Rumiñahui (volcano)

Mountain Stratovolcano near Quito popular with hikers and panoramas

Rumiñahui rises in Cotopaxi Province near Latacunga as a volcanic peak within the Andean range; mountaineers and trekkers use established routes to reach ridgelines and crater views.

Main image

Rumiñahui is a stratovolcano in Ecuador’s Andes, located in Cotopaxi Province. It is a prominent, often snowcapped peak that forms part of the volcanic chain around Quito.

The volcano reaches an elevation of approximately 4,721 metres and is a destination for mountaineers and trekkers who approach from nearby highland towns. Its eroded summit and steep flanks distinguish it from neighboring volcanoes.

Rumiñahui lies south of the city of Quito within the central Sierra region of Ecuador and is part of the highland volcanic landscape of Cotopaxi Province.

  • Elevation: Rises to about 4,721 metres above sea level and is a prominent peak in Cotopaxi Province, often climbed by experienced mountaineers.
Rumiñahui (volcano)
Rumiñahui (volcano), Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador
-0.6333, -78.5333
Free (natural feature)

Tips for Visiting Rumiñahui (volcano) #

  • Go very early in the day for the best visibility of surrounding peaks - cloud and haze build in the highlands later on, obscuring long-distance views.
  • Acclimatize in Quito or lower elevations for at least a day before heading up; the highland terrain can produce shortness of breath even on relatively short walks.
  • Arrange transport or a local guide from Sangolquí/Quito-routes are on mountain roads and a guide will know the safest trailheads and current conditions.

Best Time to Visit Rumiñahui (volcano) #

For climbing or trekking, the dry season (June-September) offers the most stable weather and clearer skies, but nights remain freezing year‑round.

Dry season (best for trekking)
June-September · Day: ~0-10°C; Night: often below freezing
Drier, clearer weather and the most reliable conditions for climbs or high‑altitude treks, though nights remain freezing.
Wet season
October-May · Day: ~0-8°C; Night: below freezing possible
More frequent cloud, rain and snow at higher elevations - visibility and trail conditions are often poorer.
High‑altitude conditions year‑round
January-December · Wide diurnal swings with cold nights and cool days
Because of its elevation, expect strong sun, cold nights and the need for acclimatization and warm gear whenever you go.

Weather & Climate near Rumiñahui (volcano) #

Climate

Rumiñahui (volcano)'s climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 1°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1147 mm/year), wettest in April.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
13°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (121 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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