Ecuador's Active Volcanoes: A Guide to the Major Peaks

Ecuador sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, hosting numerous active volcanoes. Key examples include:

• Cotopaxi – 5,897 m, one of the world's highest active volcanoes, last major eruption 1877; closely monitored due to proximity to Quito.
• Tungurahua – 5,023 m, frequent eruptions, most recently 2008; persistent low-level activity.
• Reventador – 3,562 m, in the Amazon region, highly active with a significant 2020 eruption.
• Sangay – 5,230 m, almost continuously erupting since 1934, one of the most active globally.

These volcanoes are constantly monitored by the Geophysical Institute to mitigate risks to nearby communities and aviation.