8 must-see destinations in the Ecuadorian Andes

Ecuador is known for its three natural regions: Amazon, Andes and Coast. Here you will find a historical and curious description of wonderful places that you cannot miss on your trip through the Ecuadorian Andes. The tour includes everything from lagoons to snow-capped volcanoes, passing through handicraft markets and even visits to the cemetery; 8 must-see destinations in the Ecuadorian Andes that will undoubtedly make you want to travel to Ecuador right now. Let's get started!   

TULCAN 

1. Tulcan Cemetery 

It is located in the border city with Colombia, in the north of the country. Tulcán is the Carchi Province’s capital and also the largest city in the region. In his urban helmet is the cemetery Jose Maria Azael Franco Guerrero, named thus in honor of the first sculptor of cypresses of the cemetery in the year of 1936. The cemetery stands out for its notorious topiary: ornamental pruning or the art of artistically pruning hedges or cypress trees. Currently the cemetery has more than 300 sculptures open to the public.    Travel Tips: Why include Ecuador in your itinerary to South American? Check out the article to complement your travel planning!    [caption id="attachment_17111" align="aligncenter" width="675"] The sculptures mostly represent the flora and fauna of Ecuador and the Roman, Greek, Inca, Aztec and Egyptian cultures/ Photo: Daniel Veloza[/caption]    

OTAVALO

2. Cuicocha Lake

The Laguna de los Dioses is located in the north of Ecuador at an altitude of 3,068 meters above sea level. It is an ancient volcanic caldera (crater) which has two bodies of lava that form the two characteristic islands of the lake.    [caption id="attachment_17112" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Panoramic view of the Yerovi and Teodoro Wolf Islands, the latter named after the German who discovered them. Both islands are separated by the 'Dream Channel' / Photo: Daniel Veloza[/caption]   Once in the nature reserve you have different options to enjoy the Lake. There is a 14 kilometer trek around the lake, which allows you to see it from all angles; it’s a low difficulty hike that can take between 3 to 5 hours depending on the pace and physical condition. It is also possible to enter the lake by boat, which takes you around the two islands of the lagoon. The natural reserve has an Interpretation Center where you can learn about the flora and fauna of the natural regions of Ecuador as well as pre-Hispanic cultural aspects of these regions.   

3. Peguche Waterfalls 

Located in the forests that have the same name, is an area of indigenous protection, where in addition to finding this waterfall and many more, you will have different ways to get lost in nature. It also has an indigenous museum where you can enter in an old Inca tunnel, a place of prayer that still keeps articles and crafts of the time. It is a magical and peaceful place, perfect for spending the day, walking, picnicking and even camping.    [caption id="attachment_17113" align="aligncenter" width="675"] At the Peguche Waterfall, the waterfall is over 6 meters high / Photo: Daniel Veloza[/caption]    

4. Plaza de los Ponchos 

It is one of the largest craft markets in Latin America. It is a tradition that comes from 1870 when the president Gabriel García Moreno decreed the sale of handicrafts in this square. Since then, hundreds of Otavaleños gather every day to sell blankets, tapestries, hand-embroidered blouses, bags, sweaters, scarves, sheep and alpaca wool ponchos and traditional jewelry, among many other products.    Travel Tips: Although the craft fair is held from Monday to Sunday, the most characteristic and busy days are Wednesdays and Saturdays, when absolutely all the storekeepers are in the square.    [caption id="attachment_17114" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Selfie with an Otavalan craftswoman, in the background typical sweaters and ponchos / photo: Daniel Veloza[/caption]    

QUITO 

5. Cotopaxi Volcano 

Get your winter clothes, your trekking boots and the best energy ready for this incredible adventure. Located less than 100km from Quito, the Cotopaxi Stratovolcano, with an altitude of 5897m, is the second highest volcano in Ecuador and one of the most active in the world. Once in your refuge or base camp you will be at over 4,900 m.a.s.l., you will be able to see lagoons, old lava deposits and of course play with the snow. If you are lucky you will be able to see the peaks of many other snow-capped mountains and volcanoes in the Ecuadorian Andes.    Travel tips: take snacks, good hydration and food made from coca leaves such as tea or sweets to avoid soroche or altitude sickness. Scarf, sunglasses, gloves and thermal clothes are not superfluous, remember that you will be at high altitude, with snow and wind blowing strongly.  Remember that you can make the reservation for the Cotopaxi National Reserve tour with Daytours4u!    [caption id="attachment_17115" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Panoramic view of Rumiñahui Volcano from the Cotopaxi Natural Reserve / photo: Daniel Veloza[/caption]    

6. Quilotoa Lake

It is the result of the collapse of a volcanic dome after an explosion, causing pyroclastic flows and lahars (mud flows) that moved for hundreds of thousands of kilometers to finally leave a boiler about 3 kilometers wide, creating a lagoon approximately 250 meters deep, rich in dissolved minerals that give it the turquoise green color. It is one of the main attractions of the Ecuadorian Andes.    [caption id="attachment_17116" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Panoramic view of the Quilotoa Lagoon a few meters from the starting point of the descent road / Photo: Daniel Veloza[/caption]     To get to the lake you start the tour in the upper part, descending can take you between 30 to 50 minutes, while ascending can take you between 60 to 90 minutes. Once down you can camp, have a picnic, spend the day or even rent a kayak and navigate the lagoon.   Travel tips: you can make a reservation to visit the Quilotoa Lagoon with Daytours4u!    

BAÑOS DE AGUASANTA 

7. Treehouse 

It was born as a control and monitoring center of Tungurahua Volcano in 2005. In this way, the community of Baños de Aguasanta can be alerted to any activity that the volcano presents and carry out the necessary safety protocols for the town. With the creation of the tree house also came the creation of a swing, curiously built so that those in charge of the control center would have a way to distract themselves. Being at 2,660 meters above sea level This was called "the end of the world" and it became a real tourist attraction, however, the volcano monitoring tasks are still regularly carried out. Remember that Ecuador has a total of 98 volcanoes of which 31 are still active.    [caption id="attachment_17121" align="aligncenter" width="675"] The famous 'end of the world' swing / Photo: Daniel Veloza[/caption]    

8. Las Cascadas Route

The city of Baños is characterized by its water wealth and its countless outdoor activities. The route of the waterfalls is a tour that takes you to see some of the most impressive waterfalls in the region until you reach the great Pailón del diablo, an impressive waterfall that shows you the force of nature in all its splendor. The tour can be done by bike, bus or even by chiva (traditional open bus).    [caption id="attachment_17117" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Manto de la Novia waterfall on the route of the waterfalls / photo: Daniel Veloza[/caption]   Ecuador is a country with an impressive natural and cultural diversity, full of places that take your breath away and make you fall in love with the country halfway around the world. It is time to let yourself be surprised by the Ecuadorian Andes and start planning the trip of a lifetime.   

---

By: Daniel Veloza, from Colombia parce Geologist by profession, traveler by passion.