Ecuador Avenue of Volcanoes Tour 3 or 4 days
The Avenue of the volcanoes tour in Ecuador is an amazing way to discover the Andes. Start in Quito and head south passing the Cotopaxi volcano, the beautiful colonial city of Riobamba, then, continue on the most famous train ride in the Andes, called “The Devils Nose”, Ingapirca and Cuenca (UNESCO heritage city). The fantastic view you will have will remind you the majestic power of nature. The volcanoes avenue has many active snow capped mountain peaks that impress you with its altitude and shapes. The is a non strenous and easy to enjoy sightseeing trip, fully guided excursions with stays at a small locally owned country inn in Ecuador's heartland and a restored colonial mansion in the historic UNESCO area of Cuenca.
Start touring the avenue of volcanoes
Ecuador's capital is home to the Equator line and the largest historic center in South America. South of Quito is the white capped Cotopaxi volcano and its surrounding lakes and highland vegetation.
Explore Riobamba, the devils nose and Pre Inca Ruins
Today we will enjoy a short walking tour of the city of Riobamba, located in the heartland of Ecuador, this beautiful city is surrounded by snowcapped peaks - Chimborazo, Altar and Carihuayrazo to mention the most notable. You will continue southbound and visit the quaint town Alausi with the possibility of visting the devils nose (train is not available at the moment). To add on more to this quite active day a visi to the Ingapirca Cañari/Inca ruins is a great way to learn about the historical heritage of Ecuador. finally end your trip in Cuenca or Guayaquil according to your choice.
Decide to visit Cuenca or Guayaquil
Cuenca is a beautiful blend of tradition and Andean culture in a colonial Andalucian style city. Cobble ston streets, unique architecture and more. On the other hand Guayaquil is a bustling river port with modern infrastructure and tropical climate, to reach the city from the Andes you must pass the cordillera.
Colonial Cuenca or Tropical Guayaquil
An extra day allows to you to enjoy a city tour of one of ecuador's most important cities.If you decide on Cuena, you will be able to walk amonst artisan work shops, visit colonial churches with amazing religious art collections, learn the process of Panama hats and if you have an adventurous palate try the Cascarillas (Pork dish).
If you decide on Guayaquil, visit the riverfront boardwalk, hike up Santa Ana hill, learn about the musical history and who was Julio Jaramillo, explore the iguana park and more.
Traveling by train makes you go back in time, where you people used roads that now are far from the big avenues.
- Is the Avenue of the volcanoes available year round?Yes, Ecuador is a destination that is located at the Equator line with no notable season changes and plaeasant weather year round
Highlights
- A guided tour of the limpiopungo lake and if you are in good shape hike to the Cotopaxi volcano glacier (optional)
- Enjoy the mountain city of Riobamba in Ecuador's heartland, with its beautiful historic center
- Visit the breathtaking Devils Nose and explore the tracks that allowed the train to climb the mountain as it went from the Andes to the Coast (Train operation is halted until further notice)
- Learn about the brave Cañari as an indigenous guide will tell you how the Incas failed to completely conquer them on your guided tour of Ingaprica
- Walk amongst the cobblestoned streets of Cuenca, considered by many Ecuador's most beautiful city
Tour includes
- Transportation
- Cotopaxi day tour
- Devils nose train ride(if available)
- Ingapirca ruins visit
- Cuenca city tour
- Airport transfer to Cuenca airport – English speaking guide
- 1 night in selected hotel class in Riobamba, 1 night in selected hotel class in Cuenca
Tour does not include
- Entrance fee Cotopaxi $10
- Entance fee to Ingapirca archaeological complex $8,
- Airfare Cuenca to Quito or Guayaquil $80