AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES
Difficulty:
Discover the Avenue of Volcanoes: A Unique Andean Experience
The Avenue of Volcanoes is a breathtaking natural corridor stretching approximately 350 kilometers through the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. This name was coined by the renowned German geographer Alexander Von Humboldt, who was captivated by the near-perfect alignment of Ecuador’s volcanoes. From snow-capped peaks to lush highlands, this iconic route showcases the dramatic beauty of the Andes Mountains.
This adventure offers an unforgettable chance to explore the most emblematic volcanoes in Ecuador, including Cayambe, Antisana, Illinizas, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Altar, and Sangay. Along the way, travelers also enjoy authentic Ecuadorian cuisine and scenic stops in traditional towns, offering a rich blend of culture and nature.
The Avenue of Volcanoes tour is designed as a one-day trek, guided by professional ASEGUIM/UIAGM-certified experts. For solo travelers, a private guide ensures a personalized and safe experience. Join us on this incredible journey through the Andes, where every moment is a postcard-worthy memory.
Avenue of Volcanoes Full-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Volcanoes and Scenic Wonders
Your adventure begins at 06h00 with pickup from your hotel or preferred location in Quito. A 90-minute drive takes us to the northern entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, where we register and receive safety instructions.
Inside the park, a two-hour exploration includes stops at the José Ribas refuge and the breathtaking Limpiopungo Lagoon. We then exit via the Caspi control and continue our scenic drive south to the Chimborazo Reserve.
This area offers stunning landscapes and walking trails with close-up views of Chimborazo — Ecuador’s highest mountain. As we continue our journey, expect amazing photo opportunities of iconic volcanoes such as Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antisana, and more.
Before heading back, we stop for a delicious lunch at a local spot. Our journey concludes with a safe return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Recommended Clothing for the Avenue of Volcanoes Tour
To ensure comfort and safety during your trek, please prepare the following gear:
Base Layer: Thermal top and bottom (synthetic material preferred)
Insulating Layer: Warm jacket and pants (down, fleece, or similar)
Outer Layer: Waterproof jacket and pants for rain protection
Extra Insulation: An additional thermal jacket for colder conditions
Accessories:
Backpack (25L to 35L)
Warm gloves
UV-protected sunglasses (Category 4)
Neck buff
Thick hiking socks
Sunscreen with high SPF
Need gear? Mauna Expeditions offers rentals and sales of required clothing and accessories.
What’s Included in Your Tour Package
Certified ASEGUIM/UIAGM guide (1 guide per 4 guests)
All park entry permits and registration
Private door-to-door transportation
First aid kit and safety briefing
Adventure video memory
Mauna Expeditions buff and thermal bottle
Full lunch, snack box, and hydration throughout the day
What’s Not Included
Personal clothing or equipment
Airfare
Accommodation in Quito
Travel or life insurance
Tips or personal expenses not listed
Tour Costs & Group Rates
1 person: Contact us for pricing
2 people: Contact us
3–5 people: Contact us
6–10 people: Contact us
11–24 people: Contact us
Booking & Cancellation Policy
To secure your spot, a 25% deposit is required. Full payment must be completed at least two weeks prior to departure. Cancellations must be made at least 21 days in advance for a partial refund. Cancellations made within 21 days are subject to full charge.
Safety Recommendations for Your Trek
Mountaineering in the Andes is a rewarding yet challenging experience. Due to the high altitude and changing weather conditions, this activity is not recommended for individuals with asthma or heart-related conditions.
This program is rated demanding, and we prioritize your safety above all. Proper acclimatization, physical fitness, and gear are essential for a successful adventure.
Duration: 1 day
Date: All year
The “Avenue of the Volcanoes” is a natural jewel of the Ecuadorian Sierra, having an approximate extension of 350km away. The German geographer and scientist, Alexander Von Humboldt, called it “Avenue of the Volcanoes” thanks to the almost perfect alignment and symmetry of our volcanoes, natural and snow-capped paradises that are always in the center of the Ecuadorian stage. Even more, Ecuador is crossed by the Andes Mountains, having natural settings with a great variety of flora and fauna. Within this route are its volcanoes and mountains starring: Cayambe, Antisana, Los Illinizas, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Altar and Sangay.
DAY 1: Avenue of the Volcanoes
We will pick you up from the hotel of your choice at 07:00 a.m. where we will have a trip in which we will begin the most exciting route of this adventure, in which we will travel the route via San Goqui. Within the transport your lunch box and hydration will be delivered, as well as certain safety instructions will be mentioned and we will make way for our first stop which will be in the “Cascadas del Río Pita Ecological Reserve” where the melting ice of the Cotopaxi volcanoes lies. and Sincholagua; It is a perfect spot to be able to take many photographs and share with the family. Within the Pita River Waterfalls, we can find in a primary forest the essence of eucalyptus, pumamaquis, floripondios, bromeliads, ferns, among others; and in its fauna we can find turtledoves, blackbirds, sparrows, owls, huiracchuros and hummingbirds. After spending time at the spot of the Pita River Waterfalls, we will take the tour to the Cotopaxi National Park, to see from a distance the most emblematic snow-capped peaks and mountains of our country: Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antisana, Cerro Puntas, Sincholagua, Ilinizas, Corazón , Rumiñahui, Pasochoa,
What to wear?
The necessary equipment that we recommend that you carry so that you have a totally pleasant experience is:
Two layers of clothing for the legs and torso:
• Comfortable and warm jacket and pants.
• Backpack.
• Thin gloves. (avoid wool)
• Buff.
• Warm socks.
• An extra sweater (to be carried in the backpack in case of extreme cold).
• Sunscreen.
• Thermal hat.
• Sports shoes or comfortable shoes.
In case you do not have some of the clothing and extra equipment, we as Mauna Expeditions will guide you where you can rent or buy these accessories.
The services included in the cost of the program are:
✓ Registration and preparation for the best experience of your life.
✓ Guidance for the ascent with certified guides (ASEGUIM/UIAGM), one guide for every 4 people.
✓ Private door-to-door transportation for the entire day of the tour.
✓ Entry permits.
✓ Adventure video about the experience in the program.
✓ Necessary mountain equipment (specified above)
✓ Lunch on the way down on the day of the ascent.
✓ Take all of Mauna Expeditions.
✓ Buff Mauna Expeditions.
✓ Lunch Box and hydration for the ascent.
The following services are NOT included in the cost of the program:
X Clothing and personal equipment.
X Air tickets.
X Hotel or hostel in Quito or place of preference.
X Life insurance or against some type of accident.
X Other expenses NOT specified in our program.
X Tips.
The price varies depending on the number of members. For more information CONTACT US
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM
To book the tour, Mauna Expeditions requires a payment of 25% of the cost of the program. Full payment must be made up to a maximum of two weeks before the start date of the tour. We do not send vouchers or confirmation messages until full payment for the program is made. Our team reserves the right to cancel the tour if the full payment is not made until the start date of the program.
The Mauna Expeditions team has put a lot of effort into organizing your program. Therefore, any cancellation must be made at least 21 days in advance. After 21 days, Mauna Expeditions may make a 50% refund depending on the cause of cancellation. Any cancellation notified less than 21 days from the start date of the program will be charged a penalty of 100% of the value of the program.
COSTS
Costs vary depending on the size of the group. A minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 24 are required to make the ascent. For cost information please CONTACT US.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Mountaineering is a high-risk sport, where we are exposed to conditions on extreme occasions. We do not recommend doing this activity for people with asthma or some kind of heart problem. The level of difficulty of the program is demanding and there is nothing that interests us more than your safety and that you enjoy our program without any external problem.
BOOK YOUR TRIP
Choose and reserve the date, then our team will contact you to confirm all the details.
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