Central Andes

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.