Quito and Surroundings Avenue of the Volcanoes Galapagos Islands Coast Region Amazon Region

AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES

The Andes Mountains of Ecuador, surprises visitors not only because of its beautiful landscapes, with peaks over 5,000 meters of altitude, but also because of its unique culture.

Due to their impressive snow capped mountains and volcanoes, the famous 19th century German explorer, Alexander von Humboldt referred to this chain of peaks as the “Avenue of Volcanoes. If your desire is to visit the highlands, you can choose between different combinations the region provides its visitors.

It doesn’t matter if you are looking for cultural, ecological or adventure tours, the avenue of the volcanoes offer attractions to all the tastes. Never forget to include during your trip the famous train ride towards the “Devils Nose”, a great engineer work of the beginning of 20th century or the beautiful Baños Town, known as the “Gateway of Ecuadorian Jungle” or the Quilotoa Crater Lake, an impressive lake formed at the crater of the volcano. Off course, no visit to the Ecuadorian Highlands is complete without a visit to Cuenca City.

This beautiful city, also declared World Heritage of Mankind, is known because of being one of the cities with more Spaniards style in Ecuador. If time allows you can also arrive towards Guayaquil, the Main Port of Ecuador, a great trip to enjoy the variation of landscape and culture from the Highlands to the coast.

	COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK AND INDIAN MARKET
	(1 OR 2 DAYS)

We will drive along the Panamericana highway well-known as “The Volcanoes Avenue” towards the world’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi (5,897 meters). During the trip, we will be delighted by the impressive view of different mountains and volcanoes, such as the Pasochoa, the Illinizas, and the Sincholagua.

After crossing a Pine forest, we will arrive in Limpiopungo Lake (Clean Lake) which is located 3,800 meters above sea level along the slopes of the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano. If you wish, we can drive further to the parking lot located at 4,500 meters in order to hike up to the Rivas Refuge at 4,800 meters.

(Good health condition is required in order to hike). Afterwards visit one of the different Indian Markets of the region, where you will have the opportunity to buy typical products of the southern highlands, while getting involved with the local people.

	AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES AND THE ECUADORIAN JUNGLE GATEWAY
	(3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS)

During this trip you will be delighted by ecuadorian Landscapes driving along “The Volcanoes Avenue” towards the world’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi (5,897 meters).

You will change the landscape by visiting Baños city, the gateway to the jungle. At this region you will visit some Waterfalls such as “Manto de la Novia”, “Pailon del Diablo” and “Ines Maria”. Taste the local juice of sugar cane and melcochas.

Have a small city tour of Baños Village and visit the Church which is very important for the inhabitants beliefs. This tour ends by visiting an Indian market and having a better idea of our culture.

	AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES AND CUENCA CITY
	(3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS)

During this trip you will be delighted by ecuadorian Landscapes driving along “The Volcanoes Avenue” towards the world’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi (5,897 meters).

Have a nearest contact with ecuadorian ancestors by visiting Ingapirca Ruins, an Inca Complex built over the ruins of a Cañari settlement, an important native culture of southern Ecuador, so it is also possible to find ruins of this culture.

This program ends by visiting one of the most beautiful ecuadorian cities declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage of Mankind: Cuenca.

	AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES TOWARDS GUAYAQUIL
	(4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS)

During this trip you will be delighted by ecuadorian Landscapes driving along “The Volcanoes Avenue” towards the world’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi (5,897 meters).

You will also visit one of the most beautiful Ecuadorian cities declare by UNESCO as a World Heritage of Mankind: Cuenca.

will also enjoy one of the most amazing changes of landscapes and altitudes while you drive from Cuenca to Guayaquil through El Cajas.

The road reaches 4,000 meters of altitude and is surrounded by a beautiful Paramo region, full of lakes.

In less than 4 hours you will reach the sea level, where the agriculture of the coast plays an important role in the landscape. Enjoy a city tour.

	AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES AND SOUTHERN ECUADOR
	(4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS)

During this trip you will be delighted by ecuadorian Landscapes driving along “The Volcanoes Avenue” towards the world’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi (5,897 meters).

You will visit Riobamba city that lodges an important heritage of colonial art, Chimborazo Reserve that boasts Lamas and Vicuñas, you will enjoy a nice trip passing through rural areas. (If available it is also possible to enjoy a train ride to “The Devil’s Nose”). Have a nearest contact with ecuadorian ancestors by visiting Ingapirca Ruins, an Inca Complex built over the ruins of a Cañari settlement, an important native culture of southern Ecuador, so it is also possible to find ruins of this culture.

You will also visit one of the most beautiful cities declare by UNESCO as a World Heritage of Mankind: Cuenca.

Visit Loja city and Vilcabamba Valley well known as the “Longevity Valley”, as people live longer than anywhere else in the world. Nobody knows the exact reason, but many theories exist. We will spend the whole day in this Sacred Valley, while enjoying its beautiful landscapes. Hike to el Mandango Mountain. You will be intrigued by its beautiful landscapes and diversity.