Volcán Imbabura
- Elevation: 15,190'
- Hasn't erupted for 14,000 years,
- But not listed as "totally dormant"
- Occasionally brushed with snow,
- But mostly snow-free
- Not part of the double Andes range;
- It sits by itself, between them
Native Otavaleños and Kichwa peoples around the Volcano believe he is Taita Imbabura, or Papi Imbabura, a protector of the valley. Though said to be a womanizer, he is "married" to Cotacachi, a volcano across the valley, on the western range of the Andes sierra. If Cotacachi has snow on her peak -- which is fairly common -- it is said that Taita Imbabura has visited her in the night. And Papi Imbabura has a heart. If facing the volcano from Otavalo, there are three distinct foothills, and the double bowl-shaped quebrada, or Heart of Imbabura, is located in the western face of the southernmost hill. The heart is thought to be enchanted, since no one and supposedly nothing can get in there. Except Cotacachi apparently.
Imbabura looms over Otavalo, and if not socked in by clouds, we see him every day. He shows up in logos around town, and in many of the photographs we've taken in the area. I thought I'd compile a collection here of shots from the last nine months, from various sides and angles -- and even on top -- though most come from the Otavalo side, where we live currently.
As always, the photos look better as a slide show -- click on any one to start it -- and thanks for looking!
