Sangay volcano

Sangay is an active stratovolcano in Morona Santiago Province in eastern Ecuador, rising to 5230 meters (17160 feet) above sea level. Its slopes are covered with dense cloud forest in the lower sections, transitioning to bare volcanic rock and glacier fields at higher elevations.

Spanish chroniclers first documented an eruption in 1628, though local communities had known its activity for centuries before. Major eruptions in 1934 sent ash columns kilometers into the atmosphere and permanently altered the topography of surrounding valleys.

The name Sangay comes from the Puruhá language and roughly means

Access to the volcano is through the town of Alao on the western side or through Macas to the east, with an experienced mountain guide mandatory. Due to ongoing volcanic activity, visitors must check current safety bulletins from monitoring stations before planning any ascent.

The volcano has been continuously active for several years, producing minor eruptions almost daily that researchers worldwide monitor. Its location within dense rainforest makes direct observation difficult, so many eruptions are detected only through seismic instruments or satellite imagery.

Location: Morona-Santiago Province

Elevation above the sea: 5,230 m

Part of: Sangay National Park

GPS coordinates: -2.00494,-78.34168

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28