Although there is a lot to see and experience in Ecuador, that’s an understatement. A two or even three week trip isn’t enough to take in all of the sights and activities in this exciting country. One of those many possibilities is situated just south of Quito, and it goes by the evocative name of the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
As one might guess, the Avenue of the Volcanoes does indeed feature several volcanoes. However, before we let our imagination get the best of us and envision a road between dark red mountains with lava running down their slopes, we need to talk about the reality of volcanoes in Ecuador.
Although there are a few active volcanoes along this scenic avenue, most volcanoes in this Andean nation are inactive or extinct. Both the active and inactive volcanoes are incredibally scenic, majestic mountains capped with snow and ice. Yes, although they are on the equator and happen to be volcanoes, their height puts them into the cold reaches of the sky.
When traveling through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, fantastic mountain scenery is visible in every direction, including beautiful Cotopaxi, a 5,897 m (19,347 ft), snow topped mountain and second highest active volcano on the planet. Scenic hiking and horse-back rides are possible at Cotopaxi and in other parts of the avenue, as are stays in cozy, classic Ecuadorian haciendas.
Take a trip through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to enjoy spectacular mountain scenery during your Ecuador trip!