The Cerro de Arcos (English: Hill of arches) is a windswept rock formation in the high páramo of the Ecuadorian southern sierra. It is situated on the border between the provinces El Oro and Loja, on the elevated plain between the Cordillera de Chilla and the Cordillera de Timbayacu at an altitude of 3,700 m (12,140 ft).

Cerro de Arcos
A general view of the Cerro de Arcos (with Cerro de las Chinchas in the background)
Highest point
Elevation3,700 m (12,100 ft)
Coordinates03°33′51″S 79°28′10″W / 3.56417°S 79.46944°W / -3.56417; -79.46944
Geography
Cerro de Arcos is located in Ecuador
Cerro de Arcos
Cerro de Arcos
Parent rangeAndes
Geology
Rock agePaleogene (Gomez 1994)
Mountain typeRock formation
Climbing
Easiest routeHiking
One of the arches

The rock formation features towers, columns, and several of the eponymous arches formed by wind and weather erosion. The formation covers an area of about 300 m2 (3,200 sq ft).

Nearby populated places are Bellavista and Sabadel and the nearest villages or small towns are Zaruma and Manu.

References

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  • Gomez, Nelson (1994). Atlas del Ecuador. Editorial Ediguias. ISBN 9978-89-009-2.
  • "Selva Alegre Ecuador, CT-NVI-D3". IGM. 1988. Retrieved 2008-01-26.[permanent dead link]
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