The "Avenue of the Volcanoes", named by Alexander von Humboldt during his 1802 expedition to Ecuador, stretches along the northern spine of the Andes.

Perhaps most famous for the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is also home to some of the most active and highest volcanoes in the world. Breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks can be appreciated from almost every corner of the country. On a trip down the Pan-American highway, which cuts through the mountains of Ecuador north to south, one can see as many as ten volcanoes.

Cayambe

Almost exactly on the equator, Cayambe towers above the northern area of the country at 18,725 feet. It has no historical eruptions, however, and is believed to be extinct. Its permanent ice cap makes it one of the most beautiful mountains in Ecuador.

Pichincha

The city of Quito lies at the base of this volcano (15,000 feet), which began recent activity in 1999. The mountain’s two highest points can be easily reached from various points of the city. At present, the volcano is quiet, and snow, once again, occasionally graces its peaks.

Antisana

At 18,700 feet, this volcano is one of Ecuador’s highest. On a clear day, it can be seen from the city of Quito, although most of the time it is enveloped in clouds. It is a remote volcano, overlooking the small town of Papallacta, and rarely climbed.

Cotopaxi

One of the world’s highest active volcanoes (19,388 feet), Cotopaxi looms above the town of Latacunga and is visible throughout the northern half of the country.

Tungurahua

Currently one of the most active volcanoes in the region, Tungurahua has been spouting ashes and molten rock for centuries. After a brief period of inactivity, it resumed in 1999 and has had a couple of significant eruptions, the last being in August of 2006. Local towns have been relocated, and ash frequently surrounds the neighboring mountains. Although it has been a popular ascent for mountain climbing enthusiasts, climbing as of October 2007 is not recommended due to the volcanic activity.

Chimborazo

At 20,702 feet above sea level, Chimborazo is not only the highest mountain in Ecuador, but also the furthest point from the center of the Earth (due to its location on the equator, where the planet is wider), making it the closest point on the Earth’s surface to the sun. Once thought to be the highest mountain on Earth, Alexander von Humboldt ascended this volcano in 1802, reaching a record-holding 19,286 feet (at that time). Later, in 1880, Edward Whymper reached the summit. No longer active, Chimborazo remains a popular destination for mountain climbers.

Carihuairazo

A stone’s throw from Chimborazo, Carihuairazo (16,457 feet) seems to sit at the base of Chimborazo. The ragged peaks of this inactive volcano gives it the appearance of a molar tooth. Llamas, alpacas and vicuñas graze in the arid grasses of the páramo along its slopes.

Altar

Covered with ice and snow, Altar is located on the Eastern Cordillera. Its many peaks are said to look like a church altar, thus giving the now-extinct volcano its name.

Sangay

About 40 kilometers from the tropical city of Macas, on the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes, sits Sangay. The most active in the country, this volcano overlooks the Amazon Basin.

Reventador

Reventador is one of the most consistently active volcanoes in Ecuador, and has erupted over 24 times in the last 450 years. Located in an isolated area on the Eastern Cordillera, it is likely that many of its eruptions have gone unreported. One of the greatest recent eruptions occurred in 2002, which covered the city of Quito with ash.