Many of the provinces in the highlands of Ecuador are named after the most important mountain or volcano on its territory: Imbabura, Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, and Chimborazo. Moreover, most of the names of the mountains have their origin in an indigenous tongue, mostly Quichua. The names have been modified with time and the influence of Spanish; however, it is most interesting to learn about their origin.

For example, "Cotopaxi" comes of the Quichua words "Cutu", which means "neck", and "Pachi", broken. The shape of the Cotopaxi is actually of a headless neck with a white poncho (the snow). The word Andes itself comes from ANTI, which means "where the sun rises".

The Ecuadorian Andes hold several active volcanoes. Ecuadorians have witnessed and still can experience numerous volcanic eruptions. For example, the Tungurahua volcano awakened at mid 1999 after about 80 years of sleep. The town of Baños, a favorite spot for national and international tourists, is located precisely at the skirts of the volcano. "Tungurahua" comes from "Tunguri" (esophagus) and Awa (fire); and indeed it spits fire! It is an exciting experience to observe the volcano in action, and as for now it is safe, from a distance, of course.

The Ecuadorian Andes are the only site on the planet where the Equatorial Line crosses over highlands; in the rest of the world, the Equator crosses through dense tropical forests or the ocean. The pre-Incan cultures that inhabited Quito developed their astronomical knowledge helped by the clear landmarks surrounding the city: the Pichincha volcano (15,000 ft) above, the Antisana (18,700 ft) to the southeast, and the peak of the snow-caped Cayambe volcano (18,725 ft) to the northeast, almost precisely on the equatorial line. Thus, Quito is the best natural astronomical observatory in the planet, where the northern and southern hemispheres can be observed.

Some of the most characteristic animals of the Ecuadorian Andes are condors, hummingbirds, falcons, deer, llamas, pumas, highland foxes, and spectacled bears, among many others. The condor, with its wing-spread of almost ten feet, is a symbol in the Ecuadorian national shield. Unfortunately, condors are in danger of extinction, but currently several environmental entities work for their protection. Another exceptional specie is the spectacled bear, the only bear specie in the Southern hemisphere. It lives in the Andean highlands and cloud forests. Unvortunately, all these highland animals are difficult to spot. But what is definitely not moving is the flora, also unique and diverse.

Contrary to what one may think, the flora of the moorlands is diverse. A wide variety of plants have adapted to the harsh conditions of cold weather, exposure to strong sun rays and harsh winds. Their adaptations are surprising: hairy leaves¸ water retaining segments, vertical disposition, hard outside protections, etc. These plants have actually "dressed up" as a mountain climber would to withstand the difficult conditions of the moorlands.

But speaking of diversity… the cloud forests that dress the slopes of the Andes are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the planet, and hold an impressive record of endemic plants and birds. They are decorated with an impressive variety of orchids. An important sample of this ecosystems´ flora can be observed at the Quito Botanical Zoo.

Alexander von Humboldt journeyed the Ecuadorian Andes and their valleys in 1802. He named them "The Avenue of the Volcanoes". He believed that he had reached the highest point in the world when he attempted to climb the Chimborazo Mountain, the highest in Ecuador (20,702 ft above sea level), since the Himalayas were still unknown in Europe at the time. His idea had some truth, though. If measured from the center of the Earth, the peak of the Chimborazo is the furthest point on the planet’s surface. This is because the Earth is wider at the Tropics.

Ecuador has twelve peaks over 16,000 ft. The country offers opportunities to hike; trek and mountain climb for all skill levels. The highlands of Ecuador hold numerous breathtaking view sites: lagoons, extensive paramos (moorlands), mysterious cloud forests … Moreover, the indigenous communities of the highlands are known for their colorful folklore and remarkable weaving abilities. The Otavalo market in the province of Imbabura is a must visit in the highlands. Several activities can be enjoyed in the Ecuadorian Andes and their valleys: bird watching, biking, water sports on the lagoons, interacting with indigenous communities, visiting rose plantations, savoring delicious typical dishes, and much more. The colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca have both been declared World Cultural Heritage Sites. Within easy reach from these cities you can visit imposing natural sites.

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