RoadAtlas
Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador — Scenic
South America

Avenue of the Volcanoes

Ecuador

In short: Avenue of the Volcanoes is a 380 km scenic road trip in Ecuador, typically driven over 4-5 days, best in June-September. Highlights: Quito, Latacunga, Cotopaxi National Park.

Distance
380 km
Duration
4-5 days
Best Season
June-September
IconicModerateScenic

This 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.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
Andean weather changes quickly, so expect cold mornings, afternoon rain, and occasional fog at higher elevations. Plan extra time for mountain roads, and fuel up in larger towns before leaving the main corridor.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Quito — Departure — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
Departure
Quito
Start in Ecuador's high-altitude capital beneath surrounding volcanoes. Colonial plazas and Andean views set the tone fast.
Hotels
Latacunga — City — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
City
Latacunga
A relaxed market town with easy access to Cotopaxi's lava-streaked slopes. Its old center is a handy stop for supplies and coffee.
Hotels
Ambato — City — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
City
Ambato
A busy valley city known for flowers, fruit, and tree-lined avenues. It breaks up the drive with fuel, food, and services.
Hotels
Riobamba — City — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
City
Riobamba
A broad highland city framed by distant peaks and fertile fields. It is a classic staging point for the southern volcano corridor.
Hotels
Chimborazo Volcano — Arrival — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
Arrival
Chimborazo Volcano
Finish at Ecuador's highest mountain and its stark glacier-ringed slopes. The final approach feels remote, windy, and unforgettable.
Hotels

Things to Do

Cotopaxi National Park — Nature — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
Nature
Cotopaxi National Park
Ride past wide páramo, wild horses, and the near-perfect cone of Cotopaxi. Clear days bring some of the best volcano views in Ecuador.
Baños de Agua Santa — Landmark — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
Landmark
Baños de Agua Santa
A lush adventure town tucked below the Andes. Waterfalls, hot springs, and canyon roads make it a favorite overnight stop.
Historic Center of Quito — historic district — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
historic district
Historic Center of Quito
Walk the colonial core for churches, plazas, and hillside viewpoints. It is one of the best-preserved old towns in South America.
Cotopaxi National Park — national park — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
national park
Cotopaxi National Park
Drive or hike among open grasslands with Cotopaxi looming overhead. Wildlife, crater views, and big skies define the experience.
Pailon del Diablo — waterfall — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
waterfall
Pailon del Diablo
Hike to this thunderous waterfall near Baños for mist, bridges, and jungle scenery. It is one of the route's most famous stops.
Devil's Nose Viewpoint — viewpoint — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
viewpoint
Devil's Nose Viewpoint
Pause for dramatic Andean views around one of Ecuador's most legendary rail and mountain sites. The landscape feels steep and historic.
Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve — nature reserve — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
nature reserve
Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve
Explore the high-altitude reserve around Chimborazo for vicuñas and stark volcanic scenery. The thin air and open terrain make it memorable.

Where to Eat

Saquisilí Market — Food & Drink — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
Food & Drink
Saquisilí Market
A lively highland market with colorful produce, textiles, and street snacks. It is one of the best places to feel local Andean life.
Mercado Central — Ecuadorian market food — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
Ecuadorian market food
Mercado Central
A solid place in Quito for hornado, empanadas, and fresh juices before heading south. The atmosphere is busy and local.
Zazu — Ecuadorian fine dining — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
Ecuadorian fine dining
Zazu
A polished stop in Quito for a more refined take on Ecuadorian ingredients. Good if you want an elevated lunch before the drive.
Senda Wasi — Andean, Ecuadorian — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
Andean, Ecuadorian
Senda Wasi
A popular stop near Cotopaxi for warm regional dishes in a mountain setting. It works well after a park visit or hike.
Leito's Bakery — Bakery, coffee — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
Bakery, coffee
Leito's Bakery
A dependable Baños bakery for coffee, bread, and pastries on the road. It is an easy place to refuel before more canyon driving.
Mercado La Condamine — Ecuadorian market food — Avenue of the Volcanoes — Ecuador
Ecuadorian market food
Mercado La Condamine
A classic Riobamba market for simple lunches, fruit, and local snacks. It gives a quick taste of highland everyday food.

Explore related routes

Ecuador road trips Iconic Mountain Passes South America routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Avenue of the Volcanoes drive?

The Avenue of the Volcanoes covers 380 km from start to finish.

How long does the Avenue of the Volcanoes take to drive?

Most travellers spend 4-5 days on the Avenue of the Volcanoes, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Avenue of the Volcanoes?

The recommended season for the Avenue of the Volcanoes is June-September.

Where does the Avenue of the Volcanoes start and end?

The Avenue of the Volcanoes runs from Quito to Chimborazo Volcano.

What are the main stops on the Avenue of the Volcanoes?

The Avenue of the Volcanoes passes through Quito, Latacunga, Cotopaxi National Park.

Can I drive the Avenue of the Volcanoes in a regular car?

Yes — the Avenue of the Volcanoes is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Avenue of the Volcanoes?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, based on its 380 km length.

Is the Avenue of the Volcanoes safe to drive?

Andean weather changes quickly, so expect cold mornings, afternoon rain, and occasional fog at higher elevations. Plan extra time for mountain roads, and fuel up in larger towns before leaving the main corridor.

What scenic tier is the Avenue of the Volcanoes?

The Avenue of the Volcanoes is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.