Cayambe

Cayambe, Ecuador's third highest peak, stands at an elevation of 18996 feet. The compound volcano is located near Pichincha, on the Andean range's Cordillera Central. The mountain is permanently snow-capped, making it the only one on the equator with snow. Since the 18th century, the volcano has remained dormant.

The mountain draws visitors for mountain climbing as well as for the biodiversity found along the slopes of the Cyambe-Coca Ecological Reserve. The mountain is home to jungles, rivers, lakes, and hot springs, as well as species including Andean condors, turkeys, and monkeys. Within the mountains, there are over 900 bird species, 200 animal species, and approximately 100 amphibian species.

Cayambe and Cotopaxi can be visible from Quito and the valleys on clear days. Cayambe is famed for its stunning glaciers, which can be seen while climbing up to the Oleas Ruales reserve. Experienced climbers can go to the top quite easily, but it's advisable to hire a guide because the routes aren't well-signposted for visitors who want to see the glaciers and Laguna Solitaria – and there have been a few accidents in the past.

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Elevation: 18996 ft

Location: Cayambe, Ecuador