Avenue of the Volcanoes Hiking Tour

This morning, we journey southward to the Cotopaxi region, where we’ll embark on a circular hike through the scenic Pita Canyon. Along the way, we take in spectacular views of the canyon and the towering Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, and Rumiñahui Volcanoes.

The trail, rated moderate, is set at an altitude ranging from 3,600 to 3,800 meters. The hike begins with a gentle climb along the Pita Canyon, tracing the path of the Pita River for about an hour as we gradually ascend into Cotopaxi National Park.

From here, we cross gently rolling terrain for about an hour and a half, passing by impressive volcanic mounds and ancient debris, ultimately arriving at the “pucara”—a historic Incan fortress ruin within the park.

The final stretch takes us around the flanks of the Cotopaxi Volcano for another hour and a half, leading us to a welcoming mountain lodge where our hike concludes. (12 km – 4 hours)

A late lunch awaits at the lodge, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at Hacienda La Cienega.

Distance walked: 12km / 7.4 miles

Hours walking: 4hrs

Elevation: 3,600-3,800m / 11,811/12,467ft.

We begin the day with an early drive to the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake. The 1.5-hour journey unfolds through the hidden valleys of the Andes, leading us to the pristine landscapes of Quilotoa.

Our hike today takes us along the rim of Quilotoa Crater Lake, known for its vivid blue-green waters. Walking at altitudes of 3,800 to 3,900 meters, the trail features a mix of gentle inclines and declines, taking approximately six hours to complete.

Following the ridge, we’ll be treated to spectacular views of the turquoise lake waters set against contrasting rocky outcrops.

A boxed lunch is provided along the way.

Dinner and overnight at Hacienda La Cienega.

Distance walked: 12km / 7.4 miles

Hours walking: 6hrs

Elevation: 3,800m/12,467ft

Today, we head to the region of Baños. Our route, once used by smugglers, traces the dramatic Pastaza Canyon at an altitude of 1,800 meters, offering stunning views of the river and vistas of the remote Llanganates Mountains, rumored to hide the lost Inca gold of Atahualpa. We pass beautiful waterfalls, including the striking Manto de la Novia.

Our journey continues with a visit to the spectacular Pailon del Diablo waterfall, where a boxed lunch will be provided.

In the afternoon, we explore the charming streets and basilica of the mountain spa town of Baños.

Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Leito

Distance walked: 7km / 4.3 miles

Hours walking: 2.5hrs

Elevation: 1,800m / 5,905ft

Today, we travel south to Chimborazo Faunistic Reserve.

Our hike through the reserve’s dry páramo landscape brings us close to Chimborazo Volcano, Ecuador’s tallest peak. Walking for around two hours, we enjoy impressive volcano views and have opportunities to spot wild vicuñas, common within the reserve, as well as the Chimborazo Hillstar hummingbird, native to the area.

Lunch awaits us at a cozy mountain lodge.

Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Abraspungo.

Distance walked: 3km / 1.9 miles

Hours walking: 2hrs

Elevation: 4,000m / 13,123ft

Continuing south, we travel to the quaint mountain town of Alausi, with its vibrant houses and distinct Andean charm. As the hub of Ecuador’s rail network, Alausi is the starting point for the famous Devil’s Nose train route. Although the train is currently not in service, the town and its historic station are well worth a visit.

We stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey, stopping to explore the Ingapirca Ruins, Ecuador’s largest and best-preserved Inca site. This stunning example of Inca architecture is open Wednesday to Sunday.

We then proceed to Cuenca, where we’ll have dinner and overnight at Hotel Victoria.

This morning, we venture into the mountains surrounding Cuenca to explore Cajas National Park, guided by a local park expert.

Our hike starts at Toreadora Lake, situated at 3,920 meters, and follows a three-hour path through striking glacial landscapes and polylepis forests, descending to the Garden of the Virgin at 3,500 meters. Cajas National Park is home to over 200 lakes and lagoons.
A boxed lunch will be provided.

This evening, dinner is at your leisure, with plenty of excellent dining options nearby in the city.

Overnight in Hotel Victoria

Distance walked: 8km / 5 miles

Hours walking: 3hrs

Elevation: 3,500–3,920m / 11,483-12,861ft

This morning, your private guide will pick you up from the hotel for a tour of Cuenca’s historic beauty.

Highlights include the charming San Sebastian neighborhood, the Modern Art Museum, Parque Calderón (the main plaza), the Flower Market, the old Cathedral of Sagrario, and the new Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which is among the largest in Latin America.

We’ll also visit a local Panama hat workshop to observe the craftsmanship behind these iconic, Ecuadorian-made hats.

Later, we explore the picturesque Barranco neighborhood along the banks of the Tomebamba River, known for its colonial architecture.

Our final stop is the Turi Lookout, which provides stunning views of Cuenca’s red-tiled rooftops and blue domes against a mountainous backdrop. Nearby, we visit the home and studio of ceramic artist Eduardo Vega.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant, and the tour concludes in Cuenca in the afternoon.

Ecuador is the second smallest South American country, and one of the most varied.

It comprises three main geographical areas: the coast, highlands and Amazon plus is home to the Galapagos Islands.

Because of its relatively compact size, it makes a great holiday destination as you can move from highlight to highlight fairly easily and rapidly.

Ecuador lies between latitudes 4º south and 2º north. Overall, climate varies according to time of year, altitude and region.

The Sierra 

In the Ecuadorian highlands, there is little temperature variation by season as temperature depends largely on altitude.

In Quito, shade temperatures range from 6 to 10ºC in the morning and from 19 to 23ºC in the afternoon, with cool nights. In the lower basins between mountains, it gets significantly warmer.

Rainfall depends on whether an area lies closer to the eastern or western Andes. To the west, June-Sept is the dry period and Oct-May the wet (with often a short, dry spell in Dec or Jan).

The best period to visit Quito and trek and climb volcanoes such as Cotopaxi is the west Andean dry season of June-Sept and Dec/Jan. This is also Ecuador’s high season. During the Oct-May wet season, most rainfall is in the afternoons.

To the east, Oct to Feb are dry and Mar-Sept are wet. Overall, the southern highlands are drier than the northern highlands.

The Coast

On the Pacific coast, rainfall becomes less from north to south. The coast can be enjoyed year-round, although from June-Sept mornings are often grey with the garua mists.

Jan-May is the hottest and rainiest time of year.

The Amazon

In Ecuador’s Amazonian region, rain can fall at any time, but Dec-March is usually the driest season and Mar-Sept is usually the wettest period.

The Galapagos Islands

Galapagos can be visited at any time of year.

The warm season is Jan-Jun, bringing calm, warm waters (around 70°F) and sunny days (72-9°F or 22-32°C), February and March being the hottest and sunniest months with blue skies and sunshine.

The islands receive slightly more rainfall during these months, occasional heavy bursts in the afternoon. Great for snorkelling and you can spend a lot of time in the water without wetsuits, with great, clear waters.

The dry ‘garua’ season is Jun-Dec an it’s a great time for marine life. August and September are the coolest when you may need a jacket in the evenings and the sea can be choppy and temperature drops around 15-24ºC on average.

There can be mist on the islands in the mornings (garua) which usually burns off by midday leaving overcast skies or a sunny afternoon.

Sea temperatures may drop to 60°F- 72°F (15-22°C) during this time and snorkellers will want a wet suit for prolonged periods in the sea.

Good kit is vital for every trip.

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Overview

Ecuador has an incredibly local and varied set of weather systems, which means you need to be prepared for almost every eventuality.

When planning for these changeable climatic conditions you will encounter across Ecuador, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.

The sun is very strong throughout the country, so good sun cream, a hat and sunglasses are vital.

It can also get very cold at night time especially in the mountains and in cities like Quito. Jumpers, fleeces and warms hats – which you can buy there – are also essential.

It can rain at any time, so always have a poncho/waterproof jacket handy.

Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.

Below is a more detailed guide.

Detailed kit list

• Medium weight parka or a down jacket.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers. The jacket needs to be water proof and roomy. Side-zip pants are recommended.
• 2-3 long-sleeve shirts – no cotton
• 2-3 short-sleeve T-shirts – no cotton
• 2 pair of hiking trousers- cotton or synthetic material (no jeans)
• 1 fleece or sweat trousers (for cold evenings)
• 2 pair hiking shorts
• Long thermals – synthetic or wool – light to medium weight top & bottoms.
• 2-3 mid-weight (wool or synthetic) socks.
• 2-3 liner socks if needed
• Athletic-type socks, several pairs, city use
• Hiking boots that are waterproof and well broken-in.
• Running/tennis shoes or sandals are very comfortable when you are in cities
• 1 lightweight wool sweater or windproof fleece
• 1 wool or synthetic warm hat.
• 1 light sun hat with a wide brim.
• 1 pair of medium-weight wool or synthetic gloves
• Broad-brimmed sunhat, essential.
• Sunglasses with UV filter.
• Scarf for cold.
• Bandanna – to protect neck from strong sun.
• Daypack (at least 30 litres). Comfortable and with waterproof lining or cover.
• Water bottle (2 litres approx.) & purification tablets.
• Personal first-aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-biotic cream, general antibiotics (ask your GP), after-bite (tiger balm), anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
• Insect repellent (just in case)
• Towel & wash-kit.
• Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand-wash cream.
• Sunscreen (factor 30+) and lip salve.
• Head-lamp (plus spare bulb and batteries).
• Penknife.
• Travel alarm clock.
• Plastic bags – ‘Zip-loc’ & tough bin liners.
• Camera and film / memory cards (take at least twice the amount you think you will need!).
• Book, e-book, mp3 player/ipod or other to help pass the time.
• Binoculars.
• Spanish/English phrasebook.
• Extra snacks i.e. cereal bars or favourite chocolate bars.

Miscellaneous others

• Money belt.
• Passport.
• U.S. dollars cash, mixed-denomination notes, undamaged and unmarked.
• ATM cash/credit card.
• Any inoculation certificates.
• Personal & medical insurance certificates.
• Presents e.g. Postcards from home.
• Comfortable clothes for travel, smart clothes for night life.

Official name: Republic of Ecuador

Country population: 15,000,000

Capital city: Quito (2.51 million)

Largest cities: Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca, Machala

Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua

Latitude/Longitude: 2º S, 77º 30 W

Official currency: US dollar

Major industries: bananas, shrimp, oil, gold, roses

Time zone: GMT-5 (Galapagos GMT-6)

Andean Trails believes in Responsible Travel and actively supports several community projects.

Please see Our Advice and Our Ethos for more, and learn about the Projects We Support.

We operate the Inca Trail, our treks and tours with local firms.

We make sure that on our tours and Inca Trail we employ local staff, who are paid fair wages.

With the Inca Trail, We provide free life insurance to all of our porters. Tented accommodation and meals are provided for all trekking staff as well as foam mats, sleeping bags and rain ponchos. We have also provided the staff with trekking shoes. We ensure our porters carry a maximum of only 20kg. We offer them backpacks and they generally use back supports.

Clean burning fuel is used to cook the meals on the Inca Trail and porters carry gas stoves and butane bottles. We use biodegradable detergents when washing the cooking and eating utensils. If any part of our tour or trek is operated by another company, we try to ensure that high standards are maintained.

Our additional support helps the Huchuy Yachaq project which supports children and families in one of the poorest communities in the district of Cusco.