Ecuador: Avenue of the Volcanoes - 7 Days Tour

Overview

This one-week private guided tour explores Ecuador’s Andean highlights, including Quito, the Equator, Quilotoa, Baños, Chimborazo, and Cotopaxi National Park. It suits travelers interested in nature, culture, and outdoor activities.

Highlights

• Explore Quito’s colonial center and the Middle of the World monument
• Hike inside the crater of the green volcanic Quilotoa Lake
• Visit waterfalls and take a cable car ride in Baños de Agua Santa
• Climb to Condor Lagoon in Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve
• Hike around Limpiopungo Lake in Cotopaxi National Park

Tour Description

This private one-week tour with an English-speaking driver-guide covers key sites of the Ecuadorian Andes:

• Day 1: Arrival in Quito with private Spanish-speaking transfer to Ikala Hotel or similar.
• Day 2: Guided visit to Quito’s UNESCO World Heritage colonial center, including the Cathedral Basilica tower, Jesuit Church “La Compañía,” and San Francisco Monastery. Afternoon trip to the Middle of the World monument and ethnological museum. Overnight at Ikala Hotel or similar.
• Day 3: Drive south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Quilotoa Lagoon (approx. 4000 m). Hike to the lake, swim, or kayak. Afternoon travel to Baños de Agua Santa. Overnight at Hotel La Floresta or similar.
• Day 4: Explore Pastaza Valley waterfalls by hiking suspension bridges. Take a cable car over Manto de la Novia and Pailón del Diablo waterfalls. Visit Casa del Árbol viewpoint overlooking Tungurahua volcano. Option to relax in public hot springs. Overnight at Hotel La Floresta or similar.
• Day 5: Early travel to Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve refuge. One-hour climb to Condor Lagoon at nearly 5100 m. Overnight at Hacienda La Ciénega, historic estate visited by Alexander von Humboldt.
• Day 6: Visit Cotopaxi National Park with a 45-minute hike to the refuge at 4864 m. Walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon for 90 minutes to observe birds and wild horses. Visit the park interpretation center, then return to Quito. Overnight at Ikala Hotel or similar.
• Day 7: After breakfast, private transfer to the airport or continuation to Galápagos Island Hopping tour.

Included

• Private transfers: Airport - hotel in Quito - airport
• English-speaking private driver-guide for 5 days
• Accommodation in half double rooms with daily breakfast:
  • Ikala Hotel, 3 nights
  • Hotel La Floresta, 2 nights
  • Hacienda La Ciénega, 1 night
• Entrance fees to:
  • Basilica Cathedral
  • Jesuit Church “La Compañía”
  • San Francisco Monastery
  • Middle of the World monument
  • Quilotoa Lagoon
  • Casa del Árbol
  • Ulba Waterfall
  • Manto de la Novia Waterfall
  • Devil's Cauldron Waterfall
  • Cable car ride over Pastaza River
  • Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve
  • Cotopaxi National Park

Exclusions

• International flights
• Meals not mentioned
• Entrance fee to Baños hot springs
• Tips

Important Information

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing for cooler high-altitude temperatures
• Carry water and stay hydrated
• Bring a camera for landscape photos
• Use sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
• Not suitable for those with back problems, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with altitude issues

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour start for a full refund.

Booking Tips

Book this tour in advance to secure your preferred dates. The best time to visit the Andes is during the dry season, from June to September. Pack for variable weather conditions and altitude.