Avenue of the Volcanoes Tour from Quito

Explore the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes on this 3-day private tour from Quito, traveling along the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes, past crater lakes, archaeological sites, and UNESCO World Heritage cities, accompanied by a bilingual local guide.

This flexible itinerary includes highlights such as Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Crater Lake, the famous Devil’s Nose train in Alausí, the Ingapirca ruins, and El Cajas National Park, with the option to finish in Cuenca, continue to Guayaquil for Galápagos flights, or return to Quito depending on your travel plans.

Tour Route Through the Avenue of the Volcanoes

Day 1 – Quito, Cotopaxi & Quilotoa to Riobamba

• Pick-up at your hotel, Airbnb, or central location in Quito (including the airport area).
• Travel south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes toward Cotopaxi National Park, enjoying panoramic views of the volcano and the high-altitude páramo landscape.
• Stop at Limpiopungo Lagoon for a short walk and photo opportunities around the lake and surrounding Andean scenery.
• Continue to Quilotoa Crater Lake, famous for its turquoise-green waters and spectacular viewpoints, with time to enjoy the scenery and surroundings.
• Travel to Riobamba and check in at the hotel of your choice for the night.

Day 2 – Riobamba, Alausí Train & Ingapirca to Cuenca

• Departure from Riobamba along the Avenue of the Volcanoes toward Alausí.
• Ride the Devil’s Nose Train (Alausí–Sibambe–Alausí), one of Ecuador’s most iconic railway journeys, passing through dramatic Andean canyons and mountain landscapes.
• Continue to Ingapirca, the most important Inca and Cañari archaeological site in Ecuador, with a guided visit to the Temple of the Sun and the surrounding stone structures.
• Travel to Cuenca and check in at the hotel of your choice.

Day 3 – Full Day in Cuenca with El Cajas National Park

• Spend the day exploring Cuenca, including its colonial historic center, cathedrals, museums, and the riverside promenades along the Tomebamba River.
• Visit El Cajas National Park, a high-altitude landscape of lakes and páramo located just outside Cuenca, including short walks and scenic photo stops naturally integrated into the day.

Flexible ending: finish in Cuenca, continue to Guayaquil for Galápagos or international flights, or return to Quito.

What’s Included

• Bilingual tour guide providing assistance and clear explanations throughout the trip, recommending the best viewpoints, photo stops, and local experiences based on your interests.
• Private transportation for the entire Avenue of the Volcanoes route, using an SUV, minivan, van, or bus depending on your group size.
• Pick-up and drop-off at hotels, Airbnbs and other central locations in Quito, including the airport area.
• Devil’s Nose train ticket (Alausí – Sibambe – Alausí) included and reserved in advance.
• Fuel, tolls and parking fees.
• Bottled water on board.

What’s Not Included

• Tips are optional and not included in the tour price; any tipping is entirely up to you.
• Accommodation (we can suggest and arrange it separately based on your preferences).
• Meals and drinks and personal expenses.
• Entrance fees to attractions, national parks and optional activities visited along the route.

Important: The Devil’s Nose train ticket from Alausí is the only entrance ticket included in the base price of this tour. All other tickets and entrance fees are paid directly on site, allowing each traveler to choose which experiences and attractions to include during the journey.