About Iliniza
Iliniza is a stratovolcano rising to 5,162 meters (16,937 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
Iliniza is located in Ecuador, within the Northern Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 0.66° S, 78.72° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 5,162 meters above sea level, Iliniza reaches well into the permanent snow and ice zone. Glaciers and snowpack on the upper slopes create the potential for lahars — destructive volcanic mudflows — during eruptions, as heat rapidly melts ice and snow. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Iliniza sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Ecuador near Iliniza, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
GVP Reference Summary
The two glacier-covered peaks of Iliniza volcano are prominent landmarks west of the Interandean Valley. The smaller Iliniza Norte is a remnant of the main volcanic edifice located 1.8 km NNW of the younger Iliniza Sur, an andesitic-dacitic stratovolcano surrounded by thick pyroclastic-flow deposits. The edifice is mainly Pleistocene, though the Tishigcuchi (Rasuyacu) lava dome on the S flank was active during the Holocene. Iliniza itself, which is substantially eroded, may also have had relatively young eruptions (Hall, 1987, pers. comm.). A lava dome forms the summit of Iliniza Sur, and two more lava domes are found on the southern and NE flanks of the complex.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Iliniza.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Iliniza
Is Iliniza an active volcano?+
Iliniza is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Iliniza?+
Iliniza has a summit elevation of 5,162 meters (16,937 feet) above sea level. At 5,162 meters, it stands taller than Mount Rainier (4,392m) and is among the world's major volcanic peaks.
What type of volcano is Iliniza?+
Iliniza 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 Iliniza located?+
Iliniza is located in Ecuador, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northern Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -0.662° latitude, -78.716° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Iliniza?+
Iliniza 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.
