Reventador volcano:

Introduction I Getting there I Guides I The Trek

Warning: Reventador volcano erupted the 3rd of November 2002, after 26 years of dormancy, shooting a mushroom cloud nearly 10 miles (16 km) into the sky east of Quito. This trek is still not recommended but, if you decide to adventure, do check carefully before ascending with your appointed guide.

Introduction

The Volcán Reventador (3,561 m), 96 km east of Quito. Although not technically challenging is certainly an easy place to get lost and even though the summit is 8 km from the main road it is physically demanding and a 4-5 day trek on foot and many have reported maze like conditions so a guide is essential along with a good pair of rubber boots and climbing boots for the final ascent due to the slippery, steep and loose terrain along with plenty of water, food and camping gear.

The volcano lies on the eastern bound perimeter of the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve sticking out from the Oriente, Amazon rain forests. The best months to ascend are during September to December when it is at its driest but fog abounds all year long.

Getting there

Look out for a bridge which arcs over Rio Reventador then head north, further up you'll encounter 2 isolated houses, then head with your compass northwest where the trail begins. A second landmark are the San Rafael waterfalls (Take a bus from Quito to Lago Agrio) just past the bridge near a concrete block hut.

Guides

From the Village of Reventador you can easily pick up a decent guide from Hotel Amazonas, ask for Edgar Ortiz who will arm himself with a machete for the aggressive undergrowth encountered on route, Luis Viteri from Baeza, or Guillermo Vásquez, who lives 3 km before the San Rafael falls.

The trek

The trek and ascent to this volcano is one of the most challenging in the whole country and should only be attempted as discussed previously by a professional guide who knows the ins and outs of the complete trek accompanied by machetes due to the maze of routes that confuse the most professional of trekkers and climbers.

Reventador volcano:

Introduction I Getting there I Guides I The Trek

Surrounding areas:

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve I Frontier with Colombia I San Rafael Falls I Lago Agrio I Baeza

The Amazon:

Sucumbíos I Orellana I Napo I Pastaza I Morona Santiago I Zamora Chinchipe

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