DESTINATIONS IN ECUADOR

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

Highlands - Coast - Rainforest - Galápagos

HIGHLANDS

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". In this magnificent landscape with mild climate throughout the year you can find the following cities and places:

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

About 3 hours South of Quito the town of Baños (15.000 inhabitants) is located at an altitude of 1800m. Since 1999 the Tungurahua Volcano is active again which once led to the evacuation of the town. Today the volcano does not represent a danger but rather renders Baños a popular destination for volcano watching. Particularly in the evenings a visit to the famous viewpoints is worthwhile to take pictures of ash, debris and lava emissions.
Baños offers a variety of bars, restaurants and further facilities, and can therefore be considered as the Ecuadorian synonym for tourism. The name of the town alone (Baños=baths) refers to a plethora of swimming pools partly using the thermal water of Tungurahua. Especially in July/August many local and foreign tourists come to Baños to stay longer there or to make use of the town as an ideal starting point for continuing trips to the South, North or the rainforest. Baños distinguishes itself by its nice park areas, museums and the zoo but the surroundings with several waterfalls are worth a visit too.

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The capital of Chimborazo province counts 100.000 inhabitants and is situated at an altitude of 2750m. From this agricultural centre of the region particularly corn and vegetables are transported to Quito and Guayaquil. Famous is the great market on Saturdays where indígenas from all parts of the country promote their products. This is not the only reason that Riobamba gains more and more touristic significance. The unique view of five of the most important volcanoes of Ecuador - Chimborazo, Altar, Tungurahua, Carihuairazo - attracts many tourists. Furthermore, Riobamba offers a number of beautiful parks and squares as well as many interesting museums.
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) from Riobamba via and to Alausí. Extraordinary here is that most passengers do not sit in a compartment but rather on top of the train. This renders the ride of ca. 4 hours an unforgettable experience!

If you want to know more about the little town Riobamba, please click here (site in Spanish).

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The third largest city in Ecuador with ca. 300.000 inhabitants is the capital of Azuay province, that is Cuenca, which means "highland basin", 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, considered to be the most beautiful city in Ecuador, is furthermore a popular destination as stopover travelling to or coming from Peru. Cuenca has also gained a reputation in the production of ceramics and panama hats.

The Tomebamba River divides Cuenca into two parts: the northern colonial centre and the southern modern districts. Beside numerous cathedrals, churches and museums also the Abdón Calderón Park, heart of Cuenca, is worth a visit. Along the northern bank of the Tomebamba River you can reach the Inca ruins Las Ruinas de Todos Santos. There have even been excavated some ceramics which you can see in the small museum next to the excavation site. Landmark of the city is the New Cathedral, 105m high, made of reddish brick and blue domes which has been built in 1885. Opposite you find the Old Cathedral having been constructed in 1557 at the city's foundation, which is supposed to only serve as museum in the future.

About 35km from Cuenca, the El Cajas National Park is located covering a 28.808ha area of lakes. This area already originated during the Quaternary as the mayor part of the region was glaciated. More than 230 lagoons and numerous rivers as well as a magnificent flora and fauna invite you to walks in the National Park, and especially bird watchers get their money worth.

On the homepage of Cuenca (in English) you will find more information about this beautiful village.

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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; scientists put that down to the fresh air, the clear water and the stable climate. In the centre of Vilcabamba there is a big square around which many small shops are grouped. The surrounding area invites you to extensive walks; furthermore, is Vilcabamba an ideal starting point for a visit to Podocarpus National Park. The whole province of Loja is denoted as "botanical garden of America" and you can find this concentrated in Podocarpus National Park. The variety of plants, especially orchids, the possibility to camp at the lakes or to go on a horseback riding trip render this park a popular destination.

To know more about Vilcabamba please visit the homepage in English.

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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

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