Pichincha is an active volcano in the country of Ecuador who's capital Quito wraps around its eastern side. It gives its name to the entire province of Pichincha, where it is located.
In October of 1999, the volcano erupted and covered the city with several inches of ash. Prior to that, the last major eruption was in 1660, when about a foot of ash fell on the city. The mountain's two highest peaks are the Guagua (15,695ft/4,794 m), which means "child" in Quechua and the Rucu (15413ft/4,698m), which means "old person". The active caldera is in the Guagua, on the western side of the mountain. Both are directly visible from the city of Quito, depending on the place you're on, and are easily climbed. The Guagua is usually accessed from the village Lloa outside of Quito.
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Last updated: 10-23-2005 16:52:51
