Description

The Guagua Pichincha Volcano had its last eruptive phase between 1999 and 2000; since then the volcanic activity has remained low, with some periods of greater or lesser intensity. The descent to the crater is restricted because of the risks that still exist, especially by volcanic gases and groundwater explosions that are unpredictable, in addition the ever present risk of falling rocks, so THIS TREKKING IS NOT ADVISED TO THE TOURISTS. However, when the volcanic activity is low a few researchers and intrepid explorers continue to descend to the crater bottom.

Elevation Table
PlaceElevation
Refuge4568m
Caldera Border4668m
Crater Floor4080m

Photos

Volcanic domes inside the crater

Volcanic domes inside the crater

Crater floor

Crater floor

Fumaroles

Fumaroles

How to get

Western Cordillera; 12 kilometers in a straight line west of Quito.

  1. Normal Approach “Lloa”: The road to LLoa is located at the south of Quito, La Mena 2 neighborhood, Angamarca street. From this place it's possible to take a bus to the town of Lloa. And from there it's possible to rent pickup trucks - taxis that sometimes arrive to the Guagua Pichincha refuge. The road is paved and in good condition until Lloa, from there cobblestoned and ballasted to the refuge. it's advisable to go in 4×4 vehicles, especially the last section.

Central North SierraQuito