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| Volcanoes to Visit |
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Alexander Von Humboldt named the Ecuadorian Andes “The Avenue of Volcanoes” for its 35 volcanoes in 2 mountain rainges. Some are permanently snow covered; with altitudes ranging between 3,000 and 6,310 meters its flora and wildlife will vary depending on the altitude and ecological niche going from rich agricultural fields, cloud forest, paramo grassland all the way to permanent snow. Following are just the most accessible and impressive ones. |
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Reaching 4,944 m / 16,220 ft it looks over the valley of Otavalo and is part of the Ecological Reserve Cotacachi Cayapas. The quickest access is from Otavalo. Among its attractions are the Cuicocha lake and a soft hike around it. A more distant access will take you to the cloud forest on its Western slopes. Excellent for hiking, mountain bike and bird-watching. 2 hours North of Quito, immediate access from Otavalo. |
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At 4,630 m / 15,191 ft it is the guardian of the Otavalo communities, San Pablo lake and the beautiful haciendas of the area. Quick access from Otavalo, its attractions include easy routes for horseback riding, mountain bike and soft hiking, all passing by small indigenous communities and agricultural fields. 1 ½ hour North of Quito, immediate access from Otavalo. |
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Permanently snow covered, it reaches 5,790 m / 18,996 ft, easy to access en route from Quito to Otavalo, a cobblestone and then dirt road gets close to the snow line and from there a very easy hike to the refuge. Activities include mountain bike, easy hike and technical climbing, its Eastern side faces the Amazon basin. 1 hour North of Quito. |
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It reaches 5,753 m / 18,875 ft, a private road access reaches a plateau close to the snow line and from there trekking or horse back riding towards the snow feasible given enough time. The plateau is an excellent area for mountain bike and bird-watching of Andean birds difficult to see in other areas. Its Eastern side faces the Amazon basin. 1 hour East of Quito. |
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Towering over Quito at 4,675 m / 15,339 ft the easiest access is using the aerial tram that gets close to the summit and after that a very easy trekking in the paramo. Dirt roads surround the volcano on the West side passing by almost unpopulated and ecologically richest side that includes agricultural fields and cloud forests. These are excellent trekking and mountain bike routes and fantastic bird-watching areas. Immediate access from Quito. |
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With 4,199 m / 13.777 this extinct volcano holds one of the best preserved Andean forest of the area, due to its rugged characteristic it was not affected by agriculture. Easy road access and then hiking it the protected area mostly bird-watching. 40 minutes Southeast of Quito. |
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The twin peaks on the Western range, at 5,248 m / 17,218 they have a fantastic view of the Machachi valley and permanently green agricultural fields, with the very close vicinity of the Rumiñahui and Corazón small volcanoes, and the towering Cotopaxi in full view just across the valley. Dirt road access and demanding trekking uphill. 1 ½ hours South of Quito. |
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The perfect snow cone reaches 5,897 m / 19,347 ft. A dirt road off the Panamerican Highway gets very close to the snow line passing by huge volcanic rocks next to tiny plants and paramo straw. Easy hiking, mountain bike and horseback riding in the plateau; high technical climbing to reach the summit. 1 ½ hours South of Quito. |
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The small Cotopaxi neighbor with 4,873 m / 15,988 ft, in particularly cold nights it will be covered with snow, which will melt under the morning sun. It is widely used to acclimatize before attempting to reach the Cotopaxi summit. Demanding trekking, some rappel and mid technical climbing. Great view of Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui volcanoes. 1 ½ hours South of Quito. |
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5,023 m / 16,480 ft above sea level, it is surrounded by agricultural fields and small communities. Easy hiking access from Baños, a small tourist town; approach should be carefully considered as it is currently going through an eruption process and access may be totally restricted at any time. Technical climbing to reach the summit. 3 hours South of Quito. |
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In full view from Riobamba, this giant volcano reaches 6,310 m / 20,702 ft and is the highest volcano in Ecuador and the second in height in the Western Hemisphere after Aconcagua. A secondary road reaches the Carrel refuge at 4,800 m / 15,749 ft, it is possible to hike toward Whymper refuge and from there on it is highly technical climbing. 4 ½ hours from Quito, 2 hours from Riobamba. |
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At 5,819 m / 19,092 ft, and in full view from Riobamba, it is considered the most beautiful volcano in Ecuador due to its shape. Its glaciers go all the day down to 4,000 m. forming various lakes just a few meters lower. Hiking is possible in the lower parts of the mountain, but high technical climbing is required to reach the various summits. 4 ½ hours from Quito, 1 hour from Riobamba, dirt road only to the base. |
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Standing very close to Chimborazo, it seems small in its 5,020 m / 16,471 ft, snow covered throughout the year, it requires technical climbing skills to reach the summit. Hiking is possible in the lower parts of the mountain. Dirt road only to the base. 3 ½ hours South of Quito. |
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