The Tungurahua volcano

Volcanic activity in Ecuador is very common, we live surrounded of volcanoes and seeing their presence is quotidian. Sometimes we alarm when one of these giants goes in an eruptive process.

The Tungurahua has been, during these last years, the most active volcano. It ash destroyed many hectares of plantations and events related with this process has displace many people from their homes and have moved away tourism.

Being a witness of an eruption, undoubtedly, is very dangerous. However there are places from you can see mother nature´s stateliness with out risks. One of these spots is located very near Patate. From here there is a panoramic view of the volcano and its “roaring” is perfectly heard. In a cloudless day you can see the enormous steam and ash columns coming from the crater and at night the lava and explosions show that our planet is still alive and growing.

To get this place from Quito take the Panamericana Sur and in 40 minutes you´ll arrive in Latacunga (2800 m S 00°56.101´ WO 78°37.184´), the highway is in perfect conditions. The next town is Salcedo (2686m S 01°01.848´ WO 78°35.433´) which is famous because of the colorful “flavored-ice-cream”.

Before Ambato, and after Yambo lagoon, take the detour, which is perfectly marked, to the left to go to Pillaro (2805m S 01°09.606´ WO 78°32.596´). This is not pavement-road but it´s in good condition, the landscape is charming and the town is small and beautiful, from here the way is again pavement.

Once in Patate (2213m S 01°18.745´ WO 78°30.732´) go forward passing the rounded way at the entrance of the town, this is a pavement-road, but in few kilometers it becomes a farm track and there are lots of holes in the way and even you´ll cross a brook. In 30 minutes you see the Tungurahua in front of you. If you plan to camp don´t forget to ask for permission to farmers, but there are lots of places where you can take some good pictures of the volcano and the landscape. The ash doesn´t arrive to this place because the wind blows to the southwest. At the foothill there are many big stones that were expulsed from the volcano in ancient eruptions so it´s better to go up to the 3000m. The place where I took the pictures that illustrate this article is located at S 01°19.875´ WO 78°27.496´, 3147 meters over the sea level.

More pictures in this gallery.