Expedition to the Sangay Volcano
The Sangay Nationalpark with a size of 271.000 ha has been founded in 1979 and covers parts of the provinces Chimborazo, Morona Santiago and Tungurahua. Due to its outstanding natural beauty this national park has been declared a world heritage in 1983 by the UNESCO for both geological and ecological values. The park illustrates a wide spectrum of ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to glaciers, with striking contrasts between the snowcapped peaks and the forests of the plains. Because of its isolated location in the central Andes of Ecuador, the survival of indigenous species such as the mountain tapir and the Andean condor has been encouraged.
Within its borders three volcanoes can be found, two of them are still active. The Tungurahua (5.016 m.) who has showed an increasing activity during the last years represents a breathtaking spectacle. The Sangay (5.230 m) is situated at the edge of the rainforest and is one of the most active volcanoes of the world. And finally there is the Altar (5.320 m), who is extinct for a long time.
The national park stretches from the eastern cordillera of the Andes to the jungle and will enchant you with a fantastic variety of different landscapes and climate zones. Subtropical rainforest merges into cloud forest, followed by Andean grasslands and finally ending in the everlasting ice of the glaciers of the 5000meters high mountains
Sangay is famous because it is one of the most active volcanoes in the world: its mood can change hourly. Although it hasn’t had a major blow recently, Ecuadorians keep a watchful eye on its dubious activity as volcanic rocks, ash and smoke are constantly spewing forth. Occasionally, lava oozes down the mountain’s sides, making an unforgettable and sizzling sight at night. To reach the volcano’s base we will trek through marshy valleys, across several rivers and over a number of mountains before reaching our camp at La Playa (The Beach). The scenery is spectacular and if the weather is good we will be rewarded with superb views of Sangay. This trek is fairly rugged, so excellent physical condition is required.
