- How long is the Ecuador: Quito, the Avenue of the Volcanoes and Cuenca route?
- This route takes 10 days taking in 7 stops.
- Where does this route start and end?
- The route runs from Quito to Quito in Ecuadorian Andes, Ecuador.
- When is the best time to travel this route?
- The best time to travel this route is June to September.
- How active is this route?
- Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.
- What transport do I need for this route?
- Any self-driven vehicle works well for this route.
- What budget do I need for this route?
- Budget-friendly — this route is well-suited to travellers keeping costs low.
- What type of accommodation suits this route?
- Mixed accommodation works well along this route.
- What is the pace of this trip?
- Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.
- What type of trip is this?
- This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Adventure, Nature, Culture, Classic road trip.
- Are there any practical tips for this route?
- Collect your hire car on the outskirts of Quito to avoid the congested centre. Altitude sickness (soroche) can affect new arrivals; take a rest day on arrival and avoid heavy alcohol. The entrance is 80 km from Quito, about 1.5 hours by road. The car park sits at 4,500 m; spend no more than a few hours here if you have not fully acclimatised to altitude. The road from Latacunga to Quilotoa is paved but narrow with a high-altitude pass. Take it slowly. Bring cash; there are no ATMs in Quilotoa. Most guesthouses are basic but warm. Bike rentals for the Ruta de las Cascadas cost $5 to $10; wear a helmet. Return to Baños by bus for $1 or arrange a taxi. Book rafting trips on the main street the day before. The Chimborazo high refuge requires acclimatisation; do not rush to altitude. The Nariz del Diablo railway departs from Alausí, 97 km south of Riobamba (1.5 hrs). Book tickets at the station. Cuenca is at 2,550 m and cooler than Quito. The Ingapirca trip is 80 km north (1.5 hrs each way); go in the morning. Panama hats by the Homero Ortega brand are the quality benchmark. Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport is 37 km north of the historic centre. Allow 1 hour from the Old Town in normal traffic, or 1.5 hours at peak times. Return the hire car at the airport.
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