The Avenue of Volcanoes

Tailor made tours

SUMMARY

5 Days

Ecuador

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, an enchanting alpine expanse nested between the eastern and western flanks of Ecuador’s majestic Andes. Stretching across a sprawling distance of 300 kilometres, this remarkable route unveils a panorama of Ecuador’s loftiest volcanic wonders. It boasts no less than nine peaks that soar beyond the remarkable altitude of 5,000 m.a.s.l.
Embark on a journey of a lifetime as we guide you through a meticulously curated tour that intricately weaves together a tapestry of experiences, each more remarkable than the last. Traverse through time as you step foot into historic haciendas, their walls echoing with tales of yesteryears. Immerse yourself in the stories, and for an added touch of authenticity, consider an overnight stay – a true immersion into the essence of these venerable estates.

Continue along the Avenue of Volcano to the heart of Andean communities; vibrant pockets of life that pulsate with age-old traditions and untamed spirit. Wander through bustling markets, where every week, local artisans gather to showcase their masterful handicrafts. Here, you’ll not only witness the labour of their hands but also the embodiment of their heritage lovingly passed down through generations.

A highlight of the journey, Cotopaxi National Park beckons with its undeniable allure. As you make your way through this pristine wilderness, the scenery unfurls in an endless cascade of wonders. Verdant valleys cradle your path, framed by the dramatic backdrop of snow-clad summits and timeless hamlets. The journey through this park is nothing short of magical, a symphony of nature’s grandeur harmonizing with the pulse of traditional life.

But this is not just a tour; it’s an odyssey into Ecuadorian culture and natural splendour. Every step unveils a new layer of the country’s soul, a chance to marvel at the resilience of its people and the majesty of its landscapes. The Avenue of the Volcanoes promises an experience that will etch itself into your memories, a journey where every moment is a masterpiece, and every destination, is a story waiting to be lived.

HIGHLIGHTS

Drive along the Pan-American highway known as “The Volcanoes Avenue” towards one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, Cotopaxi (5,897 m.a.s.l.).
Immerse in the waterfalls and hot springs nearby Baños.
Visit the famous “Manto de la Novia” and “Pailon del Diablo ” waterfalls.
Visit Ingapirca Inca Ruins, one of the best-preserved ruins in Ecuador.
Ride the train to the famous “Devil’s Nose.”
City tour of Cuenca and visit the traditional ‘Panama hat’ factory.
Visit El Cajas National Park, with more than 200 lagoons, a vital water resource for Ecuador.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Quito/Baños

Drive along the Pan-American highway known as “The Volcanoes Avenue” towards one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, Cotopaxi (5,897 metres above sea level). Drive through a pine forest to Limpiopungo lagoon, an Andean lake located at 3,800m.a.s.l, along the slopes of the magnificent Cotopaxi volcano. In the afternoon, visit an Indigenous market. Afterwards, continue to Baños, and have a short tour of the city.

Day 2 Baños/Riobamba

This morning, after breakfast, continue touring around this beautiful city. Baños is a small city set in a valley with waterfalls and hot springs nearby. One of the main attractions is the Tungurahua volcano. Today’s tour will begin by visiting the famous waterfalls “Manto de la Novia” and “Pailon del Diablo,” later, go to a lookout point to see the Tungurahua active volcano. Continue to Riobamba and stay overnight.

Day 3 Baños/Cuenca

Very early in the morning, you will be transferred to Alausí’s train station to board the famous “Devil’s Nose.” This railroad section is a masterpiece of railway engineering, commonly named “the most difficult railway in the world.” The descent is extraordinary; start the ride at an altitude of 2,346 m.a.sl. and go down to 1,860 meters in just 30 minutes on zigzag-carved railway tracks. Later drive to Ingapirca Ruins, Ecuador’s best preserved and impressive Inca ruins. Continue to Cuenca this afternoon and stay overnight.

Day 4 Cuenca

After breakfast, the tour begins with a visit to the city’s historic centre, a picturesque and traditional neighbourhood of Cuenca. Here, you will visit the main attractions, including the church of San Sebastian, Calderon Park, the Flower Plaza, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, considered among Latin America’s biggest churches. Afterwards, visit the “El Paja Toquilla” Hat Factory, where you can observe the process of making the famous Panama hats. The route continues to the “El Barranco del Río Tomebamba,” and the tour will finish at “Mirador de Turi” (scenic viewpoint) to enjoy views over the red-tiled roofs and church domes of Cuenca before returning to your hotel.

Day 5 Cuenca/Guayaquil

After breakfast, only 30 minutes drive from Cuenca, you will visit El Cajas National Park, which has more than 200 lagoons and is a vital water resource for Cuenca and Ecuador. The rivers that originate here flow into the Pacific and Amazon. You will have a chance to visit the Toreadora Lagoon and later drive to Guayaquil, where you will enjoy a short city tour before your transfer to the airport.