Cerro Negro (volcano, Ecuador)
An extinct volcano in Ecuador's western Andean cordillera, Cerro Negro offers a hike through the páramo away from crowds, with views of neighboring peaks on clear days.
Cerro Negro is an extinct volcano in the western cordillera of the Ecuadorian Andes, located in Bolívar Province. Its summit rises above 3,700 meters and offers a high-mountain landscape typical of Ecuadorian páramos: grassy moorlands, morning mist, and volcanic silhouettes on the horizon. It's a hiking destination for travelers seeking to escape the most frequented Andean circuits.
What you'll see
The páramo surrounding Cerro Negro is characteristic of Ecuador's highlands: tufts of paja (páramo grass), cushion plants, and on clear days, views of neighboring volcanoes of the cordillera. Wildlife includes Andean birds such as the Andean condor, occasionally spotted in the region.
History and context
Bolívar Province, with Guaranda as its capital, is one of Ecuador's least touristy regions. It bears the name of the Liberator Simón Bolívar. Kichwa indigenous communities have inhabited the volcanic slopes for centuries and still practice terrace agriculture at these altitudes.
Highlights of your visit
The hike to the summit
The ascent passes through several layers of Andean vegetation before reaching the rocky summit zone. The elevation gain and altitude require proper acclimatization beforehand, ideally after spending a few days in Guaranda (2,668 m).
Views across the cordillera
On clear days—often in the early morning before clouds roll in—the summit offers views of the surrounding volcanoes of the western cordillera. Dawn light is most favorable.
Photography tips
Start early: clouds typically cover the peaks by late morning. The low-angle light of the first hours reveals the páramo's textures. A polarizing filter reduces the frequent haze at these altitudes.
Location and access
Cerro Negro lies in Bolívar Province, accessible from Guaranda, the provincial capital connected to Riobamba and Ambato by road. The trails leading to the volcano's slopes require a four-wheel-drive vehicle or a local guide familiar with the hiking routes. No direct public transport to the site is known.
Nearby attractions
- Guaranda — lively Andean town, known for its carnival and Saturday market.
- Chimborazo Volcano — Ecuador's highest peak, accessible from Riobamba a few hours' drive away.
- Riobamba — departure point for the famous Devil's Train and a base for exploring the central cordillera.
Frequently asked questions
Trails are poorly marked and weather changes rapidly at this altitude. A local guide is strongly recommended, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the Andean páramo.
The dry season (June to September) offers the best chances of clear skies. Outside this period, mist and rain are frequent in Bolívar Province.
Spend at least two nights in Guaranda (2,668 m) before attempting the summit. Avoid alcohol, stay well hydrated, and ascend gradually.
Yes. Chimborazo is accessible from Riobamba, a few hours from Guaranda. The two sites combine well on a multi-day circuit through the western cordillera.
Layering is essential: the páramo is cold and windy even in the dry season. A waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, and waterproof hiking boots are crucial.
Want to discover this destination?
Our local advisors design your tailor-made trip.