MONTAÑAS

Cotopaxi

Avenue of the Volcanoes and Cotopaxi National Park

An hour and a half from Quito, along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, lies the dominant image on the Ecuadorian national psyche: the perfectly conical Cotopaxi volcano (5897m), one of the world's highest active volcanos. Most visitors with a bit of verve at least contemplate making the ascent to its 19,890 foot peak. The volcano is the highlight of Cotopaxi National Park, which straddles a number of provinces and protects a wide swath of Andean paramo, the Ecuadorian equivalent of the Arctic tundra, and homeland to the Andean condor and paramo fox.

Latacunga Loop

Just down the Avenue is the Latacunga Loop, a spectacular area for Andean trekking. Trekkers who make the effort to get-off-the beaten path will be treated to incredible vistas, mountain hospitality and possibly a spontaneous encounter with a llama herder or a gaggle of giggly pigtailed indigenous girls.

Cayambe

Cayambe (5790 m): the mountain with the most massive glaciers of the earth's tropical zone, crossed by the equatorial line...

Cotacachi

The Cotacachi Volcano is located at the Western mountain range, being an integral part of the "Cotacachi-Cayapas" Ecological Reserve.

To reach the summit, which lies at 4,935m (16,200 feet), the climbers must have some experience in rock climbing and be guided by a professional climber. We do not advise you to go without a guide; you can become confused, as there are many paths. This volcano is possible to climb in one day. You have to leave from Otavalo as early as possible, 3 or 4 am.

The most common route is called the Cotacachi Ice Carriers and is filled with spectacular rock formation. The last 80 meters to the summit are the most difficult and go straight ahead from the Antennas to the summit.

Starting at Cuicocha Lake, you will hike up a path to the base of rocks and snow.  From there you will be on a smaller, but more beautiful path to the snow.  The path goes through wild flowers and plants, rocks, and snow. From the snow, on a clear day, you can see many other volcanoes and for miles around the mountain.  After spending some time up in the snow, you will return down the mountain.

This is an adventure not to be missed.

Chimborazo

Chimborazo

Ecuador's tallest volcano, Chimborazo (6,310 meters), embraces in its surroundings centuries-old indigenous communities that have maintained many of their ancient traditions. This cloud-piercing volcano also provides experienced climbers with a challenge requiring crampons and ice axes. Those who succeed in conquering the peak will be rewarded with out-of-this-world views from the summit.

Antizana

Antizana

Antisana Ecological Reserve encompasses 10 ecological zones ranging from páramo to lowland rainforest, along with a variety of climates, vegetation, and wildlife. The Reserve's main attraction is the snow-capped Antisana Volcano, the fourth highest peak in Ecuador. Antisana affords travelers with numerous trekking opportunities including the less traveled Guacamayos mountain range, which extends through the Sumaco Galeras National Park. Among the many bodies of water in the Reserve, Micachoca Lagoon is the Reserve's largest. Located at 3900m, it's an excellent spot for trout fishing. Visitors occasionally spot some of the Reserve's wildlife such as puma, white-tailed deer, the Andean fox, and the Andean condor.

There are two ways to access the Reserve. Coming from Quito, go to Pintag and then continue on a rough road through several villages for approximately 45 km. When coming from Lago Agrio, go through Papallacta, Cuyuja, Baeza, and continue to the entrance in Cosanga.

Volcan Tunguragua