Avenida de los Volcanes: Quito to Cuenca via Baños

3 day adventure from Quito to Cuenca on the famous Avenida de los Volcanes!

Take the scenic route! We will make our way from Quito to our homebase of Cuenca via the Avenida de los Volcanes; one of the most scenic routes in South America. We will pass through Andean Valleys, view 20,000 ft. glaciated peaks, spend the night at the headwaters of the Amazon basin, feel the spray of tremendous waterfalls, and soak in volcanic hot springs.

We will straddle the equator at latitude 00, Mitad del Mundo,  then make our way to Ecuador’s capital (Quito) take an historic tour of of this city that lies at 10,000 feet. The next two days we will travel south via the Panamerican highway (Aka- Ruta de los volcanos) filled with incredible view. We will stay the night at the headwaters of the Amazon basin in the town of Baños. Baños is known for impressive waterfalls, hot springs, hikes y mucho más. On sunday we will arrive into Cuenca to get settled in and meet host families.

Here is the general itinerary:

• Thursday, June 13th: Arrive into UIO (Quito), Ecuador. For $30 more, you can choose to stay at hotel with group or make your own reservations and meet up on Friday morning.
• Friday, June 14th: Morning meet up and explore Mitad del mundo, sundial and Quito Historic city tour. Lunch included. Stay night in Quito
• Saturday, June 15th: Drive from Quito to Baños. Incredible views. Afternoon to hike, explore waterfalls or soak in hot springs. Breakfast and lunch included. Stay night at hotel in Baños
• Sunday, June 16th: after more activities in Baños, eat lunch and drive 4 hours to Cuenca. Meet you host family and your home stay experience begins.

This excursion includes:

• 2 or 3 nights hotel lodging
• Breakfasts and lunches
• Waterfall hikes, night walks
• Cable cars
• Mitad del mundo and museum entrance
• Historic Quito city tour and tram
• Private transportation and guide

*Hotel rooms will be shared, most are double occupancy, some are triple. Participants will have own bed. Private accommodations might be available for an additional fee. In case you need a private room please contact us. 

This adventure begins early Friday morning and we’ll arrive into Cuenca Sunday afternoon just in time to meet your host family and share a meal with them.