The Avenue of Volcanoes, Cotopaxi & Riobamba Holidays & Tailor-made Tours

The road South of Quito is known as the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes', and passes through the highlands, between towering snow-capped peaks, past the Cotopaxi National Park and indigenous villages.

The Cotopaxi volcano is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. You can trek, climb, mountain bike or take a horse to explore the beautiful foothills and slopes. Local haciendas are an excellent way to understand the unique way of life of local people.

Latacunga is well worth exploring with narrow cobbled streets white-washed houses clinging to the backs of the Rio Cutuchi. The spa town of Banos has a spectacular location and thermal baths to enjoy. Riobamba has superb 19th century colonial architecture and an excellent cathedral.

At Alausi you can ride on the 'Devil's Nose' railway, an incredible feat of engineering providing an amazing journey descending the steep mountainsides on a series of switchbacks.

The other major site of interest is Ingapirca, Ecuador's only major Inca ruins. It is not as well preserved as the Inca ruins in Peru, but located in a scenic hillside location, the ruins are well worth a visit.