Avenue of Volcanoes & Cotopaxi

Alexander von Humboldt called the route between Quito and Riobamba the "Avenida de los Volcanes" — the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Over a length of 300 km, more than 30 active and extinct volcanoes line both sides of the highland valley, many of them over 5,000 meters high. It is one of the most spectacular landscapes in South America.

Cotopaxi (5,897 m)

The Cotopaxi is the epitome of the perfect volcano: a symmetrical cone crowned by a snow-white glacier, standing out against the deep blue Andean sky. It is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and the most photographed motif in Ecuador. The national park (entrance: 5 USD) surrounds the volcano with a páramo landscape of grassland and wild horses.

The Refugio José Rivas at 4,864 meters is the starting point for summit climbs. The ascent to the summit starts around midnight and takes 6–8 hours — you need a certified mountain guide, crampons, and glacier equipment. It is not a technically difficult climb, but the altitude is brutal. Alternative: hike to the Refugio hut (1.5 hours from the parking lot) and back — an impressive experience even without summit ambitions.

Chimborazo (6,263 m)

Ecuador's highest mountain and a geological curiosity: Due to the Earth's equatorial bulge, the summit of Chimborazo is the farthest point from the Earth's center on the surface — farther than Mount Everest. The ascent is technically more challenging than Cotopaxi and requires acclimatization and experience. The bike descent from the First Refugio hut (5,000 meters) down to Riobamba is an adventure for every fitness level.

Quilotoa Crater Lake

The Quilotoa is an emerald-green crater lake at 3,914 meters in an extinct volcano — one of Ecuador's most breathtaking natural wonders. The view from the crater rim into the turquoise water 280 meters below you is unreal. The Quilotoa Loop, a 3–5-day hike through indigenous villages along the crater, is one of the best treks in the country. Accommodation in simple community houses. Alternatively: day trip from Quito or Latacunga (2 hours drive).

Baños de Agua Santa

Baños is Ecuador's adventure capital. The town at the foot of the active Tungurahua volcano (2,999 meters above sea level) offers an incredible density of activities: canyoning, rafting, mountain biking, paragliding, horseback riding, zip-lining, and the famous "Swing at the End of the World" (Casa del Árbol). The Ruta de las Cascadas — a 20 km road past dozens of waterfalls, best by bike — is a highlight. Hot thermal springs (termas) offer relaxation after the adventure. Baños is the ideal place for 2–3 days of action.