We’ll depart from Quito at 7:00 am to venture into the Ecuadorean Andes by the Panamerican highway. In a clear day it is possible to admire the impressive peaks in what is known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes.  The term Avenue of the Volcanoes was coined by the German explorer Alexander Von Humboldt — “the greatest scientific traveler who ever lived,” according to Charles Darwin — who journeyed through Ecuador in 1802, climbing to 19,286 feet on Chimborazo, a world record at the time.
We’ll move from the Panamerican highway towards the indigenous villages of Pujili, Tigua and Zumbagua. Each  has  markets open only on certain days of week and where it is possible to observe from fruits and vegetables, to animals,  painting and handicrafts.

We‘ll enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Paramo a unique habitat in the Andes, with an amazing topography including mountains and canyons.

Upon our arrival to the area of Quilotoa, a 3km wide water filled caldera formed by the collapse of the volcano’s crater after a massive eruption. Here it  is possible to either hike around the edge of the caldera or do the hike towards one of the most beautiful crater lakes in the world.

We’ll have lunch  in a community restaurant.  Snacks and water are provided during the trip.
 Return to Quito late in the afternoon.