Volcán Chiles is a snowcapped volcano located in the Cordillera Occidental de los Andes, right in the border between Ecuador and Colombia. It is part of a volcanic complex integrated by other active Colombian volcanoes: Cerro Negro de Mayasquer, Cumbal and Azufral.
Other nearby tourist attractions:
Lagunas Verdes. (Green Lagoons). The water combined with the sulphur that springs up from the volcanic floor, give to the lagoons a green color appearance. It is considered a stunning scenery because of the contrast of its waters and the surroundings.
Aguas Hediondas. (Stinking Waters). Very hot high-sulphur thermal baths. The stench of sulphur is so strong that it can be smelled as far as the town of Tufiño, some 4 Km away. If you choose to bathe, use the safer lower pools and not those located in the upper slopes. Many people have died by the vapor emanations while bathing in them.
Several other pools can be found in the Colombian side (Aguas Calientes). You can cross the border on a day pass to soak in the pools, but those who want to stay on have to enter via the Tulcán border crossing.
Reserva Ecologica El Angel. The only area in Ecuador aside from Parque Nacional Llanganates where the giant “frailejon” grows. It is a landscape very different from the others in Ecuador.
From Quito drive northbound on Panamericana Norte to the city of Tulcán (5 ½ hours). Once there take the Tufiño-Maldonado road (it passes within 3 Km of the peak). The road starts in Calle Sierra, two blocks south of Parque Isidro Ayora. It takes about one and a half hours to get to the trailhead (34 Km), just 5 minutes after passing by “Lagunas Verdes” which are clearly visible from the road to the left side.
(4,748 m / 15,573 ft)
From the trailhead, or concrete house (4,100 m / 13,448 ft), start hiking straight up in northeast direction, cross/walk by a shallow lake, then follow the stream up by a shallow ravine. It'll take you up to the base of the southwestern ridge which steepens as it gains altitude.
Other nearby tourist attractions:
Lagunas Verdes. (Green Lagoons). The water combined with the sulphur that springs up from the volcanic floor, give to the lagoons a green color appearance. It is considered a stunning scenery because of the contrast of its waters and the surroundings.
Aguas Hediondas. (Stinking Waters). Very hot high-sulphur thermal baths. The stench of sulphur is so strong that it can be smelled as far as the town of Tufiño, some 4 Km away. If you choose to bathe, use the safer lower pools and not those located in the upper slopes. Many people have died by the vapor emanations while bathing in them.
Several other pools can be found in the Colombian side (Aguas Calientes). You can cross the border on a day pass to soak in the pools, but those who want to stay on have to enter via the Tulcán border crossing.
Reserva Ecologica El Angel. The only area in Ecuador aside from Parque Nacional Llanganates where the giant “frailejon” grows. It is a landscape very different from the others in Ecuador.
From Quito drive northbound on Panamericana Norte to the city of Tulcán (5 ½ hours). Once there take the Tufiño-Maldonado road (it passes within 3 Km of the peak). The road starts in Calle Sierra, two blocks south of Parque Isidro Ayora. It takes about one and a half hours to get to the trailhead (34 Km), just 5 minutes after passing by “Lagunas Verdes” which are clearly visible from the road to the left side.
(4,748 m / 15,573 ft)
From the trailhead, or concrete house (4,100 m / 13,448 ft), start hiking straight up in northeast direction, cross/walk by a shallow lake, then follow the stream up by a shallow ravine. It'll take you up to the base of the southwestern ridge which steepens as it gains altitude.