Plizio Visual Lab
Reventador Volcano
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
Weather…
Water temperature…
Reventador is an exceptionally active stratovolcano located in the Eastern Cordillera of the Ecuadorian Andes, bordering the Amazon basin. Standing at an elevation of 3562 meters, it is situated within a remote region of the Cayambe-Coca National Park, far from major urban centers. The current active cone sits inside a large horseshoe-shaped caldera that was formed by the collapse of a prehistoric volcanic structure. Reventador is characterized by its explosive eruptive style; a massive eruption in November 2002 was one of the strongest in Ecuador's recorded history, sending ash plumes as far as Quito. Due to its location in a high-rainfall tropical zone, the volcano's flanks are often covered in dense cloud forests, making visual monitoring challenging. Frequent lava flows and pyroclastic surges have significantly altered the shape of the cone and the surrounding river valleys over the past two decades. Geologists closely monitor its activity using satellite data and remote sensors, as the volcano has remained in a state of near-continuous unrest since its 2002 reactivation.
- Location: Ecuador
- Top sights: Cascada San Rafael · Former San Rafael Cascada
- Nearby: Misahuallí (23 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 |
| Rain mm | 114 | 120 | 149 | 158 | 140 | 112 | 91 | 67 | 78 | 122 | 149 | 134 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The Reventador Volcano is located on the eastern flank of the Andes and is best accessed via the road from Quito toward Lago Agrio (Nueva Loja).
Best season
A visit is theoretically possible year-round, but the less rainy months from August to January often provide better chances for a clear view of the active cone.
Terrain & paths
The terrain is extremely rugged and shaped by volcanic activity; hiking trails may be impacted by fresh ash or mudflows and require high alertness.
What to bring
Hikers require robust, waterproof boots, rain protection, and possibly a protective mask in case of ash-laden air near the volcano.
Parking
Parking is often only available at small private lodges or viewpoints along the main highway, from which the volcano can be observed from a safe distance.
Safety
Reventador is one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes; it is vital to check the current activity status beforehand and strictly follow exclusion zones and local authority instructions.
Time needed
Short stops at viewpoints last about 30 minutes, while hikes toward the base of the cone can take 4 to 6 hours depending on prevailing conditions.
Geography
Facts
- Reventador is located about 90 kilometers east of Quito.
- The massive eruption in November 2002 began without clear warning.
- The horseshoe-shaped caldera is approximately 4 kilometers wide.
- The name 'Reventador' translates from Spanish as 'Exploder'.
- The volcano stands at an elevation of 3562 meters above sea level.
- Near-daily volcanic activity has been recorded since 2002.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Reventador Volcano (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Reventador volcano active?
Yes, Reventador is one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes, regularly emitting ash and lava.
Can you climb to the summit?
Due to continuous activity, climbing the main cone is usually too dangerous and often prohibited.
Where can you observe it from?
The volcano can be seen from a safe distance from lodges in the El Reventador area.
In which region is it located?
It is located in the eastern part of the Andes, bordering the Amazon basin, about 90 km from Quito.
How high is the volcano?
Reventador has an elevation of approximately 3,562 meters above sea level.
Reventador Volcano: where is it located?
Reventador Volcano is located in Ecuador.
Reventador Volcano: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cascada San Rafael, Former San Rafael Cascada.
Reventador Volcano: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Sep.
Reventador Volcano: why is it worth visiting?
Reventador is an exceptionally active stratovolcano located in the Eastern Cordillera of the Ecuadorian Andes, bordering the Amazon basin.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Ecuador →
Nearby cities
Tena
The heart of Amazon tourism, known for world-class whitewater rafting and jungle tours.
Ipiales
Border city with Ecuador, famous for the Las Lajas Sanctuary.
Tulcán
The northernmost city in Ecuador on the border with Colombia, known for its unique cemetery.
Misahuallí
Misahuallí is a popular Amazonian river port, famous for the wild monkeys living in its central plaza.
San Gabriel
A historic city in the Carchi province, forming part of Ecuador's National Cultural Heritage.
Archidona
Archidona is a historic colonial town in the Amazon, surrounded by spectacular stalactite caves and rich Kichwa culture.
Puyo
The dynamic commercial center on the threshold of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest.
Pasto
High-altitude city in the south, famous for its carnival.
Ibarra
The white city is appreciated for its colonial white facades and pleasant climate.
Atuntaqui
The textile capital of Ecuador, where craftsmanship and industry meet.
Otavalo
The indigenous capital of Ecuador, known worldwide for its colorful craft market.
Cotacachi
A peaceful Andean town globally famous for its fine leather goods and stunning crater lake.
Macas
The Emerald City of the East, an Amazonian settlement that was isolated for a long time.
Puerto Francisco de Orellana
Also called El Coca, it is a gateway to the deep Amazon and the Yasuní region.
History & landmarks
Nature
🗺️
Napo River
The Napo River is one of the most important tributaries of the Amazon in Ecuador and a vital artery for the rainforest.
Yahuarcocha
Yahuarcocha is a historically significant lake surrounded by legends of a great battle, now featuring a famous auto racing track.
🗺️
Pastaza River
The Pastaza River flows from the Ecuadorian Andes to the Amazon basin and is known for its deep gorges and waterfalls.
La Cocha Lagoon
A large volcanic lake in southern Colombia, surrounded by páramo landscape.
Lake San Pablo
Lake San Pablo is Ecuador's largest lake, situated at the foot of the majestic Imbabura Volcano near Otavalo.
More places
Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park
An isolated volcanic area in the Amazon basin known for its rich biodiversity and rare animal species.
🗺️
Jatun Sacha Reserve
A highly important biological research station and tropical forest reserve in the upper Amazon basin.
Las Lajas Sanctuary
An impressive neo-Gothic church dramatically built inside the canyon of the Guáitara River.
Cumbal Volcano
The Cumbal Volcano is the highest peak in southern Colombia and an active stratovolcano near the border with Ecuador.
Azufral Volcano
The Azufral is a semi-dormant volcano in southern Colombia, known for the green Laguna Verde in its crater.
Cayambe
The Cayambe volcano is the third highest mountain in Ecuador, and its summit is crossed by the equator.
🗺️
El Ángel Ecological Reserve
A unique páramo ecosystem dominated by giant Espeletia plants and protecting rare animals.
Galeras Volcano
One of Colombia's most active volcanoes, located very close to the city of Pasto.