Ecuador Travel

Chimborazo Altar Sangay

Chimborazo Altar Sangay

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Overview

Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes consists of several mountain peaks that run from the northern Andes through the central Andes area. The Avenue of the Volcanoes basically runs between the two different mountain chains that fall on either side of the valley, the Eastern and Western Cordillera. Along this route, travelers can find a number of active volcanoes,including Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes on Earth, and Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador and the closest point to the sun due to its towering height. Driving down through the Avenue of Volcanoes either by bus or in private transportation allows the tourist to see many mountains and volcanoes in close proximity to one another. Some are active while others are dormant. Both types create a dramatic and a photogenic backdrop for a traveler’s photographs. In fact

The name “Avenue of the Volcanoes” was initially coined by Alexander von Humboldt early in the nineteenth century (1802). Along the avenue, many of the volcanoes are still active. Quito itself is located in the Avenue of Volcanoes. Over the last couple of hundred years, many have attempted and succeeded in climbing the peaks in the Avenue of Volcanoes. One famous climber who tackled many of the peaks includes Edward Whymper, a nineteenth century explorer.

In fact Ecuador owns 72 volcanoes including Galapagos Islands volcanoes, 59 of them are in mainland and can be seeing during a car trip of almost 5 hours or 6 depending on traffic, it is an amazing experience seeing such amount of high alltitude volcanoes, maybe one or two are erupting during your visit.

Through the Avenue of Volcanoes exist many local indigenous villages that operate as they have for centuries. Each has its own traditions, artisan hand-crafts and styles of dress. The indigenous markets that can be found along the way are places where visitors can buy local goods including textiles and weavings, wood work, baskets, jewelry and ceramics. For those who are interested, fruit, vegetables and livestock can also be purchased.

In addition to the beautiful local villages, the Avenue of Volcanoes has much to offer to the outdoor enthusiast. There are spectacular climbing opportunities for the novice as well as for the highly advanced. There are also half day as well as multi-day hikes that can be experienced in this section of the Andes. Additionally, many enterprising operators offer biking down some of the mountains such as Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. Also available to be experienced is horseback riding and bird and wildlife spotting.

Some of Ecuador’s highest peaks are found in the Avenue of the Volcanoes. In fact, this applies to numerous of the peaks of the Avenue of the Volcanoes:

Chimborazo – 6310 meters (20,702 ft)
Cotopaxi – 5897 meters (19,347 ft)
Cayambe – 5790 meters (18,996 ft)
Antisana – 5704 meters (18,713 ft)
El Altar – 5320 meters (17,454 ft)
Illiniza Sur – 5263 meters (17,267 ft)
Sangay – 5230 meters (17,158 ft)
Carihuairazo – 5020 meters (16,469 ft)
Tungurahua – 5016 meters (16,456 ft)
Cotacachi- 4939 meters (16,204 ft)
Sincholagua-4898 meters (16,070 ft)
Imbabura- 4609 meters (15,121 ft)
Guagua Pichincha 4,776m (15,670 ft)
Rucu Pichincha 4,627m (15,180 ft)

It is possible to arrange tours in Quito in order to travel through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, to allow the visitor an opportunity to see many of the mountains and visit the local attractions and villages along the way, including the indigenous markets. One popular route heads from Quito to the Cotopaxi National Park, onward to Riobamba, passing most of the highest peaks along the way and then down to Cuenca.

Highlights

Chimborazo – the highest mountain in Ecuador, and the closest point on the globe to the sun due to its proximity to the Equator, Chimborazo is a sight to be seen. Until Mount Everest was discovered and measured, Chimborazo was thought to be the highest mountain in the world. Close to Riobamba, this mountain can be climbed, though it is tough and should not be climbed without a guide. It requires some experience with walking on ice. Visitors who are not fond of climbing adventures can simply observe and photograph it. .

Cotopaxi – one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi is located approximately one hour from Quito and it towers over the city. Were it to erupt (and it is overdue), the surrounding cities’ survival, particularly Latacunga’s, would be threatened by mud flows. For now, the volcano makes for a popular climb or for a short hike from the parking lot up to the refuge.

Tungurahua – with a name that translates to “throat of fire,” Tungurahua is one of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes. It frequently threatens the popular visitor destination of Baños, which is occasionally evacuated due to the risk. At night on a clear day, if the volcano is erupting, visitors can observe the lava flow from a few different viewpoints.

Illinizas – the twin mountains of Illiniza Norte and Illiniza Sur can often not be seen, as they are frequently hidden by clouds. On a clear day, they can be seen, and even if the day is not clear, they can be climbed. Illiniza Norte is a steep hike and scramble, and can be undertaken by the relatively inexperienced. Illiniza Sur is a technically challenging mountain to climb with a glacier at the top and should only be climbed by the experienced climbers and accompanied by a guide.

Cayambe – north of Quito in the direction of Otavalo, the volcano of Cayambe is frequently visible to those traveling along Ecuador’s northern section of the Pan American Highway. After taking a few snapshots of the volcano, or climbing it (for the experienced climber), visitors can head into Cayambe town and pick up some bizcochos, a tasty local treat served with cheese.

Antisana – this four-peaked mountain sits in the national reserve that has the same name: Antisana. It is often not visible as its summit and glaciers are hidden by clouds. It can be seen from the Papallacta area, and on a very clear day from Quito. The climb is technically challenging and travelers might be lucky enough to spot a condor or two circling above.

Cotacachi- this legendary volcano is listed as one of Ecuador’s dormant volcanoes. Climbing it is a real challenge due to its eroded peak. It is considered that as a result of one of its erosions, the volcano Cuicocha was formed. Within the crater of the Cuicocha volcano emerges a lake that holds the same name.

Imbabura – this is a full day hike on this extinct volcano, which is close to Otavalo. There is loose rock at the top. The climb takes around eight hours from the parking lot, or 12 hours from La Esperanza. From Quito, take a bus to Otavalo and from there take a taxi to La Esperanza or the parking lot, depending on how much you want to hike.

Pichincha – Guagua and Rucu Pichicnha are two volcanoes located 10km west of Quito. Guagua which means baby in the Quichua languages is higher than its neighbor and currently active. In fact, it covered the Ecuadorian capital with ash in 1999. Rucu, which means old, is inactive and located a bit closer to Quito.

Sincholagua- an inactive volcano located 45km southeast of Quito and about 15 km northeast of Cotopaxi Volcano. It is less frequently climbed than any of the other mountains because it is difficult to access. However, those who make the effort to get to the volcano are rewarded with a beautiful hike and spectacular views of Cotopaxi.

Getting There

To get to the Avenue of the Volcanoes, the traveler simply needs to head to any part of Ecuador’s Pan American Highway that runs north to south and vice versa through the country. There is some debate as to where exactly the Avenue of the Volcanoes starts and ends, but most put it between Cayambe in the north of the country and Tungurahua in the Central Andes. One of the best ways to see the Avenue of the Volcanoes is to take a bus or private transportation / tour, from Quito to Riobamba, and perhaps as far as Cuenca. The best chance of seeing the volcanoes is in the drier seasons of June through August and December and early January. Most of the national parks and reserves have an entry fee.