CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

Traveling along the Pan-American Highway south from Quito brings you into the Avenue of Volcanoes named for the many towering peaks surrounding you on both sides. This 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 like those in Tigua, national parks, and some of the most incredible Haciendas in the country.

Ambato

Known as the city of Flowers and Fruit, Ambato is the 4th largest city in the country. Located approximately 2 1/2 hours south of Quito along the Pan-American Highway. Ambato is a new city compared to many of the other city and towns of the Sierras the old city was destroyed in 1949 by an earthquake.

Ambato is frequently considered a stopover point. It is the juncture for many destinations in the country. Quito and the Northern Andes is the road to the North, Banos and the Amazon is the road to the east, Cuenca and the Southern Andes is the road to the south and Guayaquil and the coast is the road to the south. Ambato also offers climbers a place to provision before heading out to climb Sangay, Altar, Tungurahua or Chimborazo.

Perhaps due to its location Ambato seems less like a tourist destination and more like somewhere to get on about your business. Those visiting Ambato have the opportunity to view their market on Mondays in the central plaza. This market is far less touristy than the one in Otavalo. Though excellent handicraft items are still available. Here woven goods created by the local Salasaca Indians include some of the best wool blankets, and ponchos in the country.

Over the years the sub-tropical Banos has become a favorite tourist destination in Ecuador. Known for its hot springs the town has long been considered a holiday resort, once only serving the elite of Ecuador who would travel for days to arrive in this picturesque setting of a lovely warm valley surrounded by green mountains. They came to be rejuvenated by the natural springs heated by neighboring Tungurahua Volcano. Today both national and international visitors travel to Banos seeking not just the warm weather and hot springs but the area has become the Mecca for adventure seekers in Ecuador.

Banos

Banos location has established it as a crossroads. Close to the Amazon and close to some of the best climbing in the country. Numerous companies offer visitors every imaginable opportunity to explore the countryside from jeep tours, mountaineering, jungle treks, mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding to name a few.

Visitors find that this small town has much to offer. Many of the early settlers were foreigners and the restaurants here still reflect the international influence. Just off the main square it is possible to get some of the best fresh baked goods in the country, or enjoy a delicious vegetarian or French meal.

Whatever you decide to do during your visit don't miss relaxing in one of the hot springs. The Banos de la Virgin across from the Hotel Sangay is one of the more visited springs in the area. Those visitors willing to take the time to visit one of the springs outside town will appreciate the journey. Not only will there be fewer bathers in the springs but most of the springs offer spectacular views.

Machachi

Located in a fertile valley an hour south of Quito, Machachi is surrounded by Andes Peaks including Cotopaxi, Illiniza, Sincholagua, Pasochoa, and Corazon. The small town has been famous for its mineral water, springs and swimming pools. Guitig, a nationally bottled water, is produced here.

Machachi is home to the Chagra, Ecuador's version of the cowboy. These proud men dress in chaps and boots have extraordinary horse handling skills. The town's main celebration July 24th each year hosts a series of competitions for the Chagra, the local version of a rodeo. It lasts for several days with parades and roundups. As in many of the small towns the celebration includes Toro's Popular a local version of a bullfight. The bull in question is more of a cow than the fierce bull than one might imagine. Town members are welcome to jump in the ring and test their skills. As the day wears on the fighting becomes more outrageous as the matadors appear in drag. This is family fun and no animals are killed.

Pasochoa

South of Quito 46 miles (75 km) is the extinct volcano of Pasochoa. The rugged topography kept people away for many years and helped to preserve many of the areas natural characteristics. Pasochoa is one of the few areas in the Sierra's where native Andes Forests can still be seen. The forests of Pasochoa exist the same as they did in the Pre-Colombian day; before the introduction of foreign plants for agricultural purposes. Here you can hike among stands of Pumamaqui, Polyapis, Podocarpus, Laurel, Sandalwood and more than 60 others varieties. Since 1984 the Fundacion Natura, a non-governmental foundation protecting this forest and its inhabitants has been administered this area.

Hiking in the lower forest provides excellent birding opportunity. The 6 hour hike up to the summit where you will be rewarded by spectacular views, acclimatization benefits, great birding and a good chance of seeing one of the condors who are known to live in the extinct crater.

Saquisili

Saquisili is a small town just of the Pan-American Highway. The Thursday market has become one of the most popular in the region for tourists the entire town becomes a market and everything from potatoes to magic potions are for sale. This is a traditional market established more for the trade of local people than for tourism beginning at 5am. Great bargains can be found on the antique jewelry that is frequently for sale. A great variety of items are available in Saquisili and the market itself has been divided into 8 sections around the different plazas each selling a different product. The divided market this of the following way:

• Animal Section: Cattle, Chickens, Pigs, Goats, Llamas and other farm animals
• Concord Section: Dresses, Hats, Ironwork
• Rocafuerte Plaza: Coal, Firewood, Vegetables
• Gran Colombia Section: Vegetables
• Juan Montalovo: Shoes
• Kennedy Section: Medicinal Plants, Wood Utensils, Ropes, Vegetables, Food
• Plaza 18 de Octobre: Weavings, Carpets, Blankets, Panels, and Woven Items
• Halter Section: Meat