The Avenue of the Volcanoes

"Ecuador"

This tour takes us along the beautiful landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes and provides us a chance to admire the high snow–capped mountains: ’The Avenue of the Volcanoes’.

The Itinerary

Day 1: (Friday)
We drive to the Antisana Volcano, the 4th highest mountain in the Ecuadorian Andes (5750m/18860 ft). Massive glaciers feed water to kales and rivers of the reserve which sustain the abundant wildlife of the region. Fifty percent of the Andean Condors that live in Ecuador have chosen Antisana as their home as well as many other species of highland birds. For centuries, the beautiful landscapes around Antisana were only within reach of scientists, geographers and intrepid exploratory expeditions; nowadays there is an excellent road to take you to this magnificent moorland (paramo), pristine, full of wildlife and unmatched scenery. Lunch at farmhouse. Drive south to Lasso for an overnight stay at the beautiful Hacienda La Cienega.(L)

Day 2 :
After an early breakfast, we visit the first Ecuadorian mainland national park, where Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano (5907m/19400ft), the main attraction is. You can explore the Andean moorlands paramos with more than 90 species of highland birds, hike up to the snow line (4800m) or enjoy the beautiful sights provided by other nearby volcanoes like Ruminahui, Sincholagua and Quilindana. The rest of the afternoon you explore Tilipulo, one of the oldest haciendas in the country and witness the production of ceramics in Pujili and the beautiful colonial architecture of Latacunga, the capital city for the Cotopaxi province. The town of Salcedo will welcome us for the night in Hotel Rumipamba de las Rosas (B L).

Day 3:
After breakfast, we go to a remote area hidden in the middle of the mountains, where Indians keep crops of garlic and onions at elevations over 4000m (13120ft) and where the famous native Tigua paintings and wooden masks are made. After a drive on a dirt road, we arrive to the dark green Quillotoa Crater Lake (3810 m/12497 ft) – a hike into the crater’s bottom is optional. At the rim of the crater we have a picnic lunch. Before we drive to the pleasant warm Patate valley, facing the active Tunguarahua volcano (5016m/16453ft). In amidst cloud forest with its exotic vegetation we spent the night at Vina del Rio (B L)

Day 4 :
After breakfast we leave Patate to go find the highest snow capped peak in Ecuador, the majestic Chimborazo (6310m/20697ft). The area of paramo around this giant has been declared a Natural Reserve for Fauna Production, where vicunas roam in the wild. These are the smallest relatives to the larger Andean Llama and the species to produce the best and finest quality of wool in in the world. We hope that the impressive view of Chimborazo or its lower but not less impressive neighbour Carihuayrazo (5020m/16466ft) are clear of clouds. The rest of the day we spend at a delightful mountain refuge. Return to Quito.

General Information

Rated: Easy

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	2	3	4	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 763	$ 632	$ 513	$ 154
EUR	€ 633	€ 524	€ 426	€ 128
GBP	£ 427	£ 354	£ 287	£ 86

(*) Price last updated on 22 February 2004. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request

Included:
Private transport, double room accommodation with private facilities, bilingual guiding services, meals as indicated, and all entrances fees.

Not included:
Other meals, personal expenses, tips, beverages, extras.

Ecuador Selections