Ecuador Travel

Cayambe volcano

Destination

Cayambe volcano rests at the western edge of the Eastern Ecuador Andes, in the Reserva Ecologica Cayambe-Coca. It is the third highest mountain in Ecuador, and, at 5,790 meters (18,997ft) above sea level, it is the highest point that crosses the equator, on the planet. It also holds the distinction of being the only snow-capped point on the equator. Located only 65km northeast of Quito, it’s a popular excursion for mountaineers looking to get out of the city. Its glaciated peak offers climbers tough challenges and can be dangerous due to shifting glaciers and avalanches.

The town of Cayambe set at the base of the volcano. It is located 45 minutes outside of Quito and is known for its bizcochos, which are buttery biscuits made in a wood-fire oven, and its world-renowned cheese. With a population of 30,000 people, it is a town rooted in the agriculture, lumber and dairy industries. Because of the rich soil, the town is home to hundreds of flower plantations. The area around Cayambe Volcano is famous for its beautiful roses which are grown in green houses right outside the town and shipped all over the world.

History

During the Holocene era, nearly 4000 years ago, Cayambe volcano frequently erupted. The last known eruption occurred in 1785 and it is now considered by scientists, to be extinct. In 1802 when German explorer Alexander von Humboldt came to Ecuador, he was taken by the sight of Cayambe. He marveled at its immense beauty calling it one of the most beautiful volcanoes he had ever seen. Seventy-eight years later in 1880, British climber Edward Whymper, famous for climbing the Matterhorn, was the first person to successfully summit Cayambe along with his two Italian guides Juan Antonio and Luis Carrel.

On November 17, 1970, the Ecuadorian government declared the Cayambe volcano a protected area, with the hope of keeping the unique and biologically diverse land intact for scientific discoveries as well as to preserve species that were in danger of extinction. Today scientists are encouraged to educate the community and the tourists about the monumental importance of the volcano, as well as the 3,700 square kilometers of land that surround it.
For the most part, the people living of the town of Cayambe are descendents of the pre-Inca tribe of Kayambi. These people resisted the expansion of the Inca, which resulted in a 20-year war between the two tribes. However, the Kayambi people were finally conquered. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, the tribes people adopted the language of Quichua, and some people still speak it today, though Spanish as become much more prevalent.

During the 16th century, a version of the bizcocho was brought to the people of Cayambe by the Spaniards, which the Kayambi people quickly made their own. In 1928 when the trains arrived in the town, travelers passing through on their way to and from Quito acquired a taste for the biscuits and they became popular throughout the country, putting Cayambe on the map.

Attractions

Cayambe volcano’s technical challenges, impressive views, and convenient location, make it a popular destination for mountaineers who are looking for an exhilarating summit experience. Climbers who want to make the ascent, which takes anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, have the option of staying at a climber’s cabin located at 4,700 meters above sea level. This shelter offers tired climbers a bed, a kitchen, running water, electricity, toilets, and an emergency radio for $17 a night. The climb to the summit is considered to be one of the most technical in the country, more so than either Cotopaxi or Chimborazo. Reaching the summit takes a considerable amount of mountaineering skill. Climbers must know how to navigate challenges such as deep crevasses, seracs, and sheer ice walls, in order to safely make it to the summit. Attempting this climb is not recommended for novice climbers. Those who do make a bid for the summit should be warned that the strong winds that come from the southeast often cause avalanches so it is important to check the weather conditions before you head out. There is no fee to climb Cayambe volcano but there is a park entrance fee of $2.

Because of the delicious backed goods and the rows and rows of green houses filled with flowers, the town of Cayambe is a popular destination for travelers. Whether you’re interested in roses or bizcochos, tours of green houses and bakeries are plentiful and easy to book, either when you arrive in town or from one of the travel agencies in Quito. It is also possible to take a tour of one of the many family farms or creameries. Just south of town, the Quitsato Project has constructed a solar clock that is located exactly on the equator. Visitors can take trips to the clock and learn about the archaeology and history of the area from local guides.

Seasons

While the summiting of Cayambe volcano can be done any time of year, October-January is said to be the best time weather wise. Snowstorms are common on the peak year-round so it’s always important to plan for severe conditions before you go.

Getting There

From Quito, it is relatively simple to catch a bus to Cayambe. For about $2 dollars one way you can take a bus from the Quitumbe bus terminal, or $1 from the northern Quito bus terminal. Buses leave frequently and take one to two hours to get to Cayambe. Travelers also have the option of taking a Flor de Valle bus that picks passengers up right in the heart of Quito, two blocks west of parque El Ejido between Manuel Larrea and Asuncion.

It is possible to hire a truck in the central square of the town of Cayambe to take you to the Cayambe Coca reserve for about $15-20.

It is strongly recommended to take a guided tour to Cayambe Volcano, because the structure of the glacier and location can make it a very technical and risky climb. The average climbing tour cost per passenger is 200 Usd and includes transport and guide.