About Pan de Azucar
Pan de Azucar is a stratovolcano rising to 3,482 meters (11,424 feet) in Ecuador's South America Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Pan de Azucar is located in Ecuador, within the Northern Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 0.43° S, 77.72° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 3,482 meters above sea level, Pan de Azucar rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
GVP Reference Summary
Pan de Azúcar is a large, probably alkalic volcano in the jungle NNW of Sumaco volcano and east of the town of Baeza. The 3482-m-high volcano was only relatively recently discovered on satellite images and was considered to be Holocene in age because it is otherwise not likely to be so well preserved in a region with heavy rainfall (Hall 1987, pers. comm.). Later work suggested that the volcano was substantially older than neighboring Sumaco volcano and was of probable late-Pleistocene age (Eissen, 2006, pers. comm.).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Pan de Azucar.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Pan de Azucar
Is Pan de Azucar an active volcano?+
Pan de Azucar is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "unknown." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Pan de Azucar?+
Pan de Azucar has a summit elevation of 3,482 meters (11,424 feet) above sea level. At 3,482 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Pan de Azucar?+
Pan de Azucar is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Pan de Azucar located?+
Pan de Azucar is located in Ecuador, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northern Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -0.430° latitude, -77.720° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Pan de Azucar?+
Pan de Azucar can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Ecuador may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
