Avenue of the Volcanoes

The extraordinary Avenue of the Volcanoes runs for some 100km south of Quito, a double line of Ecuador's greatest volcanoes separated by the deep, fertile, populous central valley. Ecuador's highest mountains - Chimborazo and famous Cotapaxi, both active volcanoes, the former higher than Kilimanjaro - line up with smaller specimens and long-retired grandees, now reduced to the dramatic stumps and collapsed craters that signal their dotage.

A journey down the Avenue is walking heaven, with a host of opportunities to climb geological absurdities to revel in Ecuador's finest views.

Some of these are day walks from Quito - consider:

-       {C}The Pichincha Volcanoes, which loom over the city.

-       {C}To the south are Atacazo, Antisana, El Chaupi and Pasochoa.

At the heart of the Avenue are the marvellous cone of Cotapaxi with its neighbor Ruminhaui. More or less - opposite, hidden to the west, is the superb and fascinating Lake Quilotoa area.

Further south and on the western range is the glorious walking area of Chimborazo.

The last great group are on the eastern side in Sangay NP: conical Tungurahua, the ruined horseshoe of spires that is El Altar and the hyperactive Volcan Sangay itself.

This is often demanding walking in remote mountains with uncertain weather, where altitude can cause real problems. Come fully prepared, including proper acclimatization.

Have a look at TripAdvisor - there are tens of millions of reviews, so you may get good, current views on guides, places to hike and places to stay in the area.

Ecuador Climbing and Hiking Guide - Viva, have worthwhile sections on this area. Find relevant books by using our Amazon search function:

 This page is at an early stage of development. Please help us by recommending your best walks, making suggestions and sending photos! Thank you!