summit and the sandy area with its rocks at the base, together with the dense rain forest, reminds visitors that they are in a tropical country in the presence of the great natural phenomenon, the Andean Cordillera. Watching the continuing eruptions of Ecuador’s most active volcano is, without a doubt, a unique and unforgettable experience.
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