Quito’s Stunning Landscape Revealed Amidst Rising Concerns Over Drought and Wildfires

An image from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission showcases Ecuador’s capital, Quito, as it spans 40 kilometers within a high-altitude valley in the Andes. At an impressive elevation of 2,850 meters, Quito holds the distinction of being the only capital city situated in close proximity to an active volcano. The city is notably overlooked by Pichincha volcano to the west, with several other prominent peaks, including Cotopaxi, Antisana, and Cayambe, visible in the backdrop. Cotopaxi, which stands at about 5,900 meters, is not only the second highest mountain in Ecuador but also one of the country’s most active volcanoes.

In the heart of the image lies Quito, tucked within the Guayllabamba river basin. The southern neighborhoods are separated by the Machángara River, a tributary that flows northward through the city, passing by the notable Panecillo park. This hill offers stunning panoramic views of Quito’s historical center, which is distinguished by rooftops cast in reddish hues, marking it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its remarkable architectural preservation.

The surrounding landscape is enriched with diverse biological habitats, from cloud forests to ecological sanctuaries like the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, identifiable in the image’s darker green patches situated just north of the urban area. To the east of Quito and the Guayllabamba valley, three national parks are draped in clouds, while to the west, the city of Santo Domingo is partially obscured by a white, cloud-cover.

However, not all is tranquil in this vibrant region. The year 2025 witnessed significant drought conditions that led to detrimental wildfires impacting various areas surrounding Quito. The image captures a sizeable smoke plume emanating from the east of the city and a smaller one to the north, close to the Sincholagua volcano. Significant scorched earth is apparent in the hills east of Quito, where nearly 200 hectares of high-altitude grasslands were devastated, particularly near the isolated Andean community of Oyacachi, within the boundaries of Cayambe Coca National Park.