Andes Highlands

The Northern Andes of Ecuador offers a rich blend of natural and ethnographic attractions. The El Ángel Ecological Reserve is a paradise for nature lovers, featuring unique páramos and giant frailejones, along with lagoons like El Voladero, providing stunning landscapes and hiking trails.

In San Antonio, indigenous sculptors skillfully work with wood and stone, creating religious and decorative figures recognized worldwide.

The indigenous culture in this region is a vital part of Ecuadorian identity, influencing local craftsmanship, music, cuisine, and festivals. In Otavalo, indigenous communities have preserved their traditions through generations. The Otavalo market is famous for its colorful textiles, handwoven using ancient techniques. These textiles, along with other crafts like pottery and jewelry, reflect the worldview and cultural symbols of the Kichwa peoples.

In Cotacachi, the tradition of working with leather is evident in high-quality products.

The Cuicocha Lagoon, with its turquoise waters in a volcanic crater, offers stunning views and boat rides among volcanic islands. The San Pablo Lagoon, surrounded by mountains, is ideal for water activities and bird watching. 

Andean cuisine, influenced by indigenous culture, offers dishes such as fritada, cuy (guinea pig), and chicha, a traditional fermented corn drink. These culinary delights are not only essential to the cultural experience but also tell the story of the agriculture and sustainable practices of these communities.
Indigenous festivals, such as Inti Raymi or the Festival of the Sun, are celebrations that honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) and agricultural cycles. These festivals are marked by music, dance, and rituals, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience firsthand the deep spirituality and connection to nature that characterize Andean indigenous cultures.

The Central Andes  starts with Quito city, the capital of Ecuador that offers a unique blend of culture and nature. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with colonial churches and historic plazas. Tourists can enjoy the Middle of the World Monument, where they can stand on the equatorial line and visit the Intiñan Museum, which features interactive exhibits on physics and indigenous culture. The Pululahua volcano with its habitable crater is perfect for hiking and panoramic views.

Just a few hours away, Papallacta is famous for its healing hot springs. Surrounded by mountains and forests, Papallacta also offers hiking and bird watching.

The Monument Cotopaxi National Park, home to the impressive Cotopaxi volcano, visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, observing flora and fauna, and exploring glacial lakes. This park is one of the most visited in the country and offers stunning panoramic views.

Chimborazo, with its majestic namesake volcano, is the highest point in Ecuador and the closest point on Earth to the sun due to the planet’s equatorial bulge. The area offers opportunities for mountaineering and observing Andean wildlife.

The Southern Andes, is a fascinating destination with attractions such as Cajas National Park, renowned for its lakes and natural trails. The city of Cuenca, a World Heritage Site, offers colonial architecture, rich culture, and craftsmanship. Azuay combines nature and culture, ideal for ecotourism and cultural tourism.