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Northern HighlandsTraveling north of Quito into the Highlands offers visitors a unique glimpse
into the lives of the indigenous people who inhabit the area. This
region is rich in culture, archeological treasures and natural
beauty. Traveling along the Pan-American Highway local Craft
Villages specializing in a variety of handicrafts. The
Northeast of Quito leads visitors into the cloud forest. This is a special ecological zone with incredible birding opportunities and home to thousands of orchids. A quiet beauty waits for those who venture into the cloud covered mountains of this region. Northern AndesTraveling between Quito and the Colombian boarder along the Pan-American Highway through northern Ecuador visitors are welcomed to a variety of craft villages and historic haciendas. Warm fertile valleys and lakes are surrounded by the towering Andes above. This area is one of the favorite regions for people seeking culture or great shopping opportunities. Calderon
The origin of the dolls has been traced back to the practice bread dolls created for All Souls Day. Over the years the different types of figures began to appear. Today the various dolls are an inexpensive and make an excellent souvenir of the area. GuayllabambaContinuing north the Pan American Highway crosses the Guayllabamba River at the town of the same name. This small town is a favorite weekend spot for the people of Quito. Located 18 miles (30 km) north in a warm valley there are many walking paths and the Quito Zoo is located on the east side of town. Guayllabamba is an important agricultural center of the area producing a great number of subtropical fruit including the Chirimoyas (sticky apples) and Avocados. Locals selling the various fruits can be seen just off the main road. Cochasqui
This region was of extreme importance to the Cayambi-Caranqui tribe who came to this region to worship their gods prior to the arrival of the Incas in the North of Ecuador and the Spanish. Local indigenous still view these pyramids of religious importance. These pyramids located on the equator are the site celebrations for the change in the position of the sun denoted by the solstices and equinoxes.
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people of Calderon
create ornate bread doll figures from marzipan. Cotacachi is the leather goods town where bargains
can be found on everything made of leather. San Antonio de
Ibarra, the
woodcarving town, has everything from small figures to elaborate
sculptures. In 
Traveling
north approximately 6 miles (10 km) from the capital city of Quito is Calderon. This small
town is famous for its Bread Dough Dolls.
Local artisans create a number of figurines from a mixture of
Marzipan and preservatives giving them firmness, resistance to insects and
durability. Shops have been set up where you can see the dolls created and
purchase finished work. The colorful and complicated figures come in a variety
of shapes and sizes including animals and nativity scenes.
Near Guayllabamba the road forks the left heading towards Tabacundo.
Following the path approximately 6 miles (10 km) a dirt road branches off towards
the pre-Incan Pyramids of Cochasqui. Members
of either the Cara or the Cayambi-Caranqui tribe created these clay pyramids
between 950 and 1550 AD. Most of
the 15 pyramids are covered by dirt and grass though 2 have been excavated.