Cayambe is a massive stratovolcano in northern Ecuador, rising to 5,790 meters. It is the country's third-highest peak, and it stands on the equator, which makes it the highest point in the world that sits directly on that line.
What the mountain offers
For climbers, Cayambe is a serious objective. Its routes cross glaciated terrain, so the ascent calls for proper preparation, experienced guidance and the right equipment. Many mountaineers use it as a training ground before attempting the higher peaks of the Andes, and for that reason it is often part of a longer climbing plan rather than a single day out.
The surrounding park
Cayambe lies within Cayambe-Coca National Park, and the landscape below the glaciers rewards visitors who are not climbing. The páramo, the high-altitude grassland typical of the northern Andes, opens into wide views and an unusual quiet. The park also offers a range of wildlife viewing opportunities, so a visit can be as much about watching birds and plants as about the summit.
Visitors considering a trip should plan for altitude, changeable weather and the cold that comes with glaciers. Whether you come to climb or to walk and observe, the volcano and its park make a memorable destination within Ecuador's Andean highlands.