Ecuador Andes
Ecuador's region of the Andes consists of over 30 volcanic cones, many over 5,000 meters and almost a third still active. One of these the snow-capped Cotopaxi is the world's highest active volcano. Numerous national parks and protected areas of wilderness feature a wide range of microclimates and enormous bio-diversity, making the Sierra a paradise for bird watching in particular. The highlands provide exciting hiking and trekking and there are excellent routes for mountain biking and horse riding. One of the world's greatest train Journeys begins in Riobamba passing through the famous "Devil's Nose" on the way to the coast. Many inhabitants of the Sierra are Indians and there are fascinating indigenous markets and craft centers throughout the highlands. Quito, situated in a circle of mountainous peaks, is the world's second highest capital and has one of the finest settings of any city in the world. Quito is home to excellent museums, churches and art galleries and its colonial center, one of the finest in Latin America, has been designated a World Heritage Site, by UNESCO. In the Southern Andes, colonial Cuenca near the Inca fortress ruins of Ingapirca is considered by many to be Ecuador's most beautiful city.

Not surprisingly, this region possesses Ecuador's most developed tourist industry, providing a wide range of accommodations, culinary options, shopping opportunities, and cultural festivals, all easily accessible from the capital of Quito. In addition to Quito, Otavalo and Baños are considered travelers' meccas, boasting an extensive infrastructure supporting tourism. In these towns you can expect a wide selection of restaurants, hotels and activities. Choose a luxurious suite in a 400-year old hacienda, or nestle down in a backpacker's $3 per night hostel. Dine on veggie pizza one day and barbecued guinea pig the next!