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The Andes mountains form a rocky spine that
separates Ecuador's lowland coastal plains and its treasured
share of the Amazon jungle. Amidst this backbone of majestic
mountains and ancient volcanoes extends, for hundreds of kilometers
east and west, a bucolic tapestry of paramo grasslands, volcanoes,
lagoons, and charming colonial towns. >From the cultural
richness of the continent's oldest cities to the awe-inspiring
vistas of snow-capped volcanoes and the timeless charm of
indigenous marketplaces, the Ecuadorian Andes have something
to offer everyone.
The adventurous will relish in the endless
supply of adrenaline-packed thrills awaiting them on the Ecuador’s
high peaks – the Andes are the world's second highest
mountain range. Climbing to the top of Cotopaxi, the world's
highest active volcano, is a challenge not to be taken lightly.
If heights aren’t your game, take a dip in some of the
world's roughest rapids as you race towards the Amazon basin
or go screeching down Ecuador’s infamous Avenue of the
Volcanoes on a mountain bike. These are just a few of the
adventures the Ecuadorian Andes hold for the fearless adventurer.
Hiking, climbing, trekking, biking, rafting,
kayaking, horseback riding, and bird watching are some ways
to enjoy the towering majesty of the Ecuadorian Andes. The
other is to simply relax.
Those who have come to Ecuador to get away
from it all won’t be disappointed. The highland colonial
cities Quito and Cuenca, steeped in history and culture, are
among Latin America’s most beautiful and charming. Both
Quito and Cuenca offer the discerning traveler impressive
collections of museums and colonial architecture, including
500-year old cathedrals, palaces, and plazas connected by
narrow cobblestone streets.
The Andean countryside
has a different but no less charming appeal. No traveler can
rightly return home before spending a weekend at a sprawling
hacienda and a day or two in one of Ecuador's timeless indigenous
markets. The indigenous markets at Otavalo, Cotocachi, Ambato,
Latacunga, Pujilí, Saquisilí, Zumbahua, and
Saraguro are all impressive. Various Indian groups of Ecuador's
highlands sell handmade products and artisan goods in these
Andean villages.
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