This 6 day Hiking the Avenue of Volcanoes tour is for travelers who want to enjoy the Ecuadorian Andes while hiking through stunning landscapes. The Pan-American Highway is located in the valley between the eastern and western cordilleras with volcanoes on each side of the highway. The famous naturalist Alexander von Humboldt was the one to name this part of the Andes the “Avenue of Volcanoes”, when he climbed the Chimborazo Volcano in 1802.
This tour is available as a private tour and also as a shared tour with fixed departures. The private tour can start on every day of the year and the shared tour has departures every Sunday. Accommodation is at tourist class hotels and you will travel together with an English speaking guide. Discover the Ecuadorian Andes while hiking near volcanoes, crater lakes and local communities!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cotopaxi National Park
Pick up from your hotel in Quito from where we drive south through the Avenue of Volcanoes to the Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi Volcano is the highest active volcano in the world (5897 m. – 19347 ft.) and second highest mountain in Ecuador. Once we enter the National Park we drive to the Limpiopungo Lake, located at 3800 m. / 13000 ft. at the foothills of Rumiñahui volcano. Here we can observe Andean birds like Andean gulls and speckled teals and we will hike around the lake and learn about the flora and fauna of this unique paramo area. When the weather is clear we will be able to enjoy beautiful views of Cotopaxi volcano. After our hike we continue our drive towards Isinlivi where we will spend the night. Overnight at the Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge or similar.
Meals included: Lunch/Dinner
Day 2: Isinlivi - Chugchilan
After breakfast we start our hike to Chugchilan, the next village on our trip. First we descend to 2660 m. / 8427 ft. through the Rio Toachi Canyon and then we hike back up to 3000 m. / 9842 ft. to get to the road that takes us to Chugchilan. During this 5 hour hike you will have excellent views of the Toachi Canyon and you will get good impressions what is life like on the countryside of the Andes. Arrival at Chugchilan (3200 m. / 10499 ft.) where we stay overnight at Mama Hilda or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 3: Chugchilan - Quilotoa Crater Lake
Today we leave Chugchilan to hike up to the Quilotoa crater. This 5 - 6 hour hike is the most strenuous of the Quilotoa Loop, as we first descend from 3200 m. / 10499 ft. to 2993 m. / 9820 ft. and then we have to hike up to the crater at 3900 m. / 12796 ft. Once at the crater edge you will have an amazing view of the lake and its ever changing colors. Transfer to a beautiful hacienda in Riobamba. Overnight at Hacienda La Andaluza or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch
Day 4: Chimborazo Refuge
From our hacienda we drive to the Chimborazo Volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador, having an elevation of 6310 m. (20702 ft.); its summit is the furthest point measured from the center of the earth. On a clear day the majestic peak of the Chimborazo dominates the view for many kilometers. From the parking lot we will hike to the refuge, which is located at 5000m. / 16404 ft. In the Chimborazo reserve we also can observe wild vicuñas, a relative of the llama. In the afternoon we continue our drive to Baños, located at the foothills of the active Tungurahua Volcano and surrounded by beautiful green mountains. Overnight at Casa de Luis or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch
Day 5: Llanganates National Park
Today we are going to do a 6 hour hike in the Llanganates National Park, known for its amazing landscapes and mysteries. Legends say that the Inca General Rumiñahui has a large sum of gold hidden somewhere in the Tungurahua mountain range. During the hike you will see how the vegetation changes while hiking to higher elevations. Expect stunning views of the Tungurahua Volcano and the Sangay Volcano (if the weather is clear). After this great hike we return to Baños, where you can get a massage or go salsa dancing in one of the many bars. Overnight at Casa de Luis or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch
Day 6: Road of Waterfalls
We will visit the Road of Waterfalls, with beautiful scenic views. We stop at Manto de la Novia waterfall, where we go across the Pastaza river canyon in a cable car. After this you can do the Superman or watch or do puenting, which is bungee jumping from a bridge (optional). Than we hike to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, which is the most impressive waterfall in the area. After a day full of adventures in the cloud forest we return to Quito.
Meals included: Breakfast
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Price (2021)
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Included
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Not included
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Additional information
• Shared tour:
- USD 1285 p.p. (based on double accommodation)
- USD 1685 p.p. (based on single accommodation)
• Private tour:
- 3 persons: USD 1660 p.p.
- 2 persons: USD 1685 p.p.
- 1 person: USD 2395 p.p.
• This tour includes accommodation at Tourist Class hotels. Contact us for for the price of this itinerary including Tourist Superior Class or First Class hotels or let us know if you want to add some days / activities or if you want to do just a part of this tour.
• Accommodation at hotels mentioned or similar
• Transportation
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Activities as mentioned in the itinerary
• Hiking sticks
• English speaking guide and local guides
• Meals not mentioned
• Beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• The private tour can start on every day of the year and the shared tour has departures every Sunday.
• The private tour can be adapted to your wishes and preferences.
• This itinerary includes accommodation at Tourist Class hotels. Contact us for for the price of this itinerary including Tourist Superior Class or First Class hotels or let us know if you want to add some days / activities or if you want to do just a part of this tour.
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.
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