Imbabura Volcano

Imbabura Volcano is a stratovolcano in Ecuador with a symmetric cone shape and two distinct summits separated by roughly 100 meters in elevation. The 4,610-meter (15,125-foot) peak dominates the landscape and shapes the visual character of the entire region.

The mountain formed through geological processes between the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate. Its last recorded eruption happened around 7,500 years ago, and it has remained inactive since then.

Indigenous communities call the mountain Taita Imbabura and view it as a sacred guardian protecting the fertile farmland below. This spiritual relationship shapes how local people see and relate to the landscape every day.

Hiking trails to the summit start from La Esperanza village and involve about 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) of elevation gain over varying terrain. Take time to acclimatize to the altitude as you climb, since the ascent is physically demanding.

The western slope features a natural formation that local artists frequently incorporate into their traditional work. This geographic detail has become a recognized motif in regional art and reflects how the mountain's physical features inspire creative expression.