Illiniza

The Illinizas

The double peak of The Illinizas
Highest point
Elevation Illiniza Sur:    5,248 m (17,218 ft)
Illiniza Norte: 5,126 m (16,818 ft)
Prominence 1,750 m (5,740 ft) [1]
Listing Ultra
List of volcanoes in Ecuador
Coordinates 0°39′34″S 78°42′49″W / 0.65944°S 78.71361°W / -0.65944; -78.71361Coordinates: 0°39′34″S 78°42′49″W / 0.65944°S 78.71361°W / -0.65944; -78.71361 [2]
Geography
Location Ecuador
Parent range Andes
Geology
Age of rock Holocene[2]
Mountain type Stratovolcano
Last eruption Unknown

The Illinizas are a pair of volcanic mountains that are located to the south of Quito, Ecuador. They are located in the Illinizas Ecological Reserve (Reserva Ecológica Los Illinizas). These twin mountains are separated by a saddle that is about a kilometer long. The peaks are among the highest in Ecuador, with Illiniza Sur standing slightly taller than Illiniza Norte, its northern counterpart, at 5248 metres and 5126 metres respectively.

Most guidebooks (for example, Lonely Planet Ecuador, Ecuador: A Climbing Guide) spell the mountain with only one "l" as in Iliniza. The name Illinizas is derived from the Kunza words for "masculine hill."[3]

Whilst Illiniza Sur (the southern peak) is a more difficult climb due to its glacial nature, Illiniza Norte requires little or no climbing expertise, and may be climbed as a trekking peak. A guide is still recommended, however, as the path becomes hard to navigate as it approaches the summit.

The Illinizas are excellent mountains for acclimatization to altitude, and are frequently used as a preparatory climb to higher peaks such as Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and Cayambe.

There is a rustic refuge located between the north and south peaks. It can be reached in one hour by car from El Chaupi, followed by a three-hour climb. The refuge has gas stoves, pots and pans and bunk beds. It is necessary to bring warm sleeping bags and food, but water is available to be boiled.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Ecuador", Peaklist.org. Listed as "Iliniza Sur". The prominence value given here is based on an elevation of 5263 m. Retrieved 2012-01-10.
  2. 1 2 "Illiniza". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 2010-02-23.
  3. ↑ "Climbing in Ecuador: Illiniza Sur". ecuaworld.com. Retrieved 2010-02-23.

External links


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