ecuador the highlands of the andes

The two main Andean mountain ranges running parallel down the length of the country offer some of Ecuador's most varied and spectacular topography. Towering snow-capped mountains and volcanoes give way to lush green valleys where the colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca lie, with vast expanses of farmland dotted with Indian villages and welcoming haciendas.

Stretching south from Quito is the Avenue of Volcanoes. The majestic heights of Mount Cotopaxi dominate the surrounding landscape of its National Park, with one of the world's rare equatorial glaciers. Further down the avenue, the dramatic peaks of the volcanoes punctuate the rolling green landscape, amongst numerous rose plantations and seemingly endless fields of broccoli! Our exclusive itineraries provide first-hand experience of the Andean lifestyle with stays in local haciendas and opportunities for the adventurous to try trekking, hiking or mountain biking through the rocky terrain of the Andes.

Travelling south, pass between the great peaks of Tungurahua and Ecuador's highest volcano, Chimborazo, stopping in a hacienda close to the town of Riobamba. From here, board the Chiva Express to descend through the "Devil's Nose" switchbacks at Alausí, an impressive feat of engineering which allows the train to travel down the sheer cliffs. The Avenue continues down to the pretty colonial city of Cuenca.

A journey through the Avenue of Volcanoes is an unforgettable experience. But if you want to make the trip even more memorable by climbing the tallest peaks such as Chimborazo and Cotopaxi, our expert guides can advise and accompany you. Smaller hikes are a good way to prepare and help yourself to acclimatise to the conditions.