Ecuador Volcanoes

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Witness the awe inspiring beauty of a volcano for yourself. Thanks to the Andes, Ecuador is studded with volcanoes! South of Quito, you'll find the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes,’ a section of the Pan-American Highway that's lined by a dozen volcanoes. This makes for an amazing scenic drive. The only thing better? Stopping to explore one of these giants when you go on an Ecuador volcano trek.

The following destinations will place you in close proximity to Ecuador's volcanoes, including Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. There are many ways to explore the volcanic landscape; Ecuador volcano hikes are a popular choice, but horseback riding is an option as well. If you're seeking a slightly less rugged experience, you're always welcome to sketch or take photographs in one of the countries parks. These destinations range in size and services, so there's an Ecuador volcano experience for every type of traveller (and budget).

Destinations

Ecuador highlights: Ecuador Volcanoes

Not sure where you want to go yet? Get inspired and browse the best places to visit in Ecuador

Baños

Baños sits at the foot of the Tungurahua Volcano, an active volcano that heats the volcanic springs that bubble throughout the landscape. This volcanic landscape provides visitors with a lot to see and do. Besides going for a dip in the region's many hot springs, you can also experience the interesting flora and fauna which inhabit the sides of the mountains. Take a hike up a winding path that brings you to some of the most impressive vistas in the area. You could also take in the view of a river and a waterfall from an exhilarating zip line tour. Baños sits right on the edge of Sangay National Park. Besides Tungurahua Volcano, you can also see the peaks of El Altar and Sangay Volcano. They are best admired from a distance — climbing is much too tricky for casual sightseeing. Still, it’s worth a visit for the stark beauty of Ecuador’s highlands.

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Latacunga

Latacunga puts you close by Cotopaxi Volcano — so close, in fact, that the town has had to deal with the menace of eruptions. Santísima Virgen de la Merced is the town’s patron saint, and since her arrival in the 18th century, she’s helped guard the city against earthquakes. It’s possible to hike to the summit of Cotopaxi Volcano and see for yourself the breathtaking views from the summit. While you're in the park, you should also visit the Limpiopungo Lagoon. This lagoon’s still surface mirrors the reflection of the Cotopaxi Volcano and attracts a variety of birds.

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Riobamba

Riobamba is nestled between Chimborazo Ecological Reserve and Sangay National Park, two of Ecuador’s top destinations for exploring volcanoes and their gorgeous surrounding landscapes. These formations are part of Ecuador’s “Avenue of the Volcanoes,” which has shaped the Ecuadorian highlands. On a visit here, you'll be able to see the nearby peaks of the Chimborazo Ecological Reserve. Chimborazo Volcano is the tallest of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, at 20,565 feet (6,268 m). In the town’s Parque 21 de Abril, you’ll have a stunning view of Chimborazo and other volcanoes. If you want to trek a bit farther afield, you can go on hikes to the more remote volcanoes of Sangay National Park. It’s named for the Sangay Volcano, which still erupts ash fairly frequently. Much of the rest of the park consists of paramó — a scenic grassland that makes a stark contrast to the looming volcanoes.

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Baños

Latacunga

Riobamba

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Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.

Get Started

Private drivers; English-speaking available.

Avoid the crowds in private day tours.

Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.

Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.

24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.

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