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Ecuador Andes Mountains
The Ecuadorian Andes have achieved a balance of natural and manmade splendors sure to please everyone. Travelers may look forward to climbing, trekking, or horseback riding in the Avenue of Volcanoes that runs the length of the northern Sierra.
The volcanoes that populate Ecuador include Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano on earth, and Chimborazo, the peak of which is the furthest point from the center of the Earth because of the Equatorial bulge.
The Andes also offer great birdwatching in the magnificent cloudforests of Mindo, shopping for handcrafts in the world famous market town of Otavalo, fascinating opportunities to interact with the Quichua indigenous in villages across the highlands, great trekking between beautifully preserved colonial-era haciendas, and sightseeing in colonial towns and cities, such as Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sierra is rich in natural and cultural beauty. Snow-capped, active volcanoes, lush green rolling hillsides covered in a patchwork of farms and untamed cloud forests, an immense lake formed in the crater of a volcano, natural hot springs, crashing waterfalls, and rushing rivers form a spectacular setting to cultural communities that have clung to languages, traditions and customs dating back thousands of years.
Many people start their journey in Quito, the capital. Too many people leave Ecuador without going any farther in the highlands. The sierra offers a wide range of accommodations, culinary options, shopping opportunities, and cultural festivals, all easily accessible from the capital of Quito.
In addition to Quito, Otavalo, Baos and Cuenca have the most extensive infrastructure supporting tourism in the highlands. In these towns you can expect a wide selection of restaurants, hotels and activities. Choose a luxurious suite in a 400-year old hacienda, or nestle down in a backpacker's $3 per night hostel. Dine on Pad Thai one day and barbecued guinea pig the next!
There are numerous climbing, mountain biking and trekking opportunities in the Sierra. Based around its 20 active volcanoes. One favorite is the glacier-topped Cotopaxi, which can be scaled with the help of a good guide, an ice pick and plenty of warm clothes. There are also several longer hikes around the national parks in the Andes Mountain Range.
On This Page: On this page: Ecuadorian Andes Mountains Cotopaxi Ecuador Chimborazo Ecuador Climbing Ecuador Volcano Ecuador Otavalo Ecuador Crafts Ecuador Markets Avenue of Volcanos Ecuador Climbing Trekking Horseback riding Cloudforest Banos Ecuador Cuenca Ecuador.
