The ultimate Avenue of the Volcanoes itinerary
Table of Contents
I fell in love with Ecuador when I was only 15 years old. My family took me on a 3-week biology expedition to this comparably tiny South American nation. Having since been back many times, mostly through work, I enjoy being out there a little more each time. I especially love the journey from Quito to Cuenca on the stunning Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Journeying along Avenue of the Volcanoes trip from Quito to Cuenca is remarkable. Having put together numerous itineraries for my clients, I’m excited to share one of Ecuador’s best bits – the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The land of eternal spring has got something to offer for everyone with at least a dozen must see places to visit and it’s a great travel destination for South America first-time visitors. Due to its size, it’s easy to see most of Ecuador’s mainland in two to three weeks. Thus, the country is a great place for travellers tight on time but without having to compromise too much. Ecuador’s (touristic) infrastructure has improved drastically over the past decade. The motorways around Quito are new, efficient and modern and it’s generally easy to get around the country.
Ecuador is famous for a lot of things – the world’s best chocolate, the most bio diverse place on earth, South America’s largest outdoor market, its Panama hats (yes, there are actually from Ecuador!) and some of the continent’s most spectacular active peaks along the Avenue of the Volcanoes from Quito to Cuenca.
For the following itinerary I recommend to buy the Quito to Cuenca Pass with Ecuador Hop. The transport company, which was launched in 2019 will get you through Ecuador flexibly, safely and efficiently. Following along the Avenue of the Volcanoes and its main towns and attractions, you’ll also stop at lesser known, more off the beaten path destinations along the way.
Days 1-4: Quito - The Gateway to the Avenue of the Volcanoes
Quito, the second highest capital in the world is situated within a narrow valley surrounded by the scenic Andean mountain range. On a clear day you can see Cotopaxi looming over the city giving you a little taste of your upcoming journey along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Quito offers its visitors an insight into the times of the Spanish conquistadores and the liberation of South America by Simon Bolivar. As in so many South American cities, the narrow streets in the Old Town look completely untouched. Walking down the old cobbled, narrow streets lined by some of the continent’s most impressive churches, you really feel like you’re taken back in time. While the historic centre is the main attraction, a large number of hotels and renowned restaurants are located in Mariscal, the new part of the city.
What to do in Quito – Must Sees and Do’s
Depending on your time of arrival and level of exhaustion on the first day, you can join the free Quito walking tour by Free Walking Tour Ecuador at 2.30pm or have a walk around the Old Town by yourself. Start at the Independence Plaza, surrounded by the cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Nearby is the Church of La Compañía de Jesús and the baroque-style Church of San Fransisco. Then climb the Basilica del Voto Nacional to have an incredible view over the city.
Top Tip: The Basilica is open longer on the weekends until 6.30pm and you might want to go up for the sunset
For the five senses
Taste and Smell
Join the Street Food and Local Drinks Tour with Bondabu. This community focused, social enterprise offers authentic and immersive culinary and street food tours.
What can you skip?
I’m going to be the one to say it – you can skip La Mitad del Mundo. Although there are a few interesting facts written around the monument and shown in the small adjacent museum, I felt that this place is mostly a tourist trap and quite underwhelming – nothing compared to what you’ll see along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Also it’s not the “real” mitad, as the geographically correct one is about 1 hour north of Quito along the motorway to Otavalo.
Accommodation in Quito
treat yourself
Casa Hotel Baquedano
, located in Mariscal is a beautiful boutique mid-range option. Guests rave about the service and the attention to detail. The rooms are beautifully decorated and they’ve got a roof top terrace with comfy lounge chairs to enjoy the view. Prices start at $60 per room.
Something a little different
Quito Polo Club! This place is absolutely amazing. Located just outside of Quito close to the International Airport, it offers guests a heavenly stay in the beginning or end of their journey – a perfect escape into nature without being too far from the capital. The large, beautifully designed rooms offer stunning panoramic views out into the gardens and fields. If you bring some time with you, you can join their horse riding or polo classes.
Go Budget
The rooms, the food, the activities, their values and community engagement – Community Hostel is one of Quito’s greatest hostels. Besides being a hostel, they are also a foundation and 10% of their profits go directly to different local NGO’s. Their in house tour operator organises day- and overnight tours to places around Quito such as Mindo, Quilotoa and Cotopaxi. Prices start at around $10 for a bed in a 6-bed dorm.
Around Quito - Otavalo Market on a day trip
If you happen to be in Quito over the weekend and you plan in an extra day in Quito, I’d recommend a day trip to the Otavalo region north of Quito. Saturday is the only day where a visit to Otavalo Market, South America’s largest outdoor market is actually worth it. All other days of the week the market mainly exists for tourists. On Saturdays farmers from all over Ecuador sell their produce here and it’s lovely to see the trade. It’s also a super fun day out for families travelling!
Quito has got so much to offer- the choice about how to spend your time there won’t be easy! It’s a great starting point for your Avenue of the Volcanoes tour both culturally and geographically setting the tone for your upcoming journey from Quito to Cuenca.
Days 4-5: Cotopaxi National Park - Start of the Avenue of the Volcanoes journey
Hitting the road south, Cotopaxi National Park is your first stop along the Avenue of the Volcanoes on your way from Quito to Cuenca. Majestic active Cotopaxi stands proudly surrounded by the green and golden paramo, allowing spectacular views on Ecuador’s second highest snow capped volcanic summit. The National Parks trails are well developed and they range from easy and short ones to strenuous day multi day hikes.
Getting to Cotopaxi National Park
To get to Cotopaxi I would recommend using Ecuador Hop and book their Cotopaxi Day Tour. This day trip includes a hike up to Refugio Jose Rivas on 4800m, which is also the starting point for climbers looking to reach the summit. The roughly 2h hike from the parking lot to the refuge is steep and not to be underestimated. Make sure you have been in Quito for at least three days before to be properly acclimatised. From the refuge you can choose to hike up further up on the snow line and the glacier (only with a guide due to crevasses!). You can also visit Laguna Limpiopungo, which offers spectacular views onto the volcano.
Other reputable tour operators, some of which offer mountain bike tours include Community Adventures, Best Trip Ecuador and CarpeDM Adventures. The latter for instance will have you explore Limpiopungo Lagoon by bike! Usually tours finish around 3.30pm.
Overnight at Chuquiragua Lodge
If you choose to do the Cotopaxi tour with Ecuador Hop, you will arrive at Chuquiragua Lodge for a late lunch on the way back to Quito. This is your overnight accommodation and you will even get a discount as Ecuador Hop customer. A single private room here will be $38 USD including the discount. If you decided to go to Cotopaxi with another operator, don’t forget to arrange with them to be dropped off at the lodge on the way back.
For a challenge
Days 5-8: Quilotoa Loop
The Quilotoa Crater is one of the most picturesque places on the Avenue of the Volcanoes and a must-do when travelling from Quito to Cuenca. In case Ecuador Hop is not passing Sigchos (they might enter the area around Quilotoa from the south), organise a private transfer in the morning to take you from Chuquiragua to the trek’s starting point in Sigchos. The drive takes approximately an hour and a half and will cost about $25 USD.
The 3-day Quilotoa loop is one of the Avenue of the Volcanoes most popular hiking routes passing by friendly Ecuadorian villages with and breathtaking Andean scenery. It is also one of the easier multi day hikes with approximately 12km to hike each day although it is not well marked all the times. What makes this trek so popular is also the great selection of lodges and hostels along the way.
The first day’s hike is an easy to moderate walk of about 3-4 hours through the Toachi Canyon to Isinlivi. There are a handful of wonderful lodges and hostels to choose from but I highly recommend staying at Llu Llu Llama Mountain Lodge, one of the most magical places to stay along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The lodge also put this amazing Quilotoa guide together.
Highlight
The Black Sheep Inn Ecolodge
The second day will bring you deeper into the canyon and you will cross a suspension bridge on the way. You will ascend by about 260m and reach Chugchilan after 4-6 hours of hiking.
Here you will find one of the cosiest and most sustainable eco lodges you’ll find one your trip from Quito to Cuenca – the Black Sheep Inn. The private single rooms cost between $60- $70 USD with either ensuite or shared bathroom and wood burning stoves. The cost includes three home cooked delicious vegetarian meals and is such great value. Besides a yoga studio with breathtaking views over the canyon, a sauna and pre-bookable massages, the lodge can also organise horse riding tours and visits to several indigenous markets.
You may not want to leave after only one night, so I recommend booking for two nights straight away!
Quilotoa Crater - Must-see en route from Quito to Cuenca
Today is the most strenuous day with an ascent of about 660m to get to the rim of the Quilotoa Crater after about 5-6 hours. Time to celebrate! From here go to the Shalala Mirador lookout point and hike down to the shore. Don’t forget to check with Ecuador Hop at what time and where exactly they pick people up at Quilotoa so you can hop back on that day!
Days 8-10: Baños
What better place to relax and unwind after that trek than in Ecuador’s hot spring hot spot Baños! This is also the best place for adventure junkies on the Avenue of the Volcanoes. From canyoning to river rafting, paragliding and trekking along the region’s waterfall route, the town offers something for everyone. Baños is also famous for its Casa del Arbol and its swing at the end of the world.
Ivagatours Baños has a good selection of activities. They also offer trekking and climbing packages to explore Ecuadors highest peak and the closest point to space on earth – Chimborazo.
I also highly recommend Takiri Travel. Their mission is to provide off the beaten path experiences focusing on cultural, gourmet and adventure while embracing and empowering the local communities and offsetting the carbon footprint of their tours. Takiri offers day and multi-day tours all over Ecuador. Besides fun canyoning and rafting tours, they also organise organic farm tours and cooking classes in the region.
For the five senses
Touch and feel
You definitely want to check out the healing powers of some of the region’s hot springs. There are dozens in and around Baños but they do differ in quality and cleanliness. El Refugio Spa Garden above the city is one of the best. Besides several hot spring pools, they also offer a wide range of spa treatments.
Accommodation in Baños
treat yourself
For a really comfortable stay in the city center I recommend staying at Casa del Balcon. $50 USD a night will you get you a modern ensuite single room with a balcony including breakfast. There is also a kitchen to use if you feel like staying in and cooking!
go budget
Community Hostel is a sister property of the Quito branch. It is a safe, social and super friendly place offering excellent value. For about $30 USD a night you’ll sleep in a spacious ensuite double room with a terrace and view! A bed in a 4-bed dorm sets you back $10 USD a night. The delicious breakfast is an additional $4 USD. They also have bike hire available if you want to explore the waterfall route.
Days 10-12: Riobamba
Continuing along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Riobamba is your next destination. Compared to other Ecuadorian cities, the old town here might not be the most exciting but you will find a gorgeous cathedral and some beautiful churches and colonial buildings in Ecuador’s oldest city. Riobamba has a large Saturday market, which is worth checking out if you happen to be there over the weekend.
The city is situated in a valley and is the base for travellers hiking, mountain biking or climbing Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak! ProBici offers an exhilarating mountain tour down the volcano with an optional hike to Laguna Condor Cocha before the downhill fun begins!
For a bit more off the beaten path experience, you can travel to small village of Guaranda, also known as the Rome of the Andes as it is set idyllically amid seven surrounding hills. You won’t find many tourists here and it is especially worth a trip in February for the carnival celebrations.
From Quito to Cuenca: Riobamba – The gateway to visiting Chimborazo on the Avenue of the Volcanoes
Accommodation in Riobamba
treat yourself
Casa 1881 sets you back in time! The historic mansion is located in the heart of the Old Town and perfectly combines modern and traditional. The boutique hotel is cosy and warm and you can see that the hosts have an eye for detail to make guests as comfortable as possible. A private room ensuite with a double bed including breakfast is $35 pp per night.
go budget
Casa de Marmol offers incredible value at $18 USD for a single room per night with a shared bathroom. The guests rave about the hosts’ friendliness and welcoming nature and great coffee! There is a fully equipped kitchen available for the guests.
Days 12-14: Cuenca
Cuenca is the last stop along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. I find it one of not only Ecuador’s but South America’s most beautiful colonial cities. The UNESCO World Heritage Site seems quite similar to Quito with its cobbled streets, colourful buildings and white washed churches but it is lot smaller than the capital. Cuenca is also the capital of the Panama hat!
Arutam Ecotours are fully committed to sustainable tourism practices and organise immersive encounters in nature and with local communities. Their fabulous Artisan Villages tour in the Azuay province lets you experience different crafts and arts such as guitar and jewellery making as well as weaving in Cuenca’s surrounding villages. They also organise organic farm tours, homestays and multi-day horse ranch experiences.
Accommodation in Cuenca
The beautiful colonial town of Cuenca offers a wide range of fantastic accommodation for all budgets and preferences.
treat yourself
If there is any hotel chain truly geared towards flashpackers then it’s Selina! This quirky hotel brand operates all over Latin America and is designed to give you a fun place to sleep, travel and work. They call their guests “forever travelers”, break-takers and stay-caters. While the hotels in the Selina chain can be very hit and miss and you should reviews carefully before booking, I find the Selina in Cuenca to be a hit! Just make sure you book a private room in one of the upper floors, as there can be some noise coming from the street. Prices for private rooms ensuite start at $35 per night.
go budget
Hostal Alternative is a trendy and friendly hostel only a few blocks from the heart of the Old Town. A bed in a 4-bed dorm is about $10 per night but a private double room with shared bathroom is only $18 per night and really great value. Guests rave about the cleanliness, common areas and the great staff.
While the journey along Avenue of the Volcanoes from Quito to Cuenca is one of the most beautiful routes in Ecuador – there is so much more. To continue your journey across Ecuador from here towards the coast, you could head towards Guayaquil via El Cajas National Park and then travel up north along the Pacific Coast. Another option is to return to Quito and fly to Coca to experience the Ecuadorian Amazon for example staying at the wonderful Kapawi Ecolodge.
9 Comments
Megs
Posted at 14:38h, 19 SeptemberGreat Itinerary for Ecuador. I absolutely love Ecuador! Pinning for future travels 💚
Caroline
Posted at 14:57h, 19 SeptemberOh wow! Ecuador has been on my list for such a long time. From your post, it looks like such an underappreciated country. Definitely something different to visit and such varying scenary. Thanks for also recommending a great tour group – Definitely gotta support the local companies that enriches your local experiences and aim to do good! Quilotoa loop sounds like something that’ll really be an adventure – gotta get back to hiking fit, though. Absolutely love this guide, bookmarking it for when it is safe to travel again!
Toni
Posted at 16:43h, 19 SeptemberThanks Caroline! Agreed about supporting local businesses, I hope the majority will survive the crisis and we will be able to give them all the support when we can travel again!
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