Carihuairazo volcano

The horseshoe-shaped caldera of Carihuairazo reaches 5,018 meters in elevation and contains two main peaks, the central Maxim and the lower Mocha point.

Edward Whymper led the first documented expedition to Carihuairazo in 1880, accompanied by the Carrel brothers and local climbers David Beltran and Francisco Campaña.

The name Carihuairazo originates from Quichua language elements: Cari meaning man, huay referring to wind, and razu representing ice or snow.

The climbing route begins at 4,600 meters elevation, requiring technical skills and proper equipment to reach the summit through either the southwest ridge or western glacier approach.

The volcanic caldera measures 1.5 kilometers in width, opening toward the east, and contains glacial remnants that scientists predict may vanish by 2030.

GPS coordinates: -1.40781,-78.75089

Latest update: March 9, 2025 04:09