This is an area of outstanding ecological and cultural importance, with a unique natural beauty: mountainous landscapes and incredible views of the volcanoes like Chiles, Cotacachi, Imbabura, and the snow capped Cayambe. This area is known as the 'Province of the lakes', where countless villages of artisans are found. The inhabitants of this area are highly specialized in woodcarvings, back strip loom weavings, leather goods, bread dough figures. A highlight is the great variety of handcrafts found at Otavalo market, considered to be one of the most attractive Indigenous markets in all of Latin America.

This is perhaps the greatest mountain scenery in Ecuador. This part of the country was named the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" by the German naturalist and explorer, Alexander Von Humboldt.

One of these imposing mountains, the snowcapped Cotopaxi, is the world's highest active volcano. Numerous national parks and protected wilderness feature a wide range of micro-climates and enormous biodiversity. The scenery is embellished by many colorful Indigenous markets and colonial towns that nestle among this incredible Andean range. These highlands provide exciting hiking, trekking, and horseback riding routes. One of the world's greatest train journeys begins in Riobamba passing through the famous "Devil's Nose" on the way to the Coast.

With unique attractions such as Ecuador's prime Inca site, Ingapirca fortress, and two spectacular National Parks: Cajas with more than 200 lagoons and Podocarpus home to more than 500 species of birds, 3,000 species of plants and the only forest of native conifers, "Podocarpus ", that remains in Ecuador, the Southern Andes are the most diverse part of the Andes region of the country. We offer spectacular tours around this region where you will stay at the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca to truly experience the beauty of the Southern Andes.

See Mt. Cotopaxi