About Licto
Licto is a pyroclastic cone(s) rising to 3,322 meters (10,899 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
Licto is located in Ecuador, within the Northern Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 1.79° S, 78.61° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 3,322 meters above sea level, Licto 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 minor (basaltic), which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Licto 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 Licto, 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 Licto group of scoria cones lies along the Río Chambo ~25 km SE of the city of Riobamba and just north of the town of Licto. These three basaltic andesite to andesitic cones form the southernmost area of Quaternary volcanism in the Interandean valley of Ecuador. The Cerro Tulabug cone is the largest, with Loma Bellavista ~2 km SE and Licto, the smallest, ~1 km down the WNW flank. The group was considered to be of late Pleistocene or Holocene age (Hall, 1987, pers. comm; Eissen, 2006, pers. comm.) based on the relatively youthful morphology of the cones.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Licto.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Licto
Is Licto an active volcano?+
Licto is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Licto?+
Licto has a summit elevation of 3,322 meters (10,899 feet) above sea level. At 3,322 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Licto?+
Licto is classified as a Pyroclastic cone(s). Pyroclastic cones (or cinder cones) are small, steep-sided volcanic cones built from fragments of lava blasted into the air. They are the simplest type of volcano and often form in groups.
Where is Licto located?+
Licto is located in Ecuador, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northern Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -1.786° latitude, -78.614° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Licto?+
Licto 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.
