Carihuairazo

Carihuairazo is located in central Ecuador's Cordillera Occidental in the Andes, 150 kilometers (93 miles) south-southwest of Quito. Mount Carihuairazo is an eroded stratovolcano that is located next to Ecuador's tallest peak, Chimborazo. The Carihuairazo is part of the "Reserva de Produccion Faunistica Chimborazo," a protected ecosystem dedicated to preserving the habitat of the andens native camelids Vicua, Llama, and Alpaca.

Carihuairazo's glacier has lost nearly all of its mass in the last decade due to global warming and ash covering induced by Tungurahua's recent volcanic activity. Carihuairazo's glacier is likely to vanish entirely by 2020 and 2030 if continues at this rate.

Carihuairazo may be climbed all year, but the best months are December–January, and July–August. A decent level of acclimatization is strongly advised for this climb. The standard approach to Carihuairazo Maxima (5,018m) begins from a camping place around 4,600m and proceeds to the main ridge via the SW-ridge or the glacier, followed by a steep technical ascent to the summit tower.

MORE INFORMATION:
Elevation: 16463 ft
Location: Carihuairazo, Ecuador