It is over twenty-five kilometers high and the largest known volcano in the solar system.
VOA: special.2010.07.28
The 4, 630m-high Imbabura volcano, which gives its name to the province, rises nearby, and the capital city of Quito is just 90km to the south, a journey that takes you over the equator and into the southern hemisphere.
The problem is being caused by a continuing eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in southern Iceland, which is pumping volcanic ash high into the atmosphere.
Another Thai survivor stuck on the "critical side" of the volcano awaits rescue, he said, because the steep slope and high elevation prevents a helicopter landing.