Tungurahua Erupts on 1st Feb 2014 | Ecuador Active Volcanoes

2014 | Tungurahua Volcano Erupts 

Around 17.30 hrs on 1st Feb 2014, Volcan Tungurahua erupted causing explosions and ash clouds raise up to 8 kms in the air. This resulted the ash clouds to migrate to several cities and caused a lot of havoc in neighboring communities. 

Ecuador Volcanoes

Ecuador have 27 volcanoes potentially active including the Galapagos Islands. Some of them are continental volcanoes: Cayambe, Reventador, Guagua Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Sangay and Potrerillos - Chacana and seven Galapagos volcanoes: Marchena Cerro Azul, Fernandina, St. Thomas Chico Volcano, Alcedo, Darwin and Wolf. All of them have had eruptions since 1532. It is possible to grow the number of volcanoes classified as "potentially active". Here some of the most beautiful sights.

Antisana

Latitude: 0,4846° S
Longitude: 78,1414°W
Elevation: 5720 m (It is the fourth highest volcano in Ecuador)
Volcano Type: Conical stratovolcano landslide scarp
State: Active

Cayambe

Latitude: 0,025° N
Longitude: 77,9871° W 
Elevation: 5759 m (maximum peak)
Volcano Type: Conical stratovolcano landslide scarp
State: Active

Tungurahua

Latitude: 1 ° 28 'South
Longitude: 78 ° 27 'West
Elevation: 5023 m
Located 33 kilometers southeast of Ambato, in the Cordillera Real of the Ecuadorian Andes
State: Active

Chimborazo

Latitude: 1 ° 46 'South

Longitude: 78 ° 82 'West

Elevation: 6310 m (is the highest volcano in Ecuador)

Located 30 kilometers NW Riobamba

State: Potentially Active

Guagua Pichincha

Latitude: 0. 17 ° S 
Longitude: 78.60 ° W
Elevation: 4794 m
Volcano type: Strato volcano with avalanche caldera open to the W
Alert: Yellow
Last eruption: 2004

Reventador

Latitude: 0 ° 04 '05'' S
Longitude: 77 ° 40 '22'' W
90 km east-northeast of Quito
Diameter: 3-4 km
Maximum elevation: 3485 m
State: Active

Sangay

Latitude: 2°

Longitude: 77 ° 34

45 km SE of Riobamba G-1: 50000 A '

Elevation: 5230 msnm
State: Active

Imbabura

Latitude: 0.36 N
Longitude: 78.18 ° W
Zone: 10 km to the southwest of Ibarra
Elevation: 4620 m.s.n.m. (Taita Imbabura)
Volcano Type: Composite stratovolcano
Basal diameter: 16 km N-S x 14 km E-W
State: Inactive

Sierra Negra

Latitude: 0.83°S
Longitude: 91.17°W
Zone: South eastern end of Isabela Island Galapagos Islands
Elevation: 1124 m 
Volcano Type:  The caldera is structurally complex with a 14 km long ridge within it.
Last eruption: 2005
State: Active

Alcedo

Latitude: 0.26°S
Longitude: 91.07°W
Zone: Isabela Island Galapagos
Elevation: 1130 m
Volcano Type: The caldera measures 6.1 x 7.4 km
Last eruption: 1993

Information from: Instituto Geofisico EPN

Isabela Island - Beautiful Island of Ecuador

Isabela island is a seahorse shaped island and is the largest of all the islands, measuring 120 km longer and greater in size than all of the other islands combined. The island was originally named Albemarle Island for the Duke of Albemarle. There are 5 volcanoes on the island that still produce volcanic activity.

Isabela provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the spectacular marine mammals of the Galapagos Islands especially whales and dolphins. Scuba diving tours through subterranean passages off the coast lead to a secluded cove abundant with marine life. The waters around Isabela are the best in the Galapagos for whale watching. The Cromwell Current up welling creates a nutrient-rich feeding ground attracting a wide variety of species including humpback whales, sperm whales and orcas. 

In addition to the many marine mammals of the Galapagos found here, Isabela is home to more land tortoises than any of the other islands. Tourists also are likely to encounter blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, marine turtles and even the rare Flightless Cormorant.

Tourists who wish to stay in Isabela find the settlement of Puerto Villamil to be laid back and welcoming. The white, sandy beaches and quiet lagoons are the quintessential Galapagos experience.

The western side of the island is not accessible but you can have a great time at the Puerto Villamil. There are cabins available here at a very low price on a daily basis.  When in Puerto Villamil another place to visit is the Santo Tomas or you can trek to the Muro Las Lagrimas. It is a historical place  reportedly built by convicts. During nesting season, you can find countless marine turtles and their nests.

The Charles Darwin Foundation is looking for volunteers to help them mark nests. If you've got the time, sign up to get an up close and hands on experience with these amazing animals. Snorkeling is fantastic as well as the ambiance

Galapagos What To Bring

What should I bring to Galapagos Islands?

In short, less is more when planning your trip to the Galapagos Islands. The less you bring, the less you carry, the more you enjoy your tours. Below are some general suggestions on what you may need when traveling to the Galapagos Islands:


Sun Protection 

• Hat or a cap
• Sunglasses 
• Sunscreen (at least #15) 
• Lip salve or ointment 
• Aloe Vera cream or gel for sunburn. Just in case. 

Camera Gear 

• Extra memory cards for digital cameras. 
• Waterproof bag for your camera or a plastic bag to keep things from getting wet.
• Camera. If you have an underwater camera would be better.
• Video Camera 
• Extra Batteries and the battery charger
• Extra film
• Galpagos Islands use 110V electricity. 

Money & Security  

• Original Passport 
• Copy of passport 
• Credit card. There are ATM's on San Cristobal and Santa Cruz Islands only.
• Debit cards. Use is limited in Galapagos, on the mainland is ok.
• USA Cash. It’s better, if you can bring small bills. Bills of no more that 50.00 USD for your extra personal expenses and tips. 

Other Gear 

• Watch Travel Alarm Clock 
• Binoculars and a flash light
• Recipient to bring water 
• Toiletries 
• Shampoo (biodegradable) 
• Insect repellant 
• Small day pack 

Clothing

I suggest you to bring casual clothes that are light weight, comfortable to wear and walk. Please consider that the flights to Galapagos limit you to a maximum of 20kg.

Comfortable walking shoes (2 pairs). Sturdy sandals with straps, not flip-flops, a wind breaker or rain jacket, lightweight rain suit or poncho and a light wool sweater for cool evenings. T-shirts, lightweight pants and short pants, light cotton socks, 2 or more swim suits, light short sleeve shirts. One extra towel for the beach.