Overview
Cordillera Interandina. It is a high altitude valley located west of Cordillera Oriental (Eastern Range) and east of Cordillera Occidental (Western Range) in the Ecuadorian Andes. It runs north to south between both Cordilleras and it is also known as Central Valley or Interandean Region.It was named as the Avenue of the Volcanoes by Edward Whymper during his visit to Ecuador.
Mountains
Rumiñahui4,712 m(15,462 ft) Ilaló3,185 m(10,450 ft) Pasochoa4,199 m(13,772 ft) Imbabura4,630 m(15,190 ft) Besides having Quito (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), Ecuador’s capital city set
on its high altitude valleys among with most of Ecuador’s major cities,
the
Avenue of the Volcanoes possesses some high non-glaciated mountains located east of the Pana erican highway.
Note: Even though Pasochoa and Rumiñahui are not geologically part of Cordillera Oriental, they are considered like that it in some guidebooks.
Quito
Quito (2,850 m / 9,350 ft). Located just 25 kms south of the equator, Quito is one of the most attractive and dynamic capital cities in South America. It was declared by Unesco a World Heritage site. Quito’s main attraction is the “old town” which features historic churches and buildings from the 17th century considered as the most splendid and beautiful of the continent.Most of visitors spend a few days touring in the city, which at 2,850 m (9,350 ft) makes an ideal spot for acclimatization prior to the high altitude climbs in the country. An excellent departure point for the mountains.
When to Climb
Weather within the summer months of June and December tends to be more pleasant for climbing in Ecuador. Clear mornings and cloudy afternoons are common in the high central valley. However, cold temperatures should be expected at higher elevations such as those above 3,500 m (11,480 ft).Ecuador’s Interandean Mountains can be climb in a single day all year-round. It is advisable to start the climb early in order to take advantage of the cloudless mornings and to avoid possible late storms.
Camping
Camping is allowed in most of the Interandean Mountains. However, camping at the proximities of major cities is not advisable.
Red Tape
No park entrance fees, except for Ruminahui and Pasochoa.No parking permits for all the peaks.Pets are not allowed in Rumiñahui.
Transportation
Catequilla: Hire private transportation (white pick up trucks anywhere in Mitad del Mundo.
Ilaló: Public transportation leaves to Tumbaco trailhead from Estacion Rio Coca “Ecovia” (north of Quito). To El Tingo trailhead from Estacion “La Marin” (old town).
Pasochoa: Estacion “La Marin” (old town).
Imbabura: Estacion de Carcelen (north of Quito).
Rumiñahui: Estación Quitumbe (south of Quito). Buses to Cotopaxi National Park south entrance.
Miscellaneous Info
Guidebooks:-
Ecuador, Climbing and Hiking Guide. Rob Rachowiecki and Mark Thurber. (6th Edition). Aug. 2008.-
Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands – Lonely Planet. (8th Edition) St Louis, Burningham, Dowl, Grosberg. August 2009
MapsInstituto Geografico Militar (IGM) topographic maps are available at Instituto Geografico Militar (IGM) in Quito, and must be bought personally with your passport.
Instituto Geografico Militar (IGM).Senierges y Gral. Paz y MiñoSector El Dorado.