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Beginning towards the north of the capital city of Quito and extending up through to the Colombian border, the Panamerican Highway runs north east from Quito to Cayambe (1h30 Hour by car), Otavalo (2h00 Hours by car), Ibarra (2h30 Hour by car), Cotacachi (2h30 Hour by car) and Tulcan (3h00 Hour by car). The northern Andes of Ecuador curve upwards into the Carchi and Imbabura provinces of the country. The cities of Tulcán and Ibarra are their respective capitals. While the northern Andes region is geographically small, the vast landscapes and thriving cultures found here are extremely diverse.
The provinces of Imbabura and Carchi have outstanding ecological and cultural attractions. The Andean landscape with 4 active and non active volcanoes (Chiles, Cotacachi, Imbabura, Fuya Fuya) is enough to stun and amaze visitors to this region. The main volcanoes and lakes in the route are Fuya Fuya volcano at Mojanda Lakes, the San Pablo Lake near Otavalo, the Imbabura volcano, the Cuicocha lake in the Cotacachi Cayapas Park, the Cotacachi peak, the Chiles peak and the El Angel Reserve are the more remarkable points for nature lovers to discover in Ecuador’s northern Andes. There are dozens of shorter day hikes and longer trekking trails around Cotocachi National Park, El Angel reserve and more. Some of these hikes snake around beautiful crater lakes and pass through misty, wide open páramos (grassy Andean highlands). There are also thermal baths littered throughout the region.
The provinces of Imbabura and Carchi have outstanding ecological and cultural attractions...
The culture of Imbabura and Carchi provinces are well preserved as a piece of live culture, with the Otavalo people and other indigenous communities living with their own culture, language and customs. History buffs will particularly enjoy the museums and archaeological sites in the northern Andes that showcase exhibits and ruins of the the Incas, and also earlier Andean civilizations such as the ancient Caranquis and Quitus and other cultures. Visitors really looking to immerse themselves can even partake in an ancient ritual with one of the region’s many traditional shamans.
The largest indigenous handicraft market of Otavalo, opening Saturdays and all week, is the best option to discover the mix of cultures of Imbabura and Carchi provinces.
Incredible colonial haciendas are well preserved. Some of these are Zuleta, Cusin, Pinsaqui, La Mirage and San Pedro. These, among others are good places to visit and stay.
