Illiniza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Illinizas |
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The double peak of The Illinizas
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | Illiniza Sur: 5,245 m (17,208 ft) Illiniza Norte: 5,126 m (16,818 ft) |
| Prominence | 1,750 m (5,740 ft) |
| Listing | Ultra List of volcanoes in Ecuador |
| Geography | |
| Location | Latacunga, Cotopaxi, Ecuador |
| Parent range | Andes |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Holocene |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Last eruption | Unknown |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | Iliniza Sur: May 1880 by Jean-Antoine Carrel and Louis Carrel Iliniza Norte: March 1912 by Nicolás Martínez and Alejandro Villavicencio. |
The Illinizas are two amazing volcanic mountains in Ecuador. You can find them north of Latacunga in the Cotopaxi Province. They are part of the Illinizas Ecological Reserve.
These twin peaks are separated by a low ridge, like a mountain pass, about one kilometer long. They are some of the tallest mountains in Ecuador! Illiniza Sur is the taller peak at 5,245 meters (17,208 feet). Illiniza Norte is a bit shorter at 5,126 meters (16,818 feet).
Contents
About the Name
The name Illinizas comes from an old language called Kunza. It means "masculine hill."
Climbing the Peaks
Climbing the Illinizas is a popular adventure. Illiniza Sur, the southern peak, is harder to climb. It has a glacier, which is a huge sheet of ice. This makes the climb more challenging and needs special gear.
Illiniza Norte, the northern peak, is easier but still needs some climbing skills. It's often called a "trekking peak." This means you can hike most of the way. However, it's a good idea to have a guide. The path can get tricky as you get closer to the top.
Getting Ready for Higher Mountains
The Illinizas are great for getting used to high altitudes. This is called acclimatization. Many climbers use these mountains to prepare their bodies. They do this before trying to climb even taller peaks. Famous examples include Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Cayambe.
The Mountain Refuge
There is a simple hut, called a refuge, between the two peaks. You can reach it by driving for an hour from El Chaupi. After that, it's about a three-hour climb.
The refuge has gas stoves and bunk beds. You should bring your own warm sleeping bag and food. Water is available there, but you need to boil it before drinking.
First Climbs to the Top
A famous English climber named Edward Whymper tried to climb Illiniza Sur twice. He didn't make it to the top. The first people to successfully climb Illiniza Sur were two Italian guides. They were Jean-Antoine Carrel and Louis Carrel. They reached the summit in May 1880.
The first climb of Illiniza Norte happened much later. In March 1912, two Ecuadorians made it to the top. Their names were Nicolás Martínez and Alejandro Villavicencio.
See also
In Spanish: Volcán Illiniza para niños
- List of volcanoes in Ecuador
