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Avenue of the Volcanoes Independent Adventure
6 days, Quito to Quito
Itinerary
Day 1Quito/Otavalo
Depart early from Quito and travel north along the Pan-American Highway with a stop at Quitsato Sundial and set foot on both sides of the equator line. Opt to shop for handmade clothing and handicrafts at the Otavalo market, South America’s biggest. Overnight in a historic hacienda outside of town.
Spend 1 night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
One of the most obvious signs of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just put on especially for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily lives.
Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal market. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were transported from the eastern lowlands and traded for highland goods. Today's market has two different functions: the local market for buying and selling animals, food, and other essentials, and the crafts market for the tourists and other interested people.
This trip leaves early on the morning of Day 1 from Quito - a pre-night in Quito is not included. Should you require the pre-night, please ask our sales CEOs who will be happy to arrange this for you. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in these trip details.
Welcome Package Hotel
Upon arrival at your hotel on Day 1, you will receive a welcome package providing a schedule, documentation/vouchers and pick-up times for all included activities. It also will contain contact information, should you have any questions about your tour.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Intiñan Museum Visit
Visit the Intiñan Museum (Intiñan Site meaning 'Pathway of the Sun') with interactive exhibits displaying the science and myths behind the equatorial line. You will have the opportunity to interact with phenomena that occur in nature which can be tested on the magnetic equatorial line. The centre also has displays highlighting the local indigenous cultures, as well as a small planetarium and a craft beer museum. There is also a chance to set foot on both sides of the Equator, for which the country of Ecuador is named.
Otavalo Handicrafts Market Visit
Discover some amazing local art, tapestries, and textiles at Otavalo’s famous artisan market, the largest handicraft market in South America. Wander the stalls to meet local artists, and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Try to arrive early for the best bargains (it starts at dawn), and try your hand at haggling – it’s expected for every purchase. A good negotiator could get at least 20 per cent off the starting price.
Day 2Otavalo/Cotopaxi National Park
Spend the morning driving along the Avenue of the Volcanoes searching out the peaks of Pichincha, Iliniza, and the gigantic Antisana. Venture into Cotopaxi National Park travelling around the base of the cone-shaped, snow-capped volcano, considered the highest active volcano in the world. Spend the evening near Ecuador's beautiful Cotopaxi Volcano.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Cotopaxi National Park Visit
Visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to Cotopaxi Volcano, which stands at 5,897m (19,342 ft). The beautiful cone-shaped, snow-covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. Keep an eye out for park wildlife, including condors, foxes, deer, spectacled bears, and more. For those who want to hike, there are options available (weather permitting). Please ensure you have proper hiking shoes or boots, a waterproof/windproof jacket and warm hats and gloves. Hike is approximately 1.5 hours.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Cotopaxi National Park/Baños
Continue along the 'Avenue of Volcanoes' to Baños, named for the numerous thermal springs that originate from the base of an active volcano. Flanked by snow-capped ridges, this is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits including optional horseback riding, hot springs, hiking, and mountain biking.
Baños means 'baths' and that is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means 'little hell' in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it’s definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Horseback Riding - Baños
25USD per personHop in the saddle and explore Baños’ beautiful countryside by horseback. Check out the unique vegetation in the region, and, perhaps, trot over to Tungurahua Volcano for amazing views.
Whitewater Rafting
30USD per personHit the rapids in the adrenaline capital of Ecuador. Choose a river that suits your experience level; there a number with varying ranges of difficulty. Enjoy amazing Andean scenery and a fun-filled ride!
Hot Springs - Baños
4USD per personSoak weary muscles in the thermal baths that Baños is famous for. Head to hot springs at the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means “little hell” in Quichua, or try some of the baths fed by the melt waters of Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Rise before the sun for an early soak – watching the sun peak over the mountains while relaxing in the warm waters is definitely worth the early start.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Baños
Free day to enjoy Baños.
The town is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits, including horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting in the surrounding mountains and on the River Patate.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Baños, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hiking, canyoneering, and relaxing in the hot springs. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Hot Springs - Baños
4USD per personSoak weary muscles in the thermal baths that Baños is famous for. Head to hot springs at the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means “little hell” in Quichua, or try some of the baths fed by the melt waters of Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Rise before the sun for an early soak – watching the sun peak over the mountains while relaxing in the warm waters is definitely worth the early start.
Mountain Bike Rental
10USD per personHop on your bike and explore the amazing scenery surrounding Baños. Pass by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and changing vegetation – depending on what path you take. Enjoy the cool wind on downhill stretches, but be sure to bring sunblock; the sun can be strong.
Horseback Riding - Baños
25USD per personHop in the saddle and explore Baños’ beautiful countryside by horseback. Check out the unique vegetation in the region, and, perhaps, trot over to Tungurahua Volcano for amazing views.
Hiking - Baños
FreeHead to the mountains for some amazing treks; Baños provides the perfect natural setting for outdoor adventure.
Whitewater Rafting
30USD per personHit the rapids in the adrenaline capital of Ecuador. Choose a river that suits your experience level; there a number with varying ranges of difficulty. Enjoy amazing Andean scenery and a fun-filled ride!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Baños/Quito
In the morning, enjoy free time in Baños to pursue some optional activities before transferring back to Quito for the evening.
Free Time
Enjoy the morning at your leisure.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Quito
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.