ECUADORIAN ANDES

Running the length of Ecuador and splitting the country into two from north to south the mountains and valleys of the High Andes form the heart of Ecuador. The Andes are one of the greatest mountain ranges in the world. With an average elevation of 12,000-ft, the range stretches for 4500 miles from the tip of South America at Cape Horn along the western coast to Panama.

In Ecuador the Andes divides into two parallel ranges, the Cordillera Occidental (the western range) and the Cordillera Oriente (the eastern range) of the two ranges the Oriente is higher and wider. Between the ranges are fertile valleys known as the Sierras or the Andean Highlands where civilizations have cultivated the land for thousands of years. The Pan American Highway runs down this central inter-Andean valley from the border with Columbia at Tulcan, to Loja, south of Cuenca where it turns west to the coast to cross the Peruvian border at Huaquillas.

The plateau of Quito (the valley containing Ecuador's capital) is at an altitude of approximately 10,000ft (2900m) on the western slopes of Pichincha volcano. The lofty elevation renders Quito and the rest Andean Highlands a more temperate climate than one would imagine of the equatorial region. During the day a subtropical climate prevails in the valleys and spring like temperatures occur at the higher altitudes, nights are cold.

From Quito it is possible to visit the northern, central and southern highlands. Traveling through this region, visitors are inspired by the spectacular scenery. Whether gazing at the snow-covered Andes Peaks, clear mountain lakes, or colonial churches travelers are sure to be delighted.

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in 1534, the Incas ruled the Andes for about 50 years from 1480, there legacy being the Quechua language, still spoken as a first language by more than half of the population. The area is still home to a number of indigenous peoples, from the Ca?aris, north of Cuenca to the black communities of the Chota Valley in the north.

The most famous are the Otavaleneos. Bought here by the Incas at the end of the 15th century or early in the 16th century, the Otavalanos have maintained their own identity while successfully integrating into the modern economy. Their strength is their love of textiles, expressed in their weavings, coupled with a sharp business sense, that has led the young men and women of this nation to travel all over the globe selling their weaving and other artisan products from Ecuador.

ANDES REGIONS

HACIENDAS

The Haciendas dates back to the colonization of Ecuador when the King of Spain deeded extensive land holdings to the most important families of the country. With the modernization of the country and land reforms, many families of the original Hacienda converted the original Hacienda into luxurious lodgings for inquisitive travelers. During your stay you'll enjoy gourmet meals in historic dining rooms surrounded by original furnishing from a bygone era. You'll stroll through lush gardens and marvel at the rich variety of plants, flowers, birds, and butterflies, which make this place special.

CRAFT VILLAGES

Traveling north of Quito along the Pan-American Highway lie the lush volcanic highlands. This land is rich in friendly and colorfully attired indigenous people, historic haciendas, sparkling lakes, archeological treasures and towering volcanoes with verdant slopes. A visit to the Craft Villages of the Northern Andes provides a unique glimpse into the lives of the indigenous people who inhabit the area.

CLOUD FOREST

Heading northwest of Quito leads you into the dramatic Cloud Forest region one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet. Orchids, hummingbirds, and air warms along the air along the journey. The cloud forest is home to 375 types of orchids, an array of bromeliads, butterflies and more than 450 species of birds including the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Quetzal, and the Andean Toucan.

QUITO

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and the main city in the Ecuadorian Andes. Quito can best be described as two cities in one. The contrast between the colonial old city and the modern new city to the north are as visible as between those of its fertile green valleys and the snowcapped volcanoes overhead. Old-town Quito recounts the history of Quito in its colonial feel and charm. The oldest and the best preserved South America capital and a UNESCO world heritage site. While the new city is a modern metropolis and home to a number of hotels, shopping malls and parks.

CENTRAL ANDES

The Pan-American Highway south of Quito is known as the Avenue of Volcanoes named for the many towering peaks surrounding you on both sides, this area is known locally as the Central Andes. The Central Andes is area is a mountaineer's heaven with a large number of Andes Peaks within a close vicinity. Two of Ecuador's highest peaks are located in this region Cotopaxi the second highest active volcano in the world, and Chimborazo the highest peak in Ecuador. This region is also home to the gentle countryside of traditional farmers, famous artisans, national parks, and some of the most incredible Haciendas in the country.

SOUTHERN ANDES

Home to breathtaking protected areas such as El Cajas Recreational Area and the city of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Azuay is southern Ecuador's most important tourist center. Moreover Azuay is a great place to shop for high quality handcrafts and partake in festive celebrations throughout the year. The Southern Andes is growning in popularity as one of the best international destinations for retirement due to the exquiste beauty of the area, the ease of travel, the comfortable year round temperatures and the low cost of housing.

HEALTH ISSUES

Due to the extreme elevation of Quito 9,600 feet those people with heart conditions or have trouble at altitudes should speak to a physician before visiting this region.