Experience incredible sights and breathtaking nature on this hike through the Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge, right in the Avenue of the Volcanoes. As you walk over the fertile grounds of the extinct volcano, watch for vibrant birds, charming mammals, and the flourishing Ecuadorian plant life.

Get picked up from your hotel and drive out from Quito to Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge. After a short briefing and explanation of your equipment, begin your ascent of the 13,779-foot (4,200-m) extinct volcano. Ash and lava from years ago have turned the ground into a fertile paradise for the abundant, flourishing plant life that you see stretching out around you on all sides. As you climb, make your way through an impressive humid cloud forest, which is marked by the dense clouds of fog and mist hanging at the canopy level.

Once you reach the summit, take in the spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes, including the majestic Cotopaxi. After refueling with lunch, start heading back down the volcano. Along the way, keep an eye out for the 127 bird species that make the Refuge their home, including a variety of hummingbirds, the Andean condor, and mountain turkeys. You might also catch sight of mammals like deer and Brazilian rabbits on your way back to the base.