Pichincha is an active volcano in Ecuador, whose capital Quito wraps around its eastern slopes. The province in which it is located takes its name from the mountain. In October of 1999, the volcano erupted and covered the city with several inches of ash. Prior to that, the last major eruption was in 1660, when about a foot of ash fell on the city. The mountain's two highest peaks are the Guagua (4,784 m), which means "child" in Quechua and the Rucu (4,698m), which means "old person". The active caldera is in the Guagua, on the western side of the mountain.

Getting there
Both peaks are visible from the city of Quito and are straightforward, though tiring, to climb. Guagua is usually accessed from the village of Lloa, just outside of Quito. It's about an eight-hour hike to the refuge and then a short walk from there to the summit.