Avenue of the Volcanoes holidays
Avenue of the Volcanoes holidays at a glance
The Avenue of the Volcanoes is a spectacular Andean corridor, flanked by eight towering snow-capped volcanoes running south from Quito through Ecuador’s highlands. The route shows off some of the country’s most dramatic scenery, combining volcanic landscapes with fertile valleys, indigenous communities and traditional market towns.
Travelling through the region gives you constant views of Ecuador’s volcanic giants, while opportunities for walking, cultural discovery and wildlife encounters are everywhere. The area forms the heart of many of the Ecuador itineraries we build, and connects several of the country’s most important destinations.
The rich cultural heritage of the Andes is evident throughout too, with traditional communities holding onto customs and lifestyles that have been part of the landscape for generations.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Avenue of the Volcanoes
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
The aptly named Avenue of the Volcanoes is flanked by eight dizzyingly high snowy mountains striding south of Quito down the Andean spine.
When to visit Avenue of the Volcanoes
Best time to visit Avenue of the Volcanoes? The Andean highlands enjoy spring-like temperatures year-round, so it’s less about avoiding bad weather and more about rain.
The Avenue of Volcanoes enjoys year round spring-like temperatures in these months averaging around 19-21°C depending on exact altitude, although nights are colder at around 9-10°C. Sunny clear mornings are common enough, but being the wet season so are afternoon rain showers and overcast days, although the frequency and amount of rains eases a little in January to mid-February, before picking up again as the wettest months approach. Carnival celebrations (February/March), take place throughout the Avenue of Volcanoes even in the smallest of villages.
The wet season continues during these months in the Avenue of Volcanoes. Clear sunny spells become rarer although average max temperatures remain an agreeable 19-21°C, depending on exact altitude. Afternoon rains are to be expected most days in March and April, the wettest months of the year, and the nights get chilly with an average of 9-10°C. Easter is celebrated with religious processions and cultural events and is very colourful in this indigenous region, even if generally on a smaller scale than in the cities.
June marks the arrival of the dry season in the Avenue of Volcanoes. The ever pleasant spring-like temperatures remain, with average highs of around 19°C during the day but chilly nights. Although it can (and does) still rain, this time certainly experience less rainfall and lots more sunshine making it the best time for hiking and trekking in the highlands and for unobstructed views of the volcanic peaks. Initi Raymi (between 18-24June) celebrations take place throughout the region but are particularly impressive and organised at the ancient Inca ruins of Ingapirca.
September is the final month of the dry season. There’s a little more rain than in preceding months as the rainy season approaches, but the year-round spring like temperatures continue and there are still lots of sunny and clear days to be enjoyed. The wet season rains arrive in October, increasing into November, with more overcast days and frequent afternoon downpours although you can still expect some morning sunshine during these months. Dia de Todos los Santos (all souls day/day of the dead, 2nd November) is particularly interesting in this region, the traditional indigenous heartland of Ecuador.
Top Things to do in Avenue of the Volcanoes
The Avenue of the Volcanoes blends spectacular scenery with outdoor adventure and cultural exploration.
Hike along historic trade routes in the shadow of Mount Chimborazo, an extinct volcano dominating an Andean landscape of sweeping plains, rural settlements and grazing llamas.
Get stuck into Ecuador’s beautiful highland scenery and traditional markets on this rewarding circuit.
Enjoy twists and turns on this audacious railway line carving its way through the Andes.
Travel down the Avenue of the Volcanoes to arrive at a national park dominated by one of the world’s tallest active volcanoes.
Accommodation in Avenue of the Volcanoes
Accommodation throughout the region ranges from traditional haciendas and mountain lodges to boutique hotels in historic towns. Many of our travellers choose to stay in a series of properties along the route, to experience different areas of Ecuador’s highlands.
Chilcabamba Lodge offers cosy, rustic accommodation in the Ecuadorian Andes, ideal for walkers and lovers of mountain scenery
Finca Hotel Cotopaxi Pungo is a cosy Spanish colonial style countryside hotel with magnificent views of snow-capped volcanoes including Cotopaxi.
Serene high class rural hotel beneath a towering volcano, in the style of a cosy and traditional hacienda.
Friendly, folksy hacienda, very much a working ranch. A wide range of activities is offered, including horse riding, mountain biking and hiking.
Charming, family-run hacienda geared towards horse riders, offering personalised excursions in the dramatic environment of the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Sympathetically restored colonial hacienda, with original Inca walls and a number of lovely features like open fires in the rooms and antique bathtubs. A great base for exploring Cotopaxi National Park.
Mama Hilda is a cosy countryside guesthouse suitable for walkers in the Ecuadorian Andes which offers a friendly welcome in a family atmosphere.
Colonial-style Hosteria La Andalusa is situated on a hacienda in the shadow of Chimborazo volcano, an excellent base for visits to the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Hosteria la Quinta is a rustic guesthouse in Alausi, handy for passengers on the famous train down the Devil’s Nose.
Hosteria Tambopaxi is a cosy, traditional mountain lodge providing shelter for climbers, hikers, cyclists and horse-riders, with an excellent restaurant.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Avenue of the Volcanoes
Explore our range of holidays to Ecuador which include a visit to the stunning Avenue of the Volcanoes. Book now with Journey Latin America.
Group Avenue of the Volcanoes Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Albatross: Ecuador’s highlands and Galapagos
Places visited: Quito · Avenue of the Volcanoes · Cuenca · Guayaquil
15 days from £7,136
Tailor-Made Avenue of the Volcanoes Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Ecuador’s Andes and Galapagos Islands hop
Places visited: Quito · Avenue of the Volcanoes · Guayaquil
13 days from £4,940
Self-drive Ecuador: The back roads of the Andes
Places visited: Quito · Andes to Amazon · Avenue of the Volcanoes
10 days from £3,200
Self-drive Ecuador: The Avenue of the Volcanoes
Places visited: Quito · Avenue of the Volcanoes · Cuenca
11 days from £2,900
Signature Ecuador and Galapagos: Volcanoes to the ocean
Places visited: Quito · Otavalo and the northern highlands · Avenue of the Volcanoes · Cuenca · Guayaquil
14 days from £7,520
Value Ecuador and Galapagos: At a glance
Places visited: Quito · Otavalo and the northern highlands · Avenue of the Volcanoes
9 days from £3,140
Walking in Ecuador and Galapagos
Places visited: Quito · Otavalo and the northern highlands
12 days from £5,485
FAQs about visiting Avenue of the Volcanoes
Avenue of the Volcanoes is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit the Avenue of the Volcanoes?
The central highlands have an all year round spring-like climate with temperatures averaging 21°C. The best time for a visit is Dec-Jan, while a lot of rain can be expected Mar-May. Jul-Aug are the driest months. Visit Saquisili on a Thursday to see the market. Other towns have different market days.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in the Avenue of the Volcanoes?
The main language spoken in the Avenue of the Volcanoes is Spanish.
- What is the time difference between the Avenue of the Volcanoes and the UK?
The time difference between the Avenue of the Volcanoes and the UK is GMT -5 hrs
- What places combine well with the Avenue of the Volcanoes?
Ecuador’s colonial southern city, graceful Cuenca, 250 km from Riobamba by road (3.5hrs) or rail and road.
- How do you get to the Avenue of the Volcanoes?
It’s a drive of 190 km from Quito to Riobamba, taking 2 hrs 40mins if you drive direct.
- What are the festivals and cultural events in the Avenue of the Volcanoes?
Fiesta de la Mama Negra, Latacunga, 23-25 Sep, a multi-cultural event with a historical narrative and costumed dancing and parades.
Corpus Christi: Pujili, Quilotoa Loop: May-Jun. Masked parades, fireworks and competitions.
Riobamba: There are several fiestas and parades, including one in celebration of Jesus in January; Holy Week, and the Fiesta de Abril on the town’s independence day, 21 Apr. - What currency do I need in the Avenue of the Volcanoes?
Ecuador uses the US dollar. There are banks in Riobamba but it’s best to take out money in advance in Quito where there are many ATMs.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.