Six days of highland trekking across Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes, from Cotopaxi views to the Quilotoa crater and Chimborazo highlands. Expect steep trails, high passes and vivid cultural encounters with remote mountain communities.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Highland wind pushes across the open slopes as the group leaves Quito and winds toward the Avenue of Volcanoes — a raw corridor of snow-capped cones, crater lakes and steep agricultural terraces. On day one you walk the limpid rim above Limpiopungo (≈3,800 m) with Cotopaxi rising like a curved thumb on the horizon; later days thread narrow mule tracks, descend into the Toachi canyon and climb to the rim of Quilotoa’s emerald crater.
Difficulty
difficult
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Good to excellent cardiovascular fitness and prior multi-day hiking experience; comfortable with sustained uphill and altitude.
Wildlife
History
These trails trace pre-Columbian and colonial-era exchange routes; many communities still practice traditional barter and agricultural calendars.
Conservation
The Avenue of Volcanoes crosses sensitive páramo and cloud-forest ecosystems; stick to trails, pack out waste and support community-run lodgings to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the Hiking in the Andes – the Avenue of Volcanoes 6 Days today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before starting
Spend 24–48 hours in Quito or a similar elevation to reduce altitude sickness risk; go slow on the first full day of hiking.
Bring 3 liters of water
Daily hydration is critical at altitude; include an electrolyte mix to replace salts lost during long ascents.
Sturdy, waterproof boots
Trails switch from dry volcanic scree to wet cloud-forest mud — ankle support and good tread reduce injury risk.
Carry small Ecuadorian cash
Many villages accept only cash for snacks, crafts or a last-minute taxi; ATMs are infrequent outside larger towns.
Waterproof hiking boots
Keeps feet protected on scree, muddy trails and wet grass.
Layering system (base, insulation, shell)
Temperature swings and afternoon rains make adaptable layers essential.
Hydration system and electrolyte tablets
Sustained exertion at altitude requires consistent fluid and salt replacement.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+)
High-altitude sun is intense even when temperatures feel cool.