Ecuador: Avenue Of The
Volcanoes
To the south of Quito lie the Central Highlands of Ecuador, home to eight of the country’s ten highest peaks.
Christened the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” by the German explorer, Alexander von Humboldt in 1802, today
this spectacular landscape provides a paradise for trekkers. Beginning in the Ecuador capital, your journey
then takes you through the beautiful Pasochao Rainforest and into the volcanic landscapes of Cotopaxi
National Park, where you will have a chance to explore, by mountain bike and on horse back, the highest
volcano in the world. Riding in the company of genuine Changas (Andean cowboys) and cycling through
volcanic ash and Inca ruins, you’ll take in the snow-capped Andean peaks, as well as the impressive cones of
Cotopaxi and Chimorazo. Staying in the traditional Andean village of Guamote, you’ll then walk to the furthest
point from the centre of the earth, ride the historic Trans-Andean Railroad and hike the spectacular Quilotoa
Loop, considered one of the best hikes in the country.
Highlights
Cross the equator & trek in the Pasochao rainforest
Horse ride with the chagras in Cotopaxi national park & climb the volcano
Mountain bike through spectacular mountain scenery and remote indigenous villages
Hike the famous Quilatoa loop and descent the jaw dropping crater lake
Ride the notorious Devil’s nose train
Tour Includes:
2 nights ranch accommodation, 2 nights guesthouse, 2 nights boutique hotel
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
Private vehicle
Private guided sightseeing including all entrance fees
Private transfers to and from all airports
Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
On arrival into Quito, you will be met by your guide and transferred to
your hotel.
Day 2: Quito - Cotopaxi National Park
This morning you will be transferred to the Cotopaxi National Park. Enroute you will cross hemispheres at the Equator monument, trek through
the beautiful Pasochao Rainforest and end your journey in the
spectacular volcanic region of Ecuador. There will be plenty of photo
opportunities along the way. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Cotopaxi National Park
Horse-riding is a time honoured tradition in the Andean region and especially in the Altiplano of Cotopaxi
National Park. Today you will ride with real chagras (Andean cowboys) heading out into the ruggedly beautiful
Altiplano. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Cotopaxi National Park - Guamote
This morning you be driven through the Paramo landscape to the
highest point of Cotopaxi, where you will be able to enjoy views of the
surrounding 8 volcanoes. You will cycle down the dirt roads through
volcanic ash to the Inca ruin, which is located at 3700m where you will
stop for a packed lunch before continuing from Lake Limpipungo through
the pine forest. This afternoon you will be driven south through the
Avenue of the Volcanoes to Guamote. The road is flanked by the
majestic snow capped peaks of the Andes. Passing Cotopaxi and
Chimborazo, two of Ecuador's most impressive volcanoes, you arrive in
the Andean village of Guamote where you will get an impression of the
immense scale of this mountainous region. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Guamote
Morning to enjoy Guamote in your own time. This afternoon you will be met at your hotel by your guide and
you will walk to Chimborazo Volcano, where you will be able to enjoy the sunset. The Chimborazo is the
highest mountain in the Ecuadorian Andes and due to its close proximity to the equator it is also the furthest
point from the centre of the earth. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Guamote - The Quilotoa Loop
After breakfast you will board the 'Nariz del Diablo' (Devil's Nose) train for a ride along the historic Trans-
Andean Railroad. Travelling on the roof of the train from Guamote to Alausi, you pass through the most
dramatic section of the railroad offering amazing views of the surrounding countryside. You will be driven the
remainder of the journey to the town of Chugchilan in the Quilotoa region, famed for its spectacular beauty
and great trekking opportunities. (B,D)
Day 7: The Quilotoa Loop
The Lake Quilotoa hike is considered one of the best hikes in Ecuador. You will be transferred to up to the
lake, and then follow a mostly downhill course back to your lodge. This route takes about 4 to 6 hours, starting
at an altitude of 3900 meters, traveling about a quarter of the rim around the lake and includes a visit to the
dramatic Rio Sihui cliffs and an optional swim in the lake. (B, L, D)
Day 8: The Quilotoa Loop - Tigua - Quito
This morning you will be collected from your lodge for your journey back to Quito, stopping at the tiny town of
Tigua along the way; an important centre for local arts and crafts. Here you can visit the local studios and see
the artisans at work. You will then continue northwards to the capital where you will be transferred to the
airport and your tour ends. (B)
Accommodation
The Quilotoa Loop
Black Sheep Inn
Quito
Sebastian Hotel
Guamote
Inti Sisa Hostal
Cotopaxi National Park
Hacienda El Porvenir
Banos
Posada del Arte