Ambato, Ecuador
Ambato lies in the main valley of the Central Cordillera, the highest of the Andean mountain ranges. The city itself is carved into the side of Cerro Casigana, the mountain that dominates the north end of the city. From Ambato, it is possible to see many snow-capped volcanoes including Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Carihuairazo, and the largest mountain in Ecuador, Chimborazo. Tungurahua lies about 40 kilometers to the southeast. The threat of eruption from the volcano is constant. On May 16, 2006, Tungurahua erupted, covering the city with a thick layer of ash.
Tulcán Canton
Most of the population of the canton is in the Andes, especially in the city and surroundings of Tulcán, but the land area stretches into the Andes foothills to the west. Tulcan has the highest elevation of any city in Ecuador, above sea level. The northern limit of the canton is the border with Colombia with the most important land passage between the two countries at Rumichaca Bridge.