When traveling to Ecuador, make sure you include in your plans a 325km (201mi) road called “The Volcanoes Avenue”. This road goes through some of the world’s highest volcanic peaks, many of which are still active. Named by the legendary explorer Alexander Von Humboldt in 1802, this unique natural corridor is formed by eleven volcanoes that emerged on the sides of the Ecuadorian central highlands. It has become one of Ecuador’s main sightseeing destinations, attracting thousands of tourists each year.
Already at the beginning of the trip the landscape variety is overwhelming: one gets surrounded by immense patchwork of fields and enormous pine forest plateaus. The first part of the route goes through the magnificent volcanoes of Pasochoa, Corazon and Illiniza, finally getting to the Rumiñahui volcano, where visitors have the opportunity to climb to the crater either by trekking or on horseback. Once at the top, an astonishing view of the mighty, 5900-meter (19356ft)-high Cotopaxi volcano will take your breath away!
Back on the road, you go through a landscape of low-hanging clouds until reaching the Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador’s most famous park and home of the highest active volcano in the world: the Cotopaxi, nominated for the World’s New Seven Wonders of Nature. Contrary to the Chimborazo Volcano, where you must have more climbing experience, Cotopaxi offers a great climbing opportunity for reasonably in shape novices. There is a good gravel road which winds up the ash-strewn side to a parking area located 4600m (2 miles) away. From here, the physically fit can carefully walk a further distance of 200m (0.12mi) to a refuge from which you can get incredible views – if the altitude and the weather allow!
The route then passes through Baños (baths), a scenic little town named like that after the five natural thermal baths found here. Baños is located in the Tungurahua province, nestled in a valley at the foot of the 5023m (16479ft)-high Tungurahua volcano.
Our Final Destination is Riobamba. This city has quite a unique location. On a clear day, it is possible to see the peaks of five volcanoes: Chimborazo (6310m/20702ft), Altar (5319m/17450ft), Sangay (5230m/17158), Tungurahua (5023m/16479ft) and Carihuairazo (5020m/16469ft) – a magnificent view! Chimborazo, the highest volcano in Ecuador and the furthest point from the center of the Earth (and once thought to be the highest mountain on Earth) is located approx. 50km (31 miles) away from Riobamba.
To better enjoy the environmental beauty of this eco route, activities such as horseback riding, canopy, climbing, trekking and bird watching are offered to visitor, but just the fact to be standing next to these magnificent formations, volcanoes that are higher than you could imagine, will give you a feeling of eternal peace and an unforgivable memory.
Photo: Kilobug
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