The Ecuadorian Andes region commonly known as "la Sierra" is formed by the following provinces: Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Bolivar, Cañar, Azuay and Loja. The Andean Highland covers only a fifth of the surface of Ecuador, but a 44,9% of the population of Ecuador lives in the valleys along the Andes mountain range where the average temperature is about 14-20 °C.

The Ecuadorian Andes are known for their majestic snow-capped mountains and active volcanoes with hot springs surrounded by vast lush green grassy paramos, humid cloudforests and fertile valleys, colorful indian markets, lovely colonial towns, ancient haciendas and historic cities.

All below an dramatic spectacle of intense blue sky and playful clouds only to be admired in the highlands of this latitude. The andean region of Ecuador is the most visited in the country due to its cultural and natural diversity.

 

Cities and towns of historical interest and importance such as Quito, Cuenca, Baños, Riobamba, Loja, Vilcabamba, Ambato and artisan centers such as Otavalo, Salasaca and Tigua are located in the highland region. Several national parks with an abundant variety of flora and fauna protect an important area of the highlands: Cotopaxi National Park, Llanganates National Park, the Ecological Reserves of Cotacachi-Cayapas, El Angel, Cayambe-Coca, Los Ilinizas, Antisana, the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, the Protected Forests of Pichincha, Mindo-Nambillo and Pasochoa and the geobotanical Reserve Pululahua.

The Andean region, easily accessible from the capital of Quito, offers Ecuador's most developed tourist industry, providing a wide range of activities and tours, accommodations, hotels, B&B's, restaurants with a wide selection of international and local dishes, - don't miss barbecued guinea pig - , as well as shopping facilities and cultural activities.

Ecuador's Andean region can be visited all year around, however if you prefer a dry climate, June to September and end November to mid January are best. February to May, October and November are considered rainy season, with warm weather and sunshine in the morning and almost daily showers in the afternoon. The Andean region is wellknown for experiencing our four seasons every single day: Morning is like spring, midday is summer, afternoon is like fall, and night time resembles a mild northern winter.