Andean Ecuador Travel Guide
The Sierra – Mountains, Volcanoes & Ancient Ruins
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Heartland of Ecuador, the Andean region, or sierra as it is known, lies where the Eastern and Western chains of this mountain range are joined by a series of high plateaux at around 2,800 metres above sea level.
With over 30 volcanic cones, many over 5,000 meters and almost a third still active, the region contains a wide range of microclimates and enormous bio-diversity, making the Sierra a fascinating region to visit.
Photogenic Cotopaxi (5,897m) is the world's highest active volcano, Cayambe (5,790m) is the only snow-capped mountain in the world that is located on the equator, but of all the peaks it is Chimborazo at 6,310 m which claims Ecuador’s highest point. This ‘Valley of Volcanoes’ is in easy reach of Quito, Ecuador’s capital and UNESCO Heritage City.
Beneath these summits, the rolling sierra is agriculturally toiled by villagers cultivating a vast variety of crops, such as quinoa, fruit, flowers and maize. The result is a patchwork of colour, fiving an impression of a patchwork quilt lying atop an unmade bed.
Here, it is easy to get off the beaten track and immerse yourself in fascinating indigenous markets such as Otovalo and discover bustling centres for particular crafts throughout the highlands. Deeper into the Southern Andes, rests the Inca fortress of Ingapirca and colonial Cuenca, considered by many to be Ecuador's most beautiful city.
Numerous National Parks and protected Wilderness Areas are scattered across the Andean region, offering world-class bird-watching, hiking, trekking, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking and horse riding.
Don’t miss one of the world's greatest train journeys along the Devil's Nose Railway and at the end of a long day, lay back and relax in one of the region’s many thermal hot springs.
Places to Visit in Andean Ecuador
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