At 16,500 feet, the highly active Tungurahua volcano dominates the landscape around the popular tourist town of Banos. Tungurahua began erupting after decades of dormancy in 1999, and has been erupting off and on ever since - so it is far too dangerous to climb. Pyroclastic flows in August 2006 destroyed homes and caused several deaths. The volcano cannot be seen from Banos but great views can be had from the hilltop above the town where there are some radio antennas. When the volcano is covered in clouds, which is often the case, Banos has many other attractions including spectacular waterfalls in the gorge between Banos and Puno and the San Martin Ecological Center, a refuge for Amazonian wildlife. The best place to stay for views of the volcano is the hacienda Rio Vinca del Mar to the north of Banos.

Written by  Mike Lyvers.

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