Due to Tungurahua is active and erupting,
at the moment is not possible to climb it
My glimpses of Quilindaña and
Tungurahua were too slight to permit me to speak with
certainty, but I believe that there are also glaciers
upon those mountains.
Edward Whimper, 1892.
Etymology:
From the Quechua RAHUA: Crater or Hole.
Tungurahua is an active snow-capped
volcano situated about 10 km south of Baños. It has been
described as both 'easy to access and to climb' and also
as 'one of the hardest climbs in Ecuador'; Both
descriptions are correct.
Suggested itinerary:
| Day
1. |
Departure
from Quito early in the morning. After passing
Ambato, we will turn to the east in order to
reach Baños (The gate of the Jungle), which is
one of the most beautiful villages in Ecuador.
From here a dirt road will take us to the
community of Pondoa where our backpacks will be
packed onto horses. From Pondoa we will pass at
several points through tunnels of bamboo and will
see orchids and other tropical vegetation. Later
on we will reach Nicolás Martínez
Refuge (3400 m - 11,155 ft). Dinner
will be served, and a brief explanation about
what we will do the next day will be given by our
guides. |
| Day
2. |
After
an early breakfast we will leave the refuge.
Following the normal way, which is a very steep
slope, it will take us about 3 hours to reach the
crater. One hour later crossing a gentle snow
glacier we will reach the summit. It will take us
about three hours to return to the refuge. Late
in the evening we will be in Quito. |
|
Climbing in Ecuador: Tungurahua 