Tungurahua Volcano

Tungurahua (the name means "Throat of Fire" in Quechua) is an active stratovolcano rising to 5,023 metres directly above Baños. It has been in eruptive activity since 1999 and remains one of Ecuador's most closely monitored volcanoes. On clear mornings, the snow-capped cone is visible from town, and at night any active phase produces a glow above the summit that is visible from the streets.

The volcano is not climbed during active phases and access restrictions change depending on current activity levels — check with local guides before attempting any approach. The easiest way to see the volcano from close range is to take the road toward Penipe on the south side of the valley, which gives excellent views of the upper flanks. The monitoring station at Casa del Árbol (see the Casa del Árbol entry) provides a close viewing point from the north.

things to do nature sight
A story
In 2006 Tungurahua erupted explosively, sending pyroclastic flows down its flanks and columns of ash 20 kilometres into the atmosphere. Baños, on the north flank, was not in the direct path of the flows, but ash fell for days and the eruption was visible from hundreds of kilometres away. The volcano has been in near-continuous activity since 1999, which means any visit to Baños takes place in the shadow of an active and demonstrably serious geological event.