Volcan Tungurahua

Volcano Tour by Julia Hanley

Tungurahua

Volcan Tungurahua (5,023 m / 16,479 ft), situated in the Sangay Nacional Park, is one of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes. Tungurahua, which means “throat of fire” in Quechua, is only 5 km (just over 3 miles) from the small tourist town of Baños, over which it looms ominously.

After being quiet for over 90 years, Tungurahua burst dramatically back to life in 1999 with an eruption that resulted in the evacuation of over 25,000 people. Since that time the volcano has been continually active and regularly expels clouds of ash into the air, which can be seen for miles around. Although the last major eruption was on August 16, 2006, Tungurahua poses no immediate threat to the surrounding towns and villages. In fact, volcano-watching has become a popular tourist attraction in Baños.

You can catch buses and chivas at night (many leave around 9 p.m.) for the ride from town to see the volcano, although only plan a trip if the weather is clear.

Location:
Baños, Ecuador

Other Activity Types:
Volcano

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: None

By Tom Ravenscroft

Initially intending to just pass through Ecuador on his year-long sojourn across the world, Tom Raven Scroft decided to set up camp in Quito as an...

Created: 06 Mar 2009

Updated: 09 Mar 2009

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