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The Ecuadorian Andes region commonly known as "la Sierra"
is formed by the following provinces: Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha,
Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Bolivar, Cañar, Azuay
and Loja. The Andean Highland covers only a fifth of the surface
of Ecuador, but a 44,9% of the population of Ecuador lives
in the valleys along the Andes mountain range where the average
temperature is about 14-20 °C.
The Ecuadorian Andes are known for their
majestic snow-capped mountains and active volcanoes with hot
springs surrounded by vast lush green grassy paramos, humid
cloudforests and fertile valleys, colorful indian markets,
lovely colonial towns, ancient haciendas and historic cities,
all below an dramatic spectacle of intense blue sky and playful
clouds only to be admired in the highlands of this latitude.
The andean region of Ecuador is the most visited in the country
due to its cultural and natural diversity. Cities and towns
of historical interest and importance such as Quito, Cuenca,
Baños, Riobamba, Loja, Vilcabamba, Ambato and artisan
centers such as Otavalo, Salasaca and Tigua are located in
the highland region. Several national parks with an abundant
variety of flora and fauna protect an important area of the
highlands: Cotopaxi National Park, Llanganates National Park,
the Ecological Reserves of Cotacachi-Cayapas, El Angel, Cayambe-Coca,
Los Ilinizas, Antisana, the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, the
Protected Forests of Pichincha, Mindo-Nambillo and Pasochoa
and the geobotanical Reserve Pululahua.
The Andean region, easily accessible from the capital of Quito,
offers Ecuador's most developed tourist industry, providing
a wide range of activities and tours, accommodations, hotels,
B&B's, restaurants with a wide selection of international
and local dishes, - don't miss barbecued guinea pig - , as
well as shopping facilities and cultural activities.
Ecuador's Andean region can be visited all year around, however
if you prefer a dry climate, June to September and end November
to mid January are best. February to May, October and November
are considered rainy season, with warm weather and sunshine
in the morning and almost daily showers in the afternoon.
The Andean region is wellknown for experiencing our four seasons
every single day: Morning is like spring, midday is summer,
afternoon is like fall, and night time resembles a mild northern
winter.
Tour the Ecuadorian Andes, learn more about
its indigenous inhabitants, their craftsman and artisan work
and culture, enjoy the spectacular landscapes and stay in
our recommended hotels, hostels, haciendas and hosterias,
eco-lodges and luxury resorts. Whether you're looking for
a culture and landtour or adventure tours such as white water
rafting, bird watching and wildlife observation tours in the
cloudforest, hiking and trekking, mountain biking, paragliding,
mounteneering, - you might want to climb mountains as Cotopaxi,
Chimborazo, Iliniza, Antisana, Cayambe or would like to
participate in community-based ecotourism programs, contact
our serious and experienced tour operators, they'll have a
program to meet your needs.
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