Tungurahua Volcano, Location, Eruptions, UNESCO Geopark & Facts

Tungurahua Volcano is in news because UNESCO officially declared the Tungurahua Volcano region in Ecuador as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2025. The recognition was approved by UNESCO’s Executive Board in April 2025 as part of the addition of 16 new Global Geoparks worldwide.

About Tungurahua Volcano

Tungurahua Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Ecuador and South America.

It is located in the Andes Mountain range of central Ecuador near the town of Baños.

The volcano stands at an elevation of around 5,023 meters above sea level.

• Tungurahua is a stratovolcano, meaning it is formed by layers of lava, volcanic ash, and rock deposits.
• The name “Tungurahua” comes from the Quechua language and means “Throat of Fire.”
• It lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• The volcano is formed due to the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate.
• Tungurahua has experienced repeated eruptions throughout history, making it one of Ecuador’s most closely monitored volcanoes.
• Major eruptive phases occurred in 1999, 2006, and during the 2010s, causing ashfall, lava flows, and evacuations.
• The volcano releases volcanic ash, gases, lava, and pyroclastic flows during eruptions.
• Pyroclastic flows from Tungurahua are extremely dangerous because they move rapidly with hot gases and volcanic debris.
• Volcanic ash from eruptions has affected agriculture, transportation, and air quality in nearby regions.
• The fertile volcanic soil around the volcano supports farming activities and local agriculture.
• The surrounding region is rich in biodiversity, waterfalls, hot springs, and scenic valleys.
• In 2025, the Tungurahua region was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark due to its geological significance, volcanic heritage, biodiversity, and sustainable tourism importance.
• The geopark preserves millions of years of geological history shaped by volcanic and tectonic processes.
• Tungurahua Volcano remains an important example of how volcanic landscapes influence human settlement, economy, and environmental systems.

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