Vaquero on Horseback, Mountains, Clouds, Horses, Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

Avenue of the Volcanoes

Two hours’ drive south from Quito is the Avenue of the Volcanoes, a road that winds its way between Andean foothills dotted with volcanoes.

The area offers fantastic views of the snow-capped volcanoes, lush green valleys and mountain lakes, the perfect place for many outdoor activities. Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, conical in shape and snow-capped all year round. Not only is it a beautiful mountain to look at, but also a fun challenge to climb.

Cotopaxi Volcano, Avenue of Volcanoes, Ecuador
Cotopaxi Volcano, Avenue of Volcanoes, Ecuador

A little more about the Avenue of the Volcanoes

This area has many traditional haciendas, often remaining in the same family for generations, and representing a wonderful place to stay to get a feel of the real Ecuador. The weekly markets here also offer a colourful insight into rural life for the Andean Indian communities.

Experiences

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Need Inspiration?
Browse our Ecuador holiday ideas.

Our Ecuador experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Chilcabamba Lodge £££££

  • Americas - South
  • Wilderness

Built from local materials, Chilcabamba Lodge is cosy, unpretentious and charming. This family-owned lodge has only 13 rooms and is surrounded by the rugged peaks of the four towering mountains.

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Hacienda La Alegria £££££

  • Ecuador
  • Farmstead and Ranches

A family-run organic farm situated south of Quito in the heart of the nation’s Andean region, Hacienda La Alegria is one of Ecuador’s traditional working homesteads. With just ten comfortable rooms that cater to everyone from independent travellers to families and private groups, the property is decorated in an authentic style with cotton bedding, solid cypress floors and beamed ceilings.

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Hacienda San Agustin de Callo £££££

  • Ecuador
  • Farmstead and Ranches

Situated on the site of an Inca fortress at the base of the active Cotopaxi volcano, Hacienda San Agustin de Callo is a working farm built in a unique architectural style that reflects its 15th-century origin.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Bird

From quaint Andean villages and colourful markets to staggering volcanic landscapes and the Amazon Rainforest, Paul has explored the length and breadth of Ecuador.

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  • 01285 880 980

John Faithfull

John rode the railways of Ecuador on the carriage roof before it was outlawed, but still recommends a jaunt along the Devil’s Nose – an engineering marvel that can still be enjoyed from inside a carriage.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Roxy Dukes

My specialist areas are the Americas and polar regions, where I’ve formed lasting connections with both the land and its people. Known for bringing these wild places to life, I design immersive programmes that go beyond the ordinary, helping my clients to connect with nature in a deep and meaningful way.

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  • 01285 880 980

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