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Avenue of the Volcanoes
Overview
Introduction
The Avenue of the Volcanoes is a volcano-lined corridor stretching south through Ecuador. With towering peaks, many still active, this region rewards travellers with a mesmerising landscape that is second-to-none. Canyons, verdant valleys, crater lakes, colourful communities and farmland come together in a series of panoramas that excite the senses and will see you reaching for your camera at every turn.
Our 11 night fly-drive incorporates time in the Ecuadorian capital before collecting your hire car for a leisurely drive to Guayaquil. Driving directions are provided and at every stage you can relax knowing that the Sunvil team and our local partner are there for you, if required.
Highlights of this trip include:
- A visit to Quito – Ecuador’s capital, and a UNESCO World Heritage site where there are more than 200 churches, convents, and monasteries in this easily-walkable district.
- Walk the trails of Bellavista; a private reserve at the top of the famed Tandayapa Valley, in an area that can be described as a nature lover's dream. There are trails for all abilities which will guide you through countless natural wonders. Witness wild waterfalls, endemic birds, orchids and many other species.
- Purchase a one-of-a-kind souvenir at the Otavalo Market which features an array of crafts, textiles and jewellery made by the indigenous Kichwa Otavalo people.
- Relax at the Papallacta Thermal Springs. Visit Termas Papallacta, where you can soak in one of eight pools warmed by geothermal energy.
A trip that is guaranteed to fill your photo album and provide lifelong memories.
Accommodation is confirmed in Haciendas and characterful lodges en route.
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full BoardAgenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
International economy return flights from the UK to Quito. On arrival at Quito you will be transferred the Patio Andaluz Hotel. Surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments the Patio Andaluz Hotel is located in the heart of the historical colonial quarter of Quito and is ideal for those who wish to explore the capital.
Overnight at the Patio Andaluz Hotel.
Patio Andaluz Hotel, Quito
Day 2 - City tour of Quito
Half day city tour of Quito and visit to the Equatorial Line including lunch. Onward transfer to the lodge in the Cloud Forest.
The beautiful colonial, ‘old city’ of Quito was the first city in the World to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. Stroll through the steep, narrow streets and cobbled plazas to find ornate churches, monasteries, mansions and pastel coloured balconied houses. Quito’s location enables visitors to take an interesting trip to ‘Mitad del Mundo’ (Middle of the World) where a monument marks the Equatorial Line and an exhibition centre and local museum are home to some fascinating facts.
Overnight at the Bellavista Lodge.
Quito, Ecuador
Day 3 - Bird watching
Early morning bird watching for the opportunity to see the ‘cock of the rocks’ noisy ritual. Followed by a guided walk through the trails of Bellavista Reserve, a private reserve at the top of the famed Tandayapa Valley in an area that can be described as a nature lover’s dream. There are trails for all abilities which will guide you through countless natural wonders. Witness wild waterfalls, endemic birds, orchids and many other species (lunch included). Transfer to the hacienda in the Imbabura Province.
Overnight at the Hacienda Cusin.
Andean 'cock of the rock'
Day 4 - Otavalo market.
Full day tour of the area including Otavalo market, Cuicocha Lake (in a volcano crater) and Cotacachi village. The Otavalo market features an array of crafts, textiles and jewellery made by the indigenous Kichwa Otavalo people. It is the perfect place to go if you wish to buy a souvenir from your travels.
Overnight at the Hacienda Cusin.
Fabrics in Otavalo market
Day 5 - Cotopaxi
Transfer south towards the snow capped volcano Cotopaxi visiting Papallacta Thermal Springs or Antisana National Reserve en route (lunch included).
Overnight at the Hacienda La Cienega.
Cotopaxi, Avenue of Volcanoes
Day 6 - Traditional market
Visit a local traditional market (Thursday, Saturday and Sunday only) followed by a visit to Cotopaxi National Park. The Cotopaxi National Park is located in the central region of Ecuador and is home to the second-highest peak in the country. This makes it one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. There are many trails which provide fantastic panoramas and the surrounding parkland is great for wildlife spotting.
Overnight at the Hacienda La Cienega.
Local market, Avenue of Volcanoes
Day 7 - Banos town and waterfalls en route
Transfer to Banos hotel visiting the town and waterfalls nearby en route.
Overnight at the Luna Runtun.
Banos
Day 8 - Day at leisure
We recommend a visit to some of the fantastic tourist destinations that Baños has to offer, such as: the Tree House, San Martin adventure park, “Pailon del Diablo” (Devil’s Cauldron) and thermal waters, among others.
Overnight at the Luna Runtun.
Luna Runtun, Avenue of Volcanoes
Day 9 - Visiting Ingapirca pre-Inca site en route
Transfer to the hotel in Cuenca visiting Ingapirca pre-Inca site en route (box lunch included).
Ingapirca, which can be roughly translated to mean “Inca Wall”, is Ecuador’s major Inca archaeological site. Part of Ingapirca’s appeal comes from the natural scenery of the location; set into the dry, windswept hills of the Southern Sierra region of Ecuador. The third week of June is often noted as the best time to visit the complex as celebrations and ritual ceremonies are re-enacted at Ingapirca.
Overnight at the Santa Lucia Hotel.
Santa Lucia Hotel, Avenue of Volcanoes
Day 10 - Half day walking tour
Half day walking tour of Cuenca and visit to Homero Ortega Panama Hat factory. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at the Santa Lucia Hotel.
Domes Cathedral, Cuenca
Day 11 - El Cajas National Park and transfer to Guayaquil
Excursion to El Cajas National Park and onward transfer to the hotel in Guayaquil.
Sited on the left bank of the Rio Guayas, Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and main sea port. A large and vibrant industrial, commercial and political centre, parts of its downtown have recently undergone a successful facelift. These include the Malécon 2000, an attractive promenade along the river near the main shopping area. This links up with the old quarter of Las Peñas on Cerro Santa Ana, a small steep hill overlooking the river where the old wooden houses are being sympathically restored and brightly painted.
Overnight at the Hampton Inn.
El Cajas National Park
Day 12 - Day of departure
Transfer to the airport to connect with flight back to the UK or add extension to Amazon Basin or Galápagos
Accommodation
Patio Andaluz Hotel - Night 1 to 1
Surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments the Patio Andaluz Hotel is located in the heart of the historical colonial quarter of Quito.
Surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments the Patio Andaluz Hotel is located in the heart of the historical colonial quarter of Quito. This charming historic hotel has 32 stylishly decorated en suite rooms including 11 suites on two levels, around 2 covered courtyards, which the windows from the rooms look over.
The Cantatuna restaurant is open daily and serves spanish and Ecuadorian cuisine. Guests can enjoy refreshments in the interior covered courtyard and library or bar. The hotel is ideally located for those who wish to explore the capital's historical centre.
Bellavista Lodge - Night 2 to 2
Bellavista Lodge is located at Bellavista Reserve which covers 700 hectares of primary and secondary forest.
Bellavista Lodge is located at Bellavista Reserve which covers 700 hectares of primary and secondary forest. The reserve is home to a recorded 330 species of birds including 15 species of hummingbird. There are 10km trails to explore plus horse riding or mountain biking available in the area.
We feature the Trailhead accommodation, which is one of five lodges within a short walk from the main building where guests take their meals (included). Rooms offer private facilities and spacious balconies with hammocks where guests can watch the hummingbirds come and go.
Hacienda Cusin - Night 3 to 4
Founded in 1602, Hacienda Cusin is now a country lodge comprising of standard rooms, suites and garden cottages.
Founded in 1602, Hacienda Cusin is now a country lodge comprising of standard rooms, suites and garden cottages. A short walk away from the main building, the separate Monastery building has white buttressed walls, towers, parapets and courtyards.
All 40 guestrooms have private facilities and garden or mountain view. Some rooms have fireplaces and beamed ceilings. The Main House contains an antique furnished bar and dining room with log fire and walls hung with tapestries where dinner is served under chandeliers by candlelight.
Horse-riding is also available in hotel grounds.
Hacienda La Cienega - Night 5 to 6
Built in 1695 by the Marquis of Maenza, the Hacienda La Cienega still belongs to his descendants today.
Built in 1695 by the Marquis of Maenza, the Hacienda La Cienega still belongs to his descendants today.
There are 32 large, comfortable rooms (some in a more modern extension) and two large suites, most furnished with original period furniture. All rooms are en suite (most with a shower).
The Hacienda La Cienega was originally built in the form of a square, with a formal colourful garden in the centre, there is also an ornate chapel and many cosy sitting areas. There is also an informal restaurant serving mainly local dishes.
Luna Runtun - Night 7 to 8
The Luna Runtun has a unique location situated above the town of Banos and surrounded by spectacular views of the valley, hotel gardens, the Andes and Tungurahua volcano.
The Luna Runtun has a unique location situated above the town of Banos and surrounded by spectacular views of the valley, hotel gardens, the Andes and Tungurahua volcano. The hotel grounds cover some 63 acres of beautifully maintained gardens within the Sangay National Park.
The spa offers an extensive list of treatments utilising fresh and natural medicinal plants grown in the hotel gardens and volcanic stones from the Tungurahua volcano. For those with a sense of adventure, hiking, canoeing, rafting, mountain biking and horse riding can be enjoyed - a great way of exploring the area!
There are 30 rooms and suites, each individually decorated and offering magnificent views. All rooms have private facilities, safety deposit box, hairdryer; superior rooms differ by the view and some offer a fireplace, small living room and garden; deluxe rooms are elegantly furnished and offer
wonderful views with a private balcony. All suites have the addition of a living room and 360 degrees views!
Santa Lucia Hotel - Night 9 to 10
Once a house belonging to one of the region’s most important families for over a hundred years, Santa Lucia Hotel is a good example of the architectural style of the late nineteenth century.
Once a house belonging to one of the region’s most important families for over a hundred years, Santa Lucia Hotel is a good example of the architectural style of the late nineteenth century.
The 19 individually decorated rooms, including two suites, are all en suite with cable TV, mini-bar, hairdryer and safety box. Guests can enjoy Italian cuisine in the Trattoria Novocento or refreshments in the Bacus cafe. The beautifully decorated French salon and attractive plant filled courtyard, provide areas for relaxation.
Hampton Inn - Night 11 to 11
With a central location in the downtown area of Guayaquil, near to shops and restaurants and within walking distance of the Malécon 2000, Hampton Inn is well positioned for exploring the city.
With a central location in the downtown area of Guayaquil, near to shops and restaurants and within walking distance of the Malécon 2000, Hampton Inn is well positioned for exploring the city. Its 95 rooms are comfortably furnished and have air-conditioning and double glazing. For those wishing to relax there is a restaurant, a bar and a small wellness centre.
Route Map
Best time to go
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Time Difference
GMT -5 hours
Currency
US Dollar
Language
Spanish
Average flight times
14 hours 15 minutes. From London Heathrow via Amsterdam (KLM)
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
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