The Avenue of the Volcanoes

The central sierra of Ecuador is known as “The Avenue of the Volcanoes” (325 km), a necklace of 'snow-cones' like a jeweled crown, Chimborazo, Antisana, Cayambe, Tungurahua and the mighty Cotopaxi-to name perhaps the most emblematic-are all highly prized mountain-climbing destinations that rise well over 5000 meters above sea level and give the overall Andean landscape, viewable from large cities to small towns, a character of unsurpassable splendor.

People wear bright ponchos and typical hats; they preserve their ancient harvesting traditions and keep a close bond with their animals. In Ecuador close encounters with indigenous communities who maintain their own language, traditions, and beliefs are easy to come by.

What to bring: Raincoat, warm clothing, sunscreen, bottled water and dress in layers.

Papallacta Hot Springs complex: 37 miles (60km) from Quito at 10,824 ft (3,300 m) in the high moorlands is the perfect spot to leave the stress behind and take advantage of a massage at the SPA while enjoying the view of the majestic snow-capped Antisana volcano (5753m/18872ft).Papallacta´s thermal waters contain sulfates, sodium, calcium, chloride and traces of magnesium which are odorless, colorless but have a slightly salty taste. Besides improving intestinal function, the baths' curative properties are also anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and anti-rheumatic.

Cotopaxi National Park:31 miles (50km) south of Quito in the province of Cotopaxi, the Park is located at 5897 meters above sea level, and rising majestically above the Andean mountains, the Cotopaxi volcano is Ecuador's highest active volcano. The Park is surrounded by haciendas and trails that provide the opportunity for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and trekking. Inside the Park there is the Limpiopungo Lagoon where you might see Andean gulls, rabbits, llamas and horses.

Antisana Reserve:31 miles (50 km) southeast of Quito it’s the Antisana volcano 18,886 ft (5758m). Its total area is approximately of 120,000 hectares (296,600 acres).There are numerous species of animals in the reserve, mainly birds such as hummingbirds and the majestic Andean Condor.

Zumbahua Village:Saturday 6hrs - 15hrs. Located at 3 hours from Quito and 30 minutes from Tigua. Village known for their colorful paintings of landscapes of the Andes done on sheepskin. The place springs to life, as locals from surrounding villages bring their goods to sell at one of the most colorful and authentic markets in the area. The highlight is watching the town transform early in the morning, as traditionally dressed families come parading by with llamas or goats.

Tigua:Close to Zumbahua you will run into Tigua, a small town with a community dedicated to produce naïf paintings on dried sheep skin. These paintings are very colorful, and portray the lands and customs of the people that live around the Quilotoa.

Quilotoa Lagoon: At approximately 93 mi (150km) there is the Quilotoa Lagoon which is a water-filled caldera with turquoise and green waters surrounded by mountains full of ancient tales. This caldera was formed by the collapse of the volcano in an eruption that took place approximately 800 years ago.

Baños - “Gateway to the Amazon”:About 95 miles (153 km) south of Quito.Located in the middle of a mountainous region, it’s very well known for its natural hot springs. The lovely scenery around Baños is the area's other main attraction, it offers good hiking trails, horseback riding, canopying, and mountain biking among other activities. From here you can see the Tungurahua volcano 16,479 ft. (5,023 m) during its eruptive process. There are also more than 60 waterfalls being the best known Pailón del Diablo, Manto de la Novia, Cabellera de la Virgen, Inés María, and others.

Riobamba:At 102 miles (165 Km) from Quito. It’s a tourist attraction for local and foreign visitors due to its unique natural and architectural beauty. Located in the foothills of Chimborazo volcano, the city shows many twentieth-century architectural gems.

Chimborazo: It’s the highest volcano in Ecuador with 20,702 ft (6,310 meters) above sea level. It is located in the central Andes, 150 km southwest of Quito. It has attracted famous adventurers and scientists such as Humboldt and Whimper. In ancient times, indigenous communities worshiped this volcano as a God. At the Chimborazo Reserve alpacas, llamas and some wild vicuñas can be seen.

Devil’s Nose Train:Called the "Most Difficult Train in the World", the train trip is one of Ecuador's most famous attractions. The railroad was originally built to connect the Andes with the Coast, and the route goes up and down steep slopes, along river valleys and has to cross a wall of rock called Nariz del Diablo, the Devil's Nose.This train leaves from Alausí, a pretty little town with houses of adobe, to Sibambe and then back to Alausí.

Inca-Cañari Ingapirca Ruins:Ingapirca means “Wall of the Inca” and is the most important archaeological memory in Ecuador which stands forth as an important evidence of the Inca presence in Ecuador. It was built at the end of the fifteenth century in an area that was occupied by the Cañaris.The main structure is known as the Temple of the Sun, and it was used for ceremonial and religious purposes.Next to this archaeological site there is a museum that displays Inca and Cañari ceramics and other artifacts.