Ecuador Road trips
3 curated road trips in Ecuador — Avenue of the Volcanoes, Quilotoa Loop, Ruta del Spondylus Ecuador Coast. Mapped stops, distance, duration, best season, and practical route notes.
Avenue of the VolcanoesThis classic Ecuadorian highland drive follows the spine of the Andes from Quito toward Chimborazo, linking a chain of volcanic peaks, market towns, and broad alpine valleys. Expect dramatic snowcapped summits, fertile farmland, and frequent roadside viewpoints in one of South America’s most iconic mountain corridors.
Quilotoa LoopThe Quilotoa Loop is a high-Andean circuit west of Quito that links market towns, canyon viewpoints, and the brilliant crater lake of Laguna Quilotoa. Expect winding paved and gravel roads, big altitude swings, and stop-start driving through Indigenous communities, farmland, and dramatic volcanic scenery.
Ruta del Spondylus Ecuador CoastEcuador’s Ruta del Spondylus follows the Pacific coast from Esmeraldas to Salinas, linking surf beaches, fishing towns, mangroves, and lively resort stops. It’s a relaxed highway drive with warm water, fresh seafood, and frequent viewpoints, best enjoyed in the dry season when coastal roads are most predictable.