which-is-the-latam-destination-that-mountain-lovers-shouldnt-miss

Walking along mountains is one of those activities that help us reconnect with ourselves. So not in vain many people claimed nature bathing after the lockdown period we all lived in 2020-21.

Hiking and trekking are reflective activities that, fortunately, can be shared with other mountain lovers. At the same time, the terrain’s color, smell, and difficulty can enhance our physical resistance experience and endurance.

But, there is a destination in Latin America that travelers should experience: Ecuador. Why so? Well, does being in the top 15 countries with the most volcanoes make it interesting?

Keep reading and find it out meanwhile you get in love with this tiny country in the middle of the world.

A country divided by the Andes mountain range

Ecuador is famous for the Galapagos Islands and for being in the middle of the world, at the Equator. However, Ecuador is also renowned for its mountains and volcanoes in the Andes, which divide the country into two sides from north to south.

Can you imagine being on a 350 km (217 mi) road surrounded by volcanoes? Well, that’s possible in Ecuador.

Where can you experience it? At the Avenue of Volcanoes, called that by Alexander Von Humboldt, who saw an impressive road surrounded by nine volcanoes, almost perfectly aligned, from the Cotopaxi volcano, one of the most active in the world, to the Chimborazo, the highest volcano in Ecuador with its 6,268 m.a.s.l. (20,564 ft).

Ecuador is undoubtedly a mountain destination that catches the attention of hikers, mountaineers, and climbers.

How many volcanoes do you think Ecuador has? We have 35 volcanoes, of which 11 are currently active.

Visit many mountains in a short time

One advantage that Ecuador offers to adventurers is its tiny size. Therefore, the country allows people to travel and visit many places quickly. Thus, Ecuador is ideal for those who want to get as many travel experiences without investing much time commuting from one place to another.

Is Ecuador suitable for inexperienced hikers or beginners? Definitely yes! This tiny country has a wide range of mountains at different altitudes and levels of difficulty.

Keep scrolling and get some of the best spots for reconnecting with nature while enduring physical resistance.

Download this infographic here

Be mesmerized by the Altar and its impressive lagoons

There is a volcano that once upon a time was considered a supervolcano for its high activity and power. Thankfully, nowadays, it’s extinct, but the shape of its snowed volcanic mountains emulates church altars, that’s why they have ecclesiastic names such as the Obispo (Bishop), Los Frailes (the Frays), the Monja menor and Monja mayor (the nuns).

The Kapak Urku, the name in kichwa of the Altar volcano, means the “Lord of the Mountains.” Indeed, many consider this snowed mountain a volcanic masterpiece with glacier lagoons that impress visitors. Some of them are the Yellow lagoon or cauldron, the Blue, the Green, the Painted, and the Mandur lagoons.

The Altar at Bishop peak is 5,319 m high (17,451 ft), and it’s a mountain destination for those looking for adventure and an Instagramming destination, especially at the Blue and Green Lagoons. Both are the most photographed spots in the volcano, which can be visited in around three days.

Where is the Altar volcano? It’s close to Riobamba and near to the Chimborazo volcano. Just 3 hours of driving south from Quito, around 195 km from the capital city (121 mi).

The lagoon of the “Princess’ Diamond.”

Have you ever seen the astonishing image of the bright turquoise lagoon that represents Ecuador?

Well, that’s the Quilotoa Lagoon, which means “Princess’ Diamond” in kichwa.

Indeed, the Quilotoa is one of the world’s 15 most beautiful volcanic lagoons,” according to Twistedfister.

This volcano erupted and collapsed around 800 years ago, forming an emerald lagoon in its cauldron. The lagoon measures 9 km (5,6 mi) wide and 250 meters deep.

The Quilotoa is a must-visit site for local and international travelers. Some visit it on a regular day tour that allows them to hike down to the lagoon, where it’s possible to rent a kayak and enjoy this mineralized lagoon. However, the hike could be pretty challenging due to its sandy terrain and deep slope.

Another option for those more adventurer travelers is making the Quilotoa Loop more doable for everyone and allowing hikers to have contact with the local communities. The journey is around 200 km of collective trails, passing through different towns and ending in the Quilotoa crater.

The only snow-capped mountain in the equinoctial line

Humboldt claimed in 1802 that El Cayambe “…can be considered as one of the monuments with which Nature has made a great difference on Earth.”

Why?

This extinct volcano that measures 5,790 m.a.s.l (18,996 ft) with perennial snow is the only one in the equinoctial line. Indeed, the Cayambe volcano is the third highest mountain in Ecuador, after the Chimborazo and the Cotopaxi.

Cayambe means “very cold place” in kichwa, and it’s not in vain. Here it’s possible to experience snow storms, strong winds, and sometimes avalanches. But don’t be scared because it is a perfect place for hiking and climbing.

From October to January, the Cayambe offers adventurers the best conditions for climbing the three peaks of this volcano: the western summit (5,714 m / 18,747 ft), the north summit (5,739 m / 18,879 ft), and the central summit (5,790 m / 18,996 ft) which is the highest. In the case of hikers, the best time of the year to enjoy this volcano is from June to December.

Even though thermal waters haven’t been confirmed, you can smell sulfur at the summit.

Be the closest to the sun ever

Can you picture being isolated in the middle of the mountain, waking up in a cozy and warm lodge, zipping your morning coffee, and watching the sunrise that illuminates with its golden rays the snow from the Chimborazo volcano?

That is part of the experience that mountain lovers can live in Ecuador when they accommodate at the Chimborazo Lodge. An accommodation run by Marco Cruz, an Ecuadorian hiker famous not only for his hikes to some of the most important mountains worldwide but also for rescuing the ecosystem of an ancient pre-Inca path used to connect the coast with the Andes used by the Incas, the Spaniards, and the explorers like Humboldt.

The Chimborazo, also known for being the closest place to the sun, offers worldwide and local adventurers the opportunity to hike, climb, and trek at different altitudes. The adventure begins at 4,000 m (13.123 ft) at the Chimborazo Lodge, surrounded by Llamas and Alpacas, two species that are not easy to sight in the Ecuadorian Andes.

As you have read, Ecuador should be part of many adventurers’ bucket lists. However, the best of Ecuador is that aside from camping and experienced climbing guides, it offers the comfort and sometimes the luxury of many historical haciendas.

In Ecuador, mountains and volcanoes are achievable for anyone, no matter their experience and level of comfort wanted.

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Which is the LATAM destination that mountain lovers shouldn’t miss?