The Highlands - The Andes & the Austro

The Ecuadorian Andes are known worldwide for their impressive mountains, volcanoes, and snow-capped peaks, some of the most famous of which are Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.

The ten Andean provinces are also home to cities and towns of historical interest and importance such as Quito and Cuenca and artisan centers such as Otavalo. The area is also home to several national parks with an abundant variety of flora and fauna.

Because of the diverse geography of the area, the Andes consists of a variety of landscapes, each one with a unique microclimate. Moreover, the area is a place visited by almost all visitors who come to Ecuador as Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport is the nation’s most frequented entry point.

The country’s oldest archaeological ruins are to be found in this region. The area is also home to several villages full of handicrafts as well as to a variety of protected areas, national parks, and nature reserves.

Cuenca, the capital of Azuay (one of the three provinces of the Southern region) stands out as a historical and cultural city.

This part of the country is also known for its hot springs and the traditional medicines which are used here. The climate differs according to the altitude. However, in general, the weather here is relatively.

The Andes Mountain Range crosses the country from north to south. The Occidental and the Oriental Ranges are born from this mountain system as it divides in the province of Loja, forming plains and valleys along the Andean Corridor. Between the two ranges there is a plateau which reaches heights of three thousand meters.

The Highlands Regions, commonly referred to as La Sierra, is made up of ten provinces, each of which have important peaks such as Chimborazo, the Illinizas, Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and Antisana.

Chimborazo: 6,310 m
Cotopaxi: 5,897 m
Cayambe: 5,790 m
Antisana: 5,758 m
Altar: 5,320 m
Illiniza: 5,248 m
Tungurahua: 5,023 m
Cotacahi: 4,944 m

The highest peaks are found in central and northern Ecuador. From Riobamba towards the south there is a decrease in altitude and an increase in the width of the mountain range, forming a kind of plateau known as the Austro.