Bolivar

Bolivar is located on the western slopes of the Central Andes, close to Ecuador's geographic center. Bolivar province is hilly and mountainous, with many lakes and rivers, and a high rural population. Part of the Chimborazo Volcano is in the Bolivar province. The indigenous population of Bolivar province is involved in many travel immersion experiences letting tourists visit their communities and learn their ancient culture and customs in the Andes paramo, The climate ranges from chilly weather on open plains to hotter, more humid subtropical temperatures in other zones.

Chimborazo

Chimborazo province is located below Tungurahua province in the Central Andes and features rolling hills and countless peaks. Chimborazo province is home to Chimborazo Volcano, the country's highest climbable peak, as well as El Altar, a famous extinct volcano. There are also numerous lakes and major rivers and tributaries in Chimborazo province. Chimborazo province's climate is generally cold, with milder temperatures at lower elevations and icy weather at the highest elevations.

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Saquisili Market

Saquisili Market

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Ecuador's Central Andes region is home to Ecuador's highest volcanoes and peaks (46 higher than 4000 meters in just 400 kilometers), the capital city of Quito, and natural, cultural and adventurous activities for the visitor. Ecuador´s Central Andes features a chain of volcanic peaks, nicknamed the “Avenue of the Volcanoes,” which stretches from Quito to Chimborazo, and includes Cotopaxi at 5,897 meters (19,347 ft), one of the world's highest active volcanoes in the world, and Chimborazo 6,310 meters, which is Ecuador's highest peak. The Central Andes are composed of farmland, national parks and reserves, with more than 40 lakes and rivers. Nearly half of Ecuador's population lives in the Central Andes, including numerous indigenous groups. The tourist towns of Baños, Riobamba and Ambato can also be found in this region. Many remote communities, subsisting on agriculture, artisan work and cattle farming, can also be found in the Central Andes.

Central Andes highlights include the Quilotoa crater lake, climbing and trekking near 46 volcanoes and peaks, hiking and camping along the Quilotoa Loop, the Saquisili and Zumbahua indigenous markets, whitewater rafting, converted haciendas, and the Nariz del Diablo train ride.

Pichincha, Quito

Pichincha province is located in the northern part of the Central Andes, crossing the equator and lying between two Andean mountain ranges. Pichincha province features volcanoes, valleys and high plains. Quito lies at the foot of the eastern slopes of Pichincha Volcano Guagua (4,784 metres (15,696 ft). The name of Quito comes from an ancient language and means “Middle Earth”. Quito is very near to the Equator line There are many thermal springs in Pichincha province. The Mindo Cloud forest reserve is one of the wildlife hotspots for birders and there are opportunities to fish, hike and trek. Pichincha province's climate is severely cold at higher elevations and there is milder weather on the plains and in valleys, and warmer temperatures in subtropical zones.

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi province is located below Pichincha province, just 90 km away from Quito, and has an abundance of plains, valleys, rivers and lakes. Cotopaxi province includes such notable peaks such as Cotopaxi, Los Ilinizas, Quilindana and Quilotoa's crater lake. Cotopaxi province has a varied climate, ranging from icy cold peaks, humid subtropics, and its mild weathered, windy capital, Latacunga.

Tungurahua

Tungurahua province is located in the center of the central Andes and features one of the most active volcanoes in Ecuador. Tungurahua Volcano has been erupting frequently since 1997. Agriculture and cattle farming are predominant industries in the Tungurahua province. Ambato and the spa town of Banos are popular destinations, Tungurahua has a high rural population. Tungurahua province's climate features dry, template weather. Average temperatures are mild and there is low humidity.

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