Hike a Volcano in Ecuador
Pululahua's cone collapsed into its own cauldron. The last eruption burst about 2400 years ago. Tungurahua, which means "throat of fire," explodes as the most dynamic at this time of the 61 lava hills - active and inactive - throughout this diverse country. Fifteen more sizzle or have fizzled out on the Galapagos. Trails that descend into the Pululahua crater take a half hour to trek down and another half hour to return. The name, Pululahua, means sorcery that causes a great degree of pain. The Tsachilas named it, indicating that its eruption must have triggered enormous damage. The soil in Pululahua - rich from the ash - provides corn as the main staple, but wheat, potatoes and other vegetables also fill the crater. Sugar cane, coffee, lemons and oranges grow to the north. Fruits brought from Spain, such as pears, apples, grape and blackberry cultivate well here. Pululahua holds third place as one of the mega cinder boxes in the world, Yellowstone comes in first, with Gorongoro in Africa claiming second place. Warm and protected by the walls of the crater, the weather usually remains dry. During the rainy season, fog blankets the whole area.
Probably the most popular among hiking volcanoes, Cotopaxi heads the list on the whole avenue. Its only a delightful, historic train ride away to be included in your adventure through Ecuador. Between Banos and Guaranda sits Chimborazo and its refuge. Hiking around the refuge relaxes your mind while exercising your body.
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