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The Central Andes is made up of the provinces of Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Chimborazo, and Bolivar. This is one of the most impressive regions in Ecuador and features a great number of worthwhile attractions and places to visit. Some of the highlights include:
Quito´s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Downtown & Panecillo – with its historic churches and buildings, cobbled roads, plazas, and museums, Quito´s “centro historico” is a must-visit. A trip to the top of Panecillo is a great way to get a bird´s eye view of the northern part of the city.
Mindo Cloud Forest – two hours west of Quito, the beautiful town and reserve of Mindo is a great location for hiking, rafting and birdwatching.
Equinoctial Line (Equator Line) – located just to the north of Quito, the Middle of the World monument and equinoctial line are obligatory stops, as is the classic, one foot on either side of the equator photo which can be taken at the monument.
Cayambe Volcano & Town – one of the Avenue of the Volcanoes peaks, the stunning mountain, panoramic windswept paramo, and sleepy nearby village are key destinations in any tour of the Central Andes.
Quito Teleferico – this cable-car attraction takes visitors on a slightly dizzying ascent to the top of the Pichincha mountain, providing stunning views on clear days of the city below and the distant snow-capped peaks dotting the horizon.
Cotopaxi Volcano – the perfect conical shape of this still-active volcano is one of Ecuador´s most impressive features, and a 45-minute trek will take you from the parking lot up to the first refuge point.
This is one of the most impressive regions in Ecuador and features a great number of worthwhile attractions...
Quilotoa Lake – a stunning deep blue-green color due to the presence of naturally released minerals, this crater lake and the beautiful high Andean paramo surrounding it make for a great destination.
Illinizas Ecological Resevere – the twin volcanic peaks, which are at the center of the reserve, provide a great backdrop for short hikes or longer treks through the surrounding country-side.
Latacunga – the capital of the province of Cotopaxi, Latacunga serves as a perfect base from which to explore the avenue of the volcanos or travel the Quilotoa loop. The city is known for a typical plate called chugchucaras, as well as queso de hoja, which is leaf-wrapped fresh cheese. Every year at the end of September the traditional “Mama Negra” festival attracts hundreds of visitors who come to participate in this unique celebration. The festival includes a noisy, exuberant parade featuring characters such as the Moorish King, the Angel of the Stars, and various dancers, musicians and marching bands, and culminates with the arrival of La Mama Negra, which is a representation of the Virgin combined with African deities.
Quito – Cotopaxi – Quito Train – this historic railway route leaves Quito and winds through the high paramo foothills of the Cotopaxi volcano in the Cotopaxi National Park and through Boliche Reserve. This, allows for breathtaking views of the peak and its surroundings. The route is 50 kilometers long and takes three hours to complete each way. Camping overnight in the park is an option for those who don’t want to return the same day. The train departs Saturday and Sunday at 8am from the Chimbacalle station in Quito, and returns at 2pm from the Cotopaxi station. Tickets may be bought at the central train offices located at Bolivar 443 and Garcia Moreno.
