- Height above sea level: 5 790 m;
- The last eruption: 1786;
- The mountain range: the Andes.
At 60 kilometers from Quito , in the province of Pichincha, is the third highest in Ecuador, the volcano Kayambe - 5790 meters. This volcano attracts tourists with its beauty and unusual nature of archeologists. It belongs to a group of complex stratovolcanoes, its area is 18 to 24 kilometers. On the southern slope of the volcano is the highest point of the equator (4690 meters), which is quite symbolic for the country that has the monument "Mid-World" .
Natural features of Cayambe
The modern volcano Kayambe consists of two peaks, located one from another approximately one and a half kilometers from each other. This is an interesting feature that gives it an extraordinary beauty. The volcano is located in the territory of the Kayambe-Koka National Park and is considered its main decoration. Perhaps, only Ecuador can boast of so many parks and reserves, which include volcanoes, and some of them are active.
The last volcanic eruption lasted more than a year - from February 1785 to March 1786. Before that, it erupted thrice, according to geologists it was at the beginning of the 11th, the end of the 13th and the second half of the 15th century. In 2003-2005, seismic activity was noticed, which attracted the attention of scientists and alarmed local residents. At the moment, it does not pose a danger and the ascent continues.
So, bold travelers can even reach the glacier. For this it is necessary to move along the southern slope. If you want to see the beauty of the volcano, then you have the opportunity to order a helicopter ride, thanks to which you can see the craters of Kayambe and the glacier, as well as see its power and magnificence.
Where is?
Getting to the volcano is easiest on the excursion bus from Quito . Since Kayambe is in the National Park, excursions to these places are organized quite often. But if you decide to visit the landmark on your own transport, then you need to go to the E35 road and drive to the city of Cayambe, then follow the signs. The exact coordinates of its 00 ° 01'44 "north latitude and 77 ° 59'10" west longitude.
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