Ecuador's Avenue of VolcanoesSouth 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. Riobamba is the town where the famous 'roof top' train journey commences it's stunning route 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. TO SEE AND DO The area known as the 'avenue of volcanoes' is a beautiful part of the country. Below are some the options the region has to offer, though we can tailor any itinerary to your interests. Cotapaxi National park. Located one and a half hours 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.
| 
