Ecuador Avenue of the Volcanoes vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This nine-day journey through Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes is designed to reduce carbon emissions by relying exclusively on land-based travel instead of short-haul flights. Private ground transportation connects Quito, Cotopaxi, Baños, Riobamba, and Cuenca, lowering per-person emissions while providing scenic access to the Andes.

Accommodations such as Illa Experience Hotel, Hacienda El Porvenir, and Hostería Abraspungo incorporate sustainability measures such as energy-efficient systems, responsible energy use, and community-centered supply chains. Meals are prepared with locally sourced ingredients from surrounding farms, markets, and hacienda production, significantly reducing the environmental impact of long-distance food transport.


ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

The itinerary highlights protected areas such as Cotopaxi National Park, Chimborazo Fauna Reserve, and Cajas National Park, where the conservation of species like the vicuña, llamas, and Andean condors is a central theme. Guided hikes through fragile páramo ecosystems are conducted under national park regulations to minimize impact.

All participants are briefed on Leave No Trace principles and are encouraged to respect park rules, use reusable materials, and minimize waste. Partner accommodations contribute through sustainable practices including waste separation, composting, and water conservation. Guests are encouraged to travel with refillable bottles to avoid single-use plastics during the journey.

By combining responsible travel with visits to some of Ecuador’s most iconic protected landscapes, this tour actively supports the preservation of fragile highland ecosystems while providing an immersive cultural and natural experience.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

The tour strengthens the Andean economy by partnering with locally owned hotels, haciendas, and restaurants. Stays at Illa Experience Hotel in Quito, Hacienda El Porvenir, Hostería Abraspungo, and family-run lodgings in Cuenca ensure that revenue directly benefits Ecuadorian families and communities.

At Illa Experience Hotel, guests participate in cultural workshops with artisans from the San Marcos neighborhood, supporting local craft traditions and generating stable income for community members. Along the journey, visits to traditional markets, artisan towns, and cultural landmarks like Ingapirca further contribute to local income generation and the preservation of heritage practices.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY, AND DIVERSITY

We prioritise working with Ecuadorian professionals in guiding, driving, and hospitality services, ensuring that tourism benefits are directed to the communities where operations take place. At the same time, the company integrates an international team in areas such as sustainability, operations, and marketing, fostering a diverse exchange of knowledge and practices.

Partner accommodations such as Illa Experience Hotel, Hacienda El Porvenir, and Hostería Abraspungo prioritize long-term employment for nearby communities. At Illa, the NESTS Project provides mentorship and training in hospitality and entrepreneurship to young Ecuadorians, preparing the next generation of tourism professionals. At the haciendas, women and families are actively engaged in preparing meals, leading workshops, and delivering guest services.

Through these collaborations, the tour fosters year-round employment in Ecuador’s Andean region, strengthens cultural identity, and ensures that community members play a central role in shaping sustainable tourism.