The Avenue of Volcanoes: Cotopaxi, Quilotoa & Cuenca

Journey along Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes, beginning at majestic Cotopaxi National Park.
Gaze into the emerald Quilotoa Crater Lake and visit Andean art galleries in the Tigua community.
Explore Ingapirca, Ecuador’s largest Inca ruins, after panoramic views of the Devil’s Nose railway.
Discover Cuenca’s artisan trail, meeting traditional weavers, jewellers, and guitar makers.
Cross the Andes to Guayaquil via Cajas National Park and unwind with lunch at Hacienda La Danesa.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,238 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,238 Reviews

Trip Features

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Rural Charm

Highlights countryside settings rich in character, culture, and tranquillity.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Active & Adventure

Trips that keep you active while exploring the great outdoors.

Private Guided Experiences

Explore in the company of expert private guides.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Rural Charm

Highlights countryside settings rich in character, culture, and tranquillity.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Active & Adventure

Trips that keep you active while exploring the great outdoors.

Private Guided Experiences

Explore in the company of expert private guides.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Quito to Cotopaxi

DAY

Cotopaxi to Riobamba via Quilotoa

DAY

Riobamba to Cuenca via Alausi & Ingapirca

DAY

The Craftsman Trail

DAY

Cuenca to Guayaquil via Bucay

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Quito to Cotopaxi

Your day starts in Quito with a two-hour drive through the Andes to Cotopaxi. Along the way, you'll pass by bustling towns and small villages, along with beautiful alpine views (weather permitting). Approaching Cotopaxi National Park, you will be able to see the snow-capped summits of both the Cotopaxi and the Antisana volcanoes on a clear day. You will visit the Cotopaxi Interpretation center to learn about the history of its major eruptions as well as the local flora and fauna. Later, visit the windswept Limpiopungo Lake and discover the area by walking around it. Surrounded by beautiful peaks with Cotopaxi looming in the distance, it’s a beautiful setting to begin your discovery of the Andes ecosystem. Optionally, if you feel like a longer walk, drive up the lower slopes of Cotopaxi, then embark on hike to the Jose Ribas mountain refuge (15,750 ft | 4,800 m asl), a small hostel used as a base for climbers preparing to climb to Cotopaxi’s summit. From here you will have spectacular views of Cotopaxi itself and the surrounding volcanoes of the Andes.

Multi Day Tour

Quito to Cotopaxi

Meal

Dinner

Your Accommodation

Hacienda Chilcabamba

For those seeking a deep connection with nature, Chilcabamba is the mountain lodge that brings you closer to the majesty of the Andean highlands. Chilcabamba serves as the ideal retreat for couples, families, and small groups alike. From a breakfast face-to-face with Cotopaxi Volcano to a cozy fire beneath a magnificent star-studded sky at nightfall, Chilcabamba provides comfort and just the right touch of sophistication in a remote, simple, and charming setting that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings of the Andean highlands. Located in Pedregal at an elevation of 3,480 meters (about 2.16 mi) above sea level, it is just six kilometers from Cotopaxi National Park.

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DAY

Cotopaxi to Riobamba via Quilotoa

After breakfast, leave Cotopaxi and continue along the route through the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The drive to Quilotoa will take approximately three hours. Along the way, we will see indigenous markets. These markets are as authentic and untouristed as one can find in Ecuador today. They are important for the local indigenous people because the markets are the center of their social and economic worlds. Please note: Markets take place in the following days.- Tuesday: Latacunga – Wednesday - Sunday: Pujili – Thursday: Saquisili - Saturday: Zumbahua. Afterward, you will visit the volcanic crater of Quilotoa, where you can appreciate a serene, green lake that is over 800 feet deep. The two-mile-wide caldera was formed by the collapse of the now-dormant volcano following a massive eruption about 600 years ago. Here you’ll have the option of a short walk of 1.7 km along the crater's slope to take in the fantastic scenery. On the way back, stop to visit the galleries of Tigua community where you can appreciate the paintings that represent the folklore of this area in the Andes, art that has transcended and up to the third generation. After, you have the option of taking a painting class from a local artist, trying to learn the skills of these master artists and briefly immersing into their world.

Multi Day Tour

Cotopaxi to Riobamba via Quilotoa

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Hacienda Abraspungo

The Hacienda Abraspungo is located at 2,754 metres above sea level and is surrounded by the magnificence of the Ecuadorian Andes. It is named after a glacial valley which is situated between the Chimborazo Volcano and Carihuairazo, in the exact centre of Ecuador. The architectural style offers the best of traditional colonial design often used in the ancestral mansions and haciendas of Ecuador. Abraspungo offers 42 comfortable rooms which incorporate modern interior design elements within the framework of traditional, colonial architecture.

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DAY

Riobamba to Cuenca via Alausi & Ingapirca

The biggest complication faced by the construction of the Trans-Andean railroad was the Devil’s Nose, a mountain with almost perpendicular walls. To overcome this obstacle a zigzag railroad was built that climbs more than 1,600 feet (500 meters) in less than 7.5 miles (12 km) with steep ascents and descents. It today remains an impressive piece of engineering. Though the railroad is currently closed, there is a nearby lookout that allows visitors to take in the sights. While recovering from the mind-blowing descent you will enjoy the views of the narrow gorge of river Chanchán and will have the chance to learn a bit about the traditions and worldview of the Puruhuas in Sibambe. The way out of Sibambe will be hiking to the Pistishi viewpoint. The route will take one hour uphill, and once there you will have an spectacular view of the Nariz del Diablo railroad. If you prefer, you can also have transportation waiting to drive you to the viewpoint. After admiring the view of the Devil’s Nose from the viewpoint, you will drive approximately two hours to Ingapirca. The Ingapirca Ruins, are the largest and best preserved archaeological complex in Ecuador. The Inca Empire’s only remaining sun temple, it was built with stones perfectly carved and joined with natural mortar. The temple served as a venue for ceremonies and rituals of the Cañari-Inca culture, and also had strategic military purposes. Here you will explore the complex, learning about the various structures – from baths to the wineries. After visiting Ingapirca, you will drive approximately 1.5 hours to reach Cuenca where you will overnight.

Multi Day Tour

Riobamba to Cuenca via Alausi & Ingapirca

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Hotel Victoria Cuenca

Hotel Victoria is located in the nestled between the hustle of Calle Larga and the serenity of Barranco: you'll have the stream of the river at your feet and the concurrence of our Historical Center just some steps away. Yet Hotel Victoria's charms are gathered inside: from their imposing brick-and-marble facade to decorations, cuencanas the whole of them, disposed at every room. They offer an experience that matches the host city: full of delights, with centennial distinction; but where you'll always feel as it being at home.

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DAY

The Craftsman Trail

Today you will explore and celebrate the traditional craftspeople of Ecuador. The towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, are located just 45 minutes East of Cuenca will be your bases of operation. In these traditional settlements set in beautiful Andean landscapes, you will meet families who are still making textiles the way the "Cañaris" (the pre-Inca inhabitants) did more than 500 years ago. You will also visit the workshops of a traditional jewelry maker, a guitar maker’s that forms part of the ‘Guitar Trail’, and a ‘Chola Cuencana,’ who stills makes her straw hats in the traditional manner. Along the way you will also have the opportunity to visit an orchid farm that houses more than 2,000 species of orchids, as well as visiting shoemakers, jewelers, the food and fruit market, and more.

Multi Day Tour

The Craftsman Trail

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Hotel Victoria Cuenca

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DAY

Cuenca to Guayaquil via Bucay

Departing very early from Cuenca, you will begin to make your way to Bucay on Ecuador’s coast. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours straight through, however you will likely be tempted to stop and take in the views or stretch your legs with a short hike in the stunning Cajas National Park on the breathtaking descent from the Andes. This park, virtually unknown outside of Ecuador, is home to Lord of the Rings type landscapes, along with incredible flora and fauna. As the drive continues, you will make your way through a variety of Ecuador’s incredible ecosystems. The rapid descent from the Andes into the lowlands is spectacularly scenic, with snowy peaks, misty forests, and finally the coast. On arrival in Bucay, visit Hacienda La Danesa. Located in Ecuador’s tropical coastal region with the spectacular Andes Mountains as backdrop, Hacienda La Danesa is a sprawling traditional dairy farm that produces about 2,000 liters of milk per day, as well as fresh cheese for guests every morning. The hacienda also has cocoa and teak plantations and breeds beautiful pinto quarter horses. During your day at Hacienda La Danesa you will be able to choose from the following activities: a tour of the cacao plantation, teak plantation tour, mountain biking and tubing on lazy rivers. You will also enjoy a delicious three-course lunch menu prepared by the Hacienda’s expert chefs. After lunch, you will drive approximately 2 hours to Guayaquil.

Multi Day Tour

Cuenca to Guayaquil via Bucay

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Wyndham Hotel Guayaquil

Situated just steps from the historic Santa Ana Hill and its famous Lighthouse, as well as mere minutes to the impressive Malecon 2000 and near Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport. The Wyndham Guayaquil hotel is ideal for business and leisure travelers alike. Boasting easy access to all of Guayaquil's many delights and a host of thoughtful amenities, guests at this non-smoking hotel in Guayaquil will also enjoy easy access to Las Penas Neighborhood, the World Trade Center Guayaquil and Simon Bolivar Convention Center.

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What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Cotopaxi

Cuenca

Church of San Antonio, Riobamba

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

GuayaquilPartly Cloudy

33°C / 91°F

7mm / 0.3"

CuencaOccasional Showers

22°C / 72°F

45mm / 1.8"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,238 Reviews

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Such thoughtful and sincere communication with my advisor Katie! Even though the trip didn’t come into fruition as expected, she still remained committed to adjusting around our itinerary every step of the way. I’m very thankful for the opportunity she gave us as well as just general ideas for the trip.Jenna

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Working with Isabella on a families trip to Ireland! The itinerary was 2 weeks, self drive with many excursions and a family wedding in the middle of it all! She was amazing from start to finish! She answered every question my clients had! She gave the best recommendations! So many details and planning went into this amazing trip! If i could give 10 stars I would! She would call me to make sure everything looked great! Thank you Isabella at Goway! You are the BEST and made this so easy for everyone! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Christine Amling

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Had an extremely great holiday in China and hongkong & Thailand! Quite a few $$$(More than what we had planned, but if you want top luxury and experience - never haggle) Ameet our destination specialist was prompt and professional. He gave us the right suggestions and planned our trip meticulously and without interruptions. Goway 24 x7 customer service is incredible and I would definitely book my next trip with Goway! Angela Warren

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What do the experts say?

Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist

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If you a looking for a unique experience, then a stay at Mashpi Lodge, Cloud Forest would be perfect. It is a remote high-biodiversity experience which boasts over 600 bird species, unique monkeys, and other fascinating wildlife

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Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist

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Ecuador has incredible biodiversity and varied landscapes, from the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands to the high-altitude Andes mountains and Amazon rainforest

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Osvaldo Gonzalez

Destination Specialist

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Tourists often focus on the Galápagos or the Amazon, but the Cloud Forests — mysterious, humming with life, and relatively uncrowded — are a hidden gem.

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Osvaldo Gonzalez

Destination Specialist

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One local tradition that travelers should absolutely try to experience in Ecuador is "La Diablada de Píllaro", or The Devils of Píllaro, held every January 1–6 in the small Andean town of Píllaro, in the Tungurahua province

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