Ecuadorian Andes

The Andes run through central Ecuador, and the two World Heritage colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca anchor the Avenue of the Volcanoes, crater lakes and highland markets.

The Ecuadorian Andes correspond to the Highlands (Sierra) region of the official "four worlds." From north to south they include ten provinces: Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Bolívar, Chimborazo, Cañar, Azuay and Loja. Between two parallel Andean ranges lie intermontane basins at 2,000–3,000 m, where population and cities are highly concentrated. The capital, Quito, sits at about 2,850 m; its Old Town was among the first cities inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage Site, with churches and plazas well preserved, and the Equator Monument lies north of the city. To the north, Otavalo in Imbabura province is famous for its indigenous handicraft market. Heading south into the valley known as the "Avenue of the Volcanoes," snowcapped peaks such as Cotopaxi and Chimborazo line up in turn; Chimborazo is the summit farthest from the Earth's center. Quilotoa crater lake is good for hiking around the rim or between villages. Baños is known for hot springs, the Route of the Waterfalls and canyoning, and is also a gateway to the Amazon; near Riobamba you can ride the "Devil's Nose" scenic train. In the south are Ingapirca, Ecuador's largest Inca site, as well as Cuenca, another World Heritage colonial city, and the highland lakes of Cajas National Park. The classic route runs south from Quito to Cuenca along the Pan-American Highway; allow 7–10 days. The long-distance bus network is extensive, and there are also flights between Quito and Cuenca. Watch for altitude sickness and intense UV radiation, and follow official notices during periods of volcanic activity.

Destinations

Itineraries