Ecuador
The Avenue of the Volcanoes
Quito sits high but the country is compact. In ten days you can string together Indigenous markets, perfect cones like Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, the crater lake of Quilotoa, and the cobbled colonial centre of Cuenca.
A first Ecuador route
- Quito (2 nights): Old town walk, TelefériQo for a Pichincha view, day trip to Mitad del Mundo.
- Otavalo (1 night): Saturday market is the standout. Visit Peguche waterfall and Cuicocha crater.
- Cotopaxi (1-2 nights): Hacienda stays, paramo rides, a short hike up the refuge slope.
- Quilotoa loop (2-3 nights): Village-to-village walking past the turquoise crater lake.
- Cuenca (2 nights): Colonial centre, Cajas paramo day trip, scenic flight or bus south.