DESTINATIONS IN ECUADOR - HIGHLAND

Here you can find a description of the different regions in Ecuador.

general information - regions - what to bring

Situation:
The Andean highlands of Ecuador are marked by two plateaus of the high mountains running from North to South. Between those mountain chains stretches a lengthways valley in which the most important cities of the highlands are located at an altitude ranging from 2200 to 2900m. Due to its numerous snow-covered volcano summits this fertile valley is also called the "avenue of the volcanoes".

Climate:
Instead of four seasons, there are wet and dry seasons, and weather patterns very greatly among different geographical regions.
The Galápagos and the coastal areas are influenced by ocean currents. The warm equatorial countercurrent from the central Pacific causes a hot and rainy season from January through April. From May to December, the cool Humboldt current keeps the temperatures a bit lower.
The dry season in the highlands is from June to September. Climate in the highlands depends on the hight. But the whole year round, climate is humid and cool. In the winter months (October to May), mornings are sunny and warm. At noon, temperatures increase and in the aftrenoons are getting down rainfalls and a drop in temperature. Climate lapse is the same in the sumer months, but there are not so many rainfalls.
In the Oriente, it is raining the whole year around, especial during the afternoon and evening.

Travel season:
Travelling to the highlands is possible during the whole year, but in the summermonths from May to September, rainfalls are unfrequent. The best time for hiking in the west of the Andes, are recommended the months from June to September, as well as December. The east cordilleras are effected by the Amazons climate. So are recommended the months December to February.

TOP

Quito - Otavalo - Cloud Forest (Mindo) - Papallacta - Cotopaxi National Park - Baños - Riobamba - Cuenca - Vilcabamba

Quito:
Quito is situated in the mountain plateau of Ecuador at an altitude of 2850m. With 1,6 million citizens Quito is only the second biggest city after Guayaquil but represents the economic hub of the region. Furthermore, it is the starting point for trips and journeys to Otavalo, the rainforest or along the avenue of the volcanoes to Cuenca or to the Peruvian border.

Otavalo:
Otavalo is the tourist meeting point of the North about 90km from Quito. The centre of attention surely represents the Plaza de Ponchos, the biggest indio market in Ecuador attracting particularly on Saturdays many locals and tourists from all over the world.

Papallacta:
It is located 64km East of Quito on the Vía Interoceánica with direction to the rainforest at an altitude of 4064m. You will find yourself amidst cloud forests and the rough páramo landscape. The region invites you to wonderful walks within the ecological reserve of Cayambe-Coca finding then a perfect close with a relaxing bath in the thermal springs of Papallacta.

Cotopaxi National Park:
Since 11th August 1975 the area around Cotopaxi Volcano covering 34.000ha is a declared national park. Main highlight is of course the worldwide highest active volcano, that is Cotopaxi Volcano with its 5897m. The snow giant attracts every year over 40.000 visitors because also those not so experienced in mountaineering get their money worth in the Cotopaxi National Park.

Baños:
About 3 hours South of Quitois situated the town of Baños. Since 1999 the Tungurahua Volcano is active again which once led to the evacuation of the town. Baños offers a variety of bars, restaurants and further facilities, and can therefore be considered as the Ecuadorian synonym for tourism.

Riobamba:
The capital of Chimborazo province counts 100.000 inhabitants and is situated at an altitude of 2750m. The unique view of five of the most important volcanoes of Ecuador attracts many tourists. As visitor to Riobamba you should not miss out on a very particular attraction: the train ride to the Devil's nose (La Nariz del Diablo) on the trains roof.

Cuenca:
The third largest city in Ecuador is the capital of Azuay province being located at an altitude of 2530m. Cobblestone streets and colonial buildings offer the city a unique flair, which therefore attracts numerous visitors throughout the whole year. Cuenca is knowm as the most beautiful city in Ecuador.

Vilcabamba:
In the South of Ecuador the idyllic village of Vilcabamba is situated which is better known as "valley of longevity". Many people living here reach the old age of 100. The surrounding area invites you to extensive walks; furthermore, is Vilcabamba an ideal starting point for a visit to Podocarpus National Park.

TOP

WHAT TO BRING

• Case/ Backpack
• Backpack for daily trips
• Unfedded coat by waterproofed fiber
• Trousers
• Shirts
• T- Shirts
• Shorts
• Warm and leightweight pullover
• Trekking boots/ Hiking boots
• Sport shoes
• Sandals
• Flip Flops (for the shower)
• Swimming things
• Stockings
• Underwear
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (sun protection factor not less than 15, better more)

Also helpfull:
• Money belt
• Pocket knife
• Travelling alarm
• Sewing kit
• Toilet paper for day trips

TOP