Hike a Volcano in Ecuador
Pululahua's cone collapsed into its own cauldron. The last eruption was about 2400 years ago. Tungurahua, which means "throat of fire," is the most dynamic at this time of the 61 lava hills, active and inactive, in Ecuador and 15 more, sizzle or 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 caused enormous damage. The soil in Pululahua is rich from the ash. Corn is the main staple, but wheat, potatoes and other vegetables fill the land. Sugar cane, coffee, lemons and oranges are grown to the north. Fruits brought from Spain, such as, pears, apples, grape and blackberry are also cultivated here. It boasts being the third mega cinder box in the world, Yellowstone being the first, and Gorongoro in Africa being the second. Warm and protected by the walls of the crater, the weather is usually dry. During the rainy season, fog blankets the whole area.
Between Banos and Guaranda, there's Chimborazo and its refuge. The hike around the refuge has a calming effect..
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