TOUR DETAILS
The German explorer Alexander von Humboldt – the greatest scientific traveler who ever lived, according to Charles Darwin – is the brains behind the denomination ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’. We can only imagine how his curious mind soaked in the landscapes of two parallel mountain ranges running for over 300 km (200 miles) south of Quito. The cordilleras have an impressive seven peaks of over 5,000 meters (17,000 ft) in altitude.
We designed a three day getaway packed with indispensable volcano experiences and drives that are anything but monotonous (over the Panamerican Highway, secondary routes and windy country roads; observe nature’s color palette changing from the muted greens and yellow of the bucolic patchworks fields to the lush spectrum of greens of the tropical montane cloud forest).
Experience wise, it is, of course, quintessential you hike up to the refuge of the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano, and even to the 5,000 meter/17,000 ft. point if you’re up for it (don’t worry, it’s still a hike and not a climb); and go horseback riding through the unique páramo ecosystem with the native chagras (a local word for cowboys). You’ll most likely see wild horses and llamas grazing these flatlands. Just don’t forget to admire today’s star volcano you hiked up earlier.
Local legend says the Quilotoa Crater Lake (a result of an implosion, rather than an explosion) is God’s eye to look up to heaven. What we know for sure is that this azure-colored lagoon has a heavenly allure. Spend the evening relaxing Andes style, at the hot springs located on a volcanic slope, overlooking the sunset over the valley until all the city lights below are lit.
At Ecuador’s adventure capital, Baños, we’ll get our blood pumping in one of three exhilarating experiences: white-water rafting down a local river, making our way down a local canyon surrounded by nothing but cloud forest, or ziplining through the tropical trees
PRIVATE TRIP
On this private trip, you’ll have our expert guide + transportation all to yourself and your travel party. Some activities have their own specilized guide on site. During those experiences, other travelers might also join your travel group, depending on the season.
DEPARTURE DATES
You can start any day of the year.
For local holidays or last minute bookings, please inquire about the availability before booking.
ACCOMMODATION
We care about responsible tourism and supporting local businesses. We’ve hand-picked small, comfortable tourist class hotels, run by friendly locals. The characterful hotels have passed the Takiri tests with flying colors. All rooms have a private bathroom. We assure you that all accommodations are clean and safe.
DEPARTURE OF THE TRIP
This trip starts and ends in Quito.
ACTIVITIES
- Activities as mentioned
- Equipment necessary for the acitivites
- Our experts: local guides (English and Spanish speaking), 24/7 support from our team.
- Meals: 2 x breakfast, 3 x lunch
- Private transportation
- Hotel accommodation
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not mentioned
- Tips for guides
- Personal expenses