[6] The area of significant damage (Intensity ≥VII) extended from Quito in the north to more than 60 km south of Riobamba, including the cities of Guaranda, Ambato, Latacunga and the towns of Saquisilí and Baños.

[7] Humboldt visited then region several years after the earthquake, and his analysis therefore largely relied on anecdotal accounts that he gathered.

Some of the observations such as "the bodies of many of the inhabitants were found to have been hurled to Cullca, a hill several hundred feet in height and on the opposite side of the river Lican", are not credible.

An earthquake of this size would imply a rupture length of about 110 km, which can only be achieved along the Pallatanga Fault System.

[1] The city of Riobamba was rebuilt nearly 20 km northeast of its original site, now occupied by the small town of Cajabamba.