Positioned south of Atacazo and north of the Ilinizas, Mount Corazon dominates the western flank of the Avenue of Volcanoes. It sits approximately 40 km southwest of Quito. This alpine mountain harbors an ancient stratovolcano at an elevation of 4,790 meters. It represents a crucial waypoint for acclimatizing to high-altitude terrain before tackling the surrounding summits that tower at 5,000 to 6,000 meters above sea level.

History

Mount Corazon was first summited on July 20, 1738, by Pierre Bouguer and Charles-Marie de la Condamine. According to their accounts, the volcano's peak was still shrouded in ice at that time.

The Corazon volcano is now extinct. The site features an eroded caldera open to the northwest, which over centuries transformed into a deep ravine and gave rise to the Río Negro.

Today

The volcano Corazon takes its name—literally meaning "heart"—from two watercourses that flow down its northwestern slopes and, from a distance, resemble a heart shape.

Mount Corazon stands as an essential acclimatization hub. Unlike other mountains in Équateur, this one abounds with pre-Columbian ruins. It also offers a unique blend of mountaineering and anthropological tourism. However, most of these ruins, overgrown by vegetation, require deeper scholarly investigation to unlock their tourism potential. These vestiges of the past could well become the region's premier attractions.

Climbing Mount Corazon

The ascent of Mount Corazon is renowned for its elevation and the demanding, sometimes treacherous nature of its trails. Rising above 4,790 meters, it's visible from the Pan-American Highway. The steep gradients demand considerable focus and caution throughout the climb, and a solid level of fitness is certainly advantageous. The ascent typically takes up to 5 hours, with the descent requiring just 2 to 3 hours. As Mount Corazon falls within the "Illinizas Ecological Reserve," the climb offers a rewarding trek through pristine páramo vegetation. Nature enthusiasts will relish discovering the magnificent backdrop of Cotopaxi and its valleys far below, not to mention its volcanoes. Those who reach the summit will be rewarded with views of the legendary "Avenue of Volcanoes." This valley was named by the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt. From the summit, you can contemplate the volcanoes Rucu and Guagua Pichincha, Atacazo, Illiniza, Chimborazo, Antisana, Pasochoa, Sincholagua, Ruminahui, Cotopaxi, and Tungurahua.

To reach Corazon volcano, head south on the Pan-American Highway, then continue along the Avenue of Volcanoes toward the village of El Chaupi. From Quito, you can catch a bus from the main bus terminal heading to Machachi or Aloasi.