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Avenue Of Volcanoes
South of Quito lies a wild landscape strewn with active volcanoes and the National Parks of Cotapaxi and Chimborazo. Cotapaxi national park is dominated by Mount Cotapaxi, the highest active volcano in the world, soaring to 19,700ft. The park contains excellent flora and fauna with herds of llamas and deer, hummingbirds, and the elusive Andean condor, as well as scenic walking trails.
The small village of Saquisili metamorphoses every Thursday into the largest local Indian market in Ecuador, where every possible item imaginable is for sale.
The town of Riobamba is the starting point for the roof top train journey to the sheer rock wall known as the ‘Devils Nose’, considered to be one of the best train journeys in the world. The region again has an abundance of haciendas offering horse riding, mountain biking and the opportunity to attend a traditional rodeo. THINGS TO SEE AND DO
The area known as the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’ is a beautiful part of their country. Below are some the options the region has to offer, though we can tailor any itinerary to your interests.
Cotapaxi National park. Located 1 ½ hrs by vehicle south of Quito, the park contains a wide range of flora and fauna including; hummingbirds, the Andean lapwing, deer and llamas. Dominated by the Cotapaxi volcano (5,897m), this diverse park has a high plateau with lakes, whilst its lower slopes are covered in pine forest. Both of these terrains offer gentle walking trails. For the more active it is possible to summit Cotapaxi Volcano. Saquisili. This small but very important market town is famous for its Thursday market. The 7 plazas transform into a jungle of people and colours selling every animal, woven item and food produce imaginable. The market is a wonderful place to watch the local Indian population, wearing full traditional dress and felt hats, barter and socialise.
Chimborazo Volcano(6,310m). The road continuing south to Riobamba, gives you the option to go around the Chimborazo Volcano, snow capped and covered in glaciers it is a spectacular sight.
The Devil’s Nose. From the town of Riobamba you are able to take the train towards Cuenca. This exciting route, taking 7 hours to complete, passes around and through the surrounding valleys and mountains until it reaches the famous Devil’s Nose, where the steep descent is accomplished by a series of switchbacks. At the bottom you view the rock face in the shape of the Devil’s nose. You may ride on the roof of the train, which gives superb views of the area, or alternatively, sit inside the carriage.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Avenue of Volcanoes
This is one of our favourite haciendas in Ecuador, due to its historic building and location. The hacienda has the form of a working ranch with a courtyard and rooms running off from it.
Avenue of Volcanoes
Hacienda Leito is a typical Ecuadorian hacienda. It has retained all the original characteristics; hardwood floors, open fireplaces and a charismatic décor that blends into its surroundings.
Avenue of Volcanoes
Estrella del Chimborazo is a rustic trekking lodge set at the foot of the Chimborazo volcano. This is a place where you come to see the scenery and to undertake some superb walking; accommodation is secondary
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