Ecuador’s volcanoes offer some of the most exciting mountaineering routes in the Andes mountains.
There are walking acclimatisation peaks, technical summits, and everything in between in what is known as Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes.
Some of Ecuador’s volcanoes require fully supported expeditions; others are day trips from Quito or nearby. The variety is astounding, but the beauty remains constant throughout.
The only real issue is which to choose to explore and enjoy.
What Is the Avenue of the Volcanoes?
Ecuador is home to the Avenue of the Volcanoes, so named by the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt in the early 1800s.
It’s easy to see how he conjured the name by looking at a map. Towering snow-capped volcanoes straddle a fertile valley from the south of Ecuador to the north, many of which are still active.
Travelling between Ecuador’s volcanoes is a pleasure, with dense forests, indigenous villages, thriving farmer and artisan markets, and colonial estates that survive today as tourist estancias and hotels.
The Avenue of the Volcanoes isn’t just snow-capped cones and dizzying slopes. Turquoise lakes and occasional thermal hot springs provide stunning views of Ecuador’s Andean mountains.
What Mountains Form the Avenue of the Volcanoes?
Eight principal volcanoes form the spine of the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
The most prominent peak is Chimborazo. Cotopaxi National Park is the most visited thanks to its perfect cone and snowy beauty.
- Cayambe: 5,790m / 18,996ft
- Antisana: 5,753m / 18,874ft
- Illiniza Sur: 5,245m / 17,208ft
- Cotopaxi: 5,897m / 19,347ft
- Quilotoa: 3,914m / 12,841ft
- Tungurahua: 5,023m / 16,479ft
- Chimborazo: 6,263m / 20,547ft
- El Altar: 5,319m / 17,450ft
- Sangay: 5,286m / 17,342ft
When Is the Best Time to Visit Ecuador Volcanoes?
The best time depends on how high you plan to climb. Ecuador is a year-round destination, but June to September and December to early February are the best months for trekking and climbing.
During the wetter October to May season, rain usually falls in the afternoons, with mornings often clear.
The Best Ecuador Volcanoes for Hiking and Climbing
Cotopaxi: Acclimatisation, Glacier, or Summit
Cotopaxi is Ecuador’s most famous volcano, with one of the most photogenic summits in the world.
The easiest walk is the 90-minute circuit around Laguna Limpiopungo in Cotopaxi National Park, offering superb summit views on clear days.
Expedition to Cotopaxi’s Glacier
An overnight stay in the national park allows trekkers to reach Cotopaxi Mountain Refuge and walk to the glacier edge the following day.
The views include Quito, Pasochoa, Pita Canyon, and the Limpiopungo valley.
Climbing Cotopaxi
At 5,897m, Cotopaxi is a serious climb. With good acclimatisation and glacier training, it’s achievable for fit newcomers.
The summit day takes 6–7 hours from the refuge, crossing glaciers, snow bridges, and crevasses.
Climbing Cayambe or Glacier School
Cayambe is ideal for learning glacier skills. Climbs start at midnight and include crevasses, seracs, and steep snow slopes.
Climbing Chimborazo
Chimborazo is Ecuador’s highest mountain and best tackled on a supported expedition after prior acclimatisation.
The summit day involves 8–9 hours of ascent and technical glacier travel.
Climbing Antisana Volcano
Antisana is one of Ecuador’s toughest climbs, with active glaciers, no refuge, and advanced ice-climbing required.
Climbing El Altar Volcano
El Altar is the most technical and demanding volcano in Ecuador, requiring strong alpine and rock climbing skills.
Hiking at Quilotoa
Quilotoa’s emerald crater lake is a highlight for visitors. The descent and return hike take 5–7 hours.
Hiking and Climbing Ecuador Volcanoes
Ecuador’s volcanoes offer unforgettable adventures, from gentle acclimatisation hikes to life-changing expeditions.
Whether you’re seeking summit success or scenic trekking, the Avenue of the Volcanoes delivers.
Contact us for more about mountaineering and visiting Ecuador.
