Cayambe (volcano)
Volcano Active stratovolcano near Quito, crosses equator
An ice‑capped stratovolcano on Ecuador’s equator, Cayambe reaches about 5,790 m; climbers attempt glacier routes and visitors pass through surrounding páramo and agricultural towns north of Quito.
Cayambe is a glaciated stratovolcano in the northern Andes of Ecuador and rises to about 5,790 metres above sea level. It is notable as the highest point on the Earth’s surface crossed by the Equator, with permanent snow and ice near the summit.
The mountain is part of Ecuador’s volcanic chain and is a common mountaineering objective that requires glacier travel and rope teams for the summit. Climbs are technical in places and weather and crevasse risk are important considerations for parties.
Cayambe sits northeast of the city of Quito in the Cordillera Orientale of the Ecuadorian Andes. Its slopes fall within the provinces that border the highland region north of the capital and the mountain is visible from surrounding highland roads and towns.
- Equatorial Summit: The summit sits close to the equator and is the highest point on Earth crossed by the equatorial line, with permanent glacier cover at high elevations.
- Elevation: The peak reaches approximately 5,790 metres in elevation and is a popular objective for climbers experienced in glacier travel and high-altitude trekking.
How to Get to Cayambe (volcano) #
Cayambe is roughly a 2-3 hour drive north of Quito. Climbers usually travel by vehicle to trailheads and arrange local guides and porters in the town of Cayambe or nearby villages. Access roads vary by season and may require 4x4 vehicles.
Tips for Visiting Cayambe (volcano) #
- Allow an acclimatization day before attempting higher slopes above 4,000 m, especially if coming from low altitude cities like Quito.
- Hire a local guide and a licensed mountain operator for glacial travel; conditions can be technical and changeable.
- Avoid the north face routes in late winter when avalanche danger increases; the more popular southern ridges have fixed routes and clearer approach trails.
Best Time to Visit Cayambe (volcano) #
The local dry season (June-September) is the most reliable climbing window for Cayambe, with clearer weather and firmer snow conditions.
Weather & Climate near Cayambe (volcano) #
Cayambe (volcano)'s climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -8°C to 2°C. Abundant rainfall (1028 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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May
May is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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June
June is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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July
July is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (113 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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