Geography
Chimborazo
as a province
is uneven
and hilly.
Ecuador ’s
highest mountain,
also one of
the highest
in the world,
Chimborazo
( 6310 metres
), is situated
here among
other elevations.
A number of
peaks from
the Andes
mountain chain
run through
the province.
Tiocajas is
located towards
the south
which separates
Riobamba and
Chanchan.
The peak Carihuairazo
( 4990 metres
) is located
towards the
north of Chimborazo
. Quilimas
and el Altar
are located
along the
central mountain
chain. Between
Lake Colta
, River Guamote,
Chambo and
Chibunga are
the Yaruquies
hills (los
cerros Yaruquies).
Los
Rios
The
region’s hydrographical
system is
replenished
by the River
Chambo which
originates
along the
central mountain
chain and
crosses the
province from
north to south,
eventually
joining with
River Patate
to form River
Pastaza. The
principle
tributaries
of River Chambo
are: el Guamote,
el Chibunga,
el Guano,
el Sicalpa,
el San Juan
and el Blanco.
Lakes
Several
lakes have
been formed
as a result
of mountain
thaws. The
main lakes
are: Colta
( Lake Patos
), Lakes Colay
Cocha, Ozogoche
(situated
along the
eastern slopes).
The latter
can be reached
via a side
road in Charicando
close to Palmira
.
Paramos
(Moors)
Paramos
Urbina,
Cubillin and
Achupallas
are located
in Chimborazo
. Although
these paramos
appear
to be melancholy
and desolate,
they are of
significant
interest to
botanists
due to the
abundance
of medicinal
plants and
herbs. The
borders of
this particular
habitat are
located at
an altitude
of 4200 metres
.
Climate.
The
climate is
generally
cold, but
its temperatures
depend on
the altitude.
Zones at an
altitude of
between two
and three
thousand metres
have a mild
valley-like
climate, the
paramos
located
over three
thousand metres
are cold;
the peaks
are icy.
Last Updated
9th August
2006 (DLW)
