South of Quito, the two parallel chains of the Andes that cross Ecuador from north to south rise to their most dramatic peaks. During his visit to South America in 1802, the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt (XIX C) baptized this section of the Ecuadorian Sierra as "The Avenue of the Volcanoes". Eight of Ecuador’s ten highest summits are found in this part of the country.

Cotopaxi Province:

On a clear day, from Quito you can see the perfectly cone shaped Cotopaxi (19.347 ft), the highest active volcano in the world. This snow-capped volcano and its surroundings make up the Cotopaxi National Park. This park offers numerous activities for adventurers and nature lovers, all immersed in an imposing geological landscape. Although the Cotopaxi has had at least ten major eruptions since 1742, it's been fairly quite since its last burst of activity in 1904. today, it is Ecuador's favorite climb. some of the highlights in this National Park are: the Rumiñahui volcano (15600 ft), and the Limpiopungo and Santo Domingo lagoons.

On both lagoons it is possible to see the reflection of the surrounding volcanoes. The Cotopaxi National Park is home to white-tailed deer, rabbits, lamas, Andean foxes and pumas, and over ninety species of birds.

Cozy hostels and beautiful traditional haciendas in the region offer comfortable lodging and numerous activities such as horseback riding, biking, trekking, and visits to typical country villages, nearby rose plantations and local markets.

The Saquisili weekly market (close to Latacunga) is the one of the most exhilarating in the region. Every Thursday hundreds of indigenous people fill the streets to sell their colorful handicrafts as well as their fresh crops and livestock.

Further south, taking a right from the city of Latacunga, riding through the extraordinary view of dense patchwork fields, the imposing Quilotoa crater strikes the visitor’s eye with its extraordinary turquoise water. The hike from the border of the crater (11.840ft ) to the lake at the bottom (7.446ft) is of approximately 30 minutes; we recommend that you hire a mule on the way back.

Tungurahua Province:

The town of Baños is probably the most charming tourist destination in this province. To reach Baños you continue south through the Panamericana highway, you pass through the city of Ambato, capital of the province, and then turn left through a road along the Pastaza River. Baños is located at the skirts of the Tungurahua active volcano (16.500 ft). This volcano awakened at mid 1999 after about 80 years of tranquility. The name "Tungurahua" comes from the Quichua "Tunguri" (esophagus) and "Awa" (fire); and indeed it spits fire! It is an exciting experience to observe the volcano in action, and from Baños you can arrange safe trips to live this experience closely.

The town of Baños is a favorite spot for national and international tourists. Its pleasant sub tropical climate and its extraordinary landscape and vegetation are very welcoming. Baños is considered the gate to the Ecuadorian Amazonia, as it is nestled between the volcano and the rain forest. The city has plenty tourist information, and several agencies offer bicycle, motorcycle and horse rentals, as well as trekking, mountain climbing, canyonning, and rafting. For years, Baños has been the place to which Ecuadorians make pilgrimages to honor "Our Lady of the Holy Water". The walls of the Basilica are covered with paintings depicting miracles that are credited to this Virgin. Baños is the perfect spot for adventure, relaxation or an exciting bohemian nightlife. You can enjoy a delicious variety of foods, including French and Italian, at great prices! The town has several hostels for young adventure tourists, but the best accommodations are offered by the Adventure Spa Luna Runtun.

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