Volcanoes to Visit

Alexander Von Humboldt named the Ecuadorian Andes “The Avenue of Volcanoes” for its 35 volcanoes in 2 mountain rainges. Some are permanently snow covered; with altitudes ranging between 3,000 and 6,310 meters its flora and wildlife will vary depending on the altitude and ecological niche going from rich agricultural fields, cloud forest, paramo grassland all the way to permanent snow. Following are just the most accessible and impressive ones.

COTACACHI

Reaching 4,944 m / 16,220 ft it looks over the valley of Otavalo and is part of the Ecological Reserve Cotacachi Cayapas. The quickest access is from Otavalo. Among its attractions are the Cuicocha lake and a soft hike around it. A more distant access will take you to the cloud forest on its Western slopes. Excellent for hiking, mountain bike and bird-watching. 2 hours North of Quito, immediate access from Otavalo.

IMBABURA

At 4,630 m / 15,191 ft it is the guardian of the Otavalo communities, San Pablo lake and the beautiful haciendas of the area. Quick access from Otavalo, its attractions include easy routes for horseback riding, mountain bike and soft hiking, all passing by small indigenous communities and agricultural fields. 1 ½ hour North of Quito, immediate access from Otavalo.

ANTISANA

It reaches 5,753 m / 18,875 ft, a private road access reaches a plateau close to the snow line and from there trekking or horse back riding towards the snow feasible given enough time. The plateau is an excellent area for mountain bike and bird-watching of Andean birds difficult to see in other areas. Its Eastern side faces the Amazon basin. 1 hour East of Quito.

PICHINCHA

Towering over Quito at 4,675 m / 15,339 ft the easiest access is using the aerial tram that gets close to the summit and after that a very easy trekking in the paramo. Dirt roads surround the volcano on the West side passing by almost unpopulated and ecologically richest side that includes agricultural fields and cloud forests. These are excellent trekking and mountain bike routes and fantastic bird-watching areas. Immediate access from Quito.

COTOPAXI

The perfect snow cone reaches 5,897 m / 19,347 ft. A dirt road off the Panamerican Highway gets very close to the snow line passing by huge volcanic rocks next to tiny plants and paramo straw. Easy hiking, mountain bike and horseback riding in the plateau; high technical climbing to reach the summit. 1 ½ hours South of Quito.

TUNGURAHUA

5,023 m / 16,480 ft above sea level, it is surrounded by agricultural fields and small communities. Easy hiking access from Baños, a small tourist town; approach should be carefully considered as it is currently going through an eruption process and access may be totally restricted at any time. Technical climbing to reach the summit. 3 hours South of Quito.

CHIMBORAZO

In full view from Riobamba, this giant volcano reaches 6,310 m / 20,702 ft and is the highest volcano in Ecuador and the second in height in the Western Hemisphere after Aconcagua. A secondary road reaches the Carrel refuge at 4,800 m / 15,749 ft, it is possible to hike toward Whymper refuge and from there on it is highly technical climbing. 4 ½ hours from Quito, 2 hours from Riobamba.