Pasochoa

Pasochoa is an extinct volcano located in the Guayllabamba river basin in the Ecuadorean Andes. The current mountain form is a collapsed crater with a semicircular shape. This structure emerged approximately 100 thousand years ago due to an eruption which destroyed the crater and occidental slope of the previous volcanic cone.

Lava and ash increased the fertility of the ground in the Pasochoa region, encouraging the growth of a vibrant forest ecosystem. Despite the fertile soil, difficult accessibility and an uneven surface made the area inappropriate for extensive agriculture. The Pasochoa Wild Life Refuge, established in 1996, contains one of the few remaining original Andean forests. Fundacion Natura manages the Pasochoa and offer programs on the natural resource conservation and environmental education and sponsors scientific research. The mountain has a wonderful variety of wildlife, including pumas, foxes, skunks, a very diverse collection of birds, and a wonderful collection of plants.

Today the volcano is well known as a travel destination. It is visited by American or European hikers who enjoy a good exercise and a delicious picnic near the mountain's peak.