In 2018, I moved to Ecuador for a “short time,” only to find myself captivated. I stayed for over seven years.
During my time in Ecuador, I was lucky enough to travel across the country, and though I was awed by the lush life in the Amazon rainforest, wowed by the coast, and truly amazed by the famous Galápagos Islands, the part that really captured my heart was the Andean Highlands.
One of the most impressive mountain ranges in the world passes through Ecuador. The Andes Cordillera is full of incredible sights, unique ecosystems, and unforgettable experiences. I believe there’s something here for everyone, from vibrant cities to towering volcanic peaks.
When making their itinerary for a trip to Ecuador, many people carve out most of their time for the jungles and the coast, and though these are great destinations, people are (literally) skipping over a real jewel: the Highlands.
Quito is so much more than a stopover city
Ecuador’s capital city, located in the Highlands, is home to many beautiful parks and sights, museums and galleries, and world-class restaurants and artisanal breweries.
With elaborate churches, colonial architecture, and plenty of restaurants with stellar views, it’s easy to spend a few days exploring.
I love driving to The Panecillo, a small mountain topped with a massive Virgin Mary statue, which offers gorgeous views of the historic center below.
I also recommend visiting at night to enjoy the sprawling city lights while drinking a traditional canelazo, a hot beverage made with naranjilla fruit and cinnamon.
On top of all that, Quito has a rich history. You can learn all about it at its historical center, which just so happens to be one of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites.
There are also other great towns and cities to visit in the region
Quito might be the largest city in the region, but there are tons of other places worth exploring, too.
A few of my favorites are Otavalo, Papallacta, and Baños de Agua Santa. Otavalo is only two hours north of Quito, and is known for its colorful markets and scenic landscapes. There is also plenty of great traditional food to be found here — make sure you try a locro de papa, an amazing cheese-and-potato soup.
Papallacta, just an hour from Quito or from the airport, is a smaller town, but one that’s famous for its wonderful hot springs nestled among lush mountain tops. The public hot springs have many pools for relaxing, as well as cold plunges.
Baños is around four hours south of Quito, on the border where the Andes start to turn into the Amazon. I find this town to have the perfect mix of access to nature and adventure, lovely hotels and restaurants, and nightlife.
If you love the outdoors, this region is a must-visit
For those who, like me, enjoy spending time in nature, the scenic route here is even more special. With most hikes even starting at heights of over 9,000 feet above sea level, the mountains — many of them volcanoes — still tower over you.
Rugged rocks and gleaming glaciers dominate the peaks; you’ll spot lots of bright green cushion plants and fields of golden grasses swaying in the winds. Bright-orange chuquiragua plants, found only at these high altitudes, dot the landscape.
One of my favorite hikes is Rucu Pichincha. After riding the Telefériqo cable car to the base camp — which has an incredible view of Quito, a lovely café, and many great spots for photo ops — you can begin to hike up the trail.
Here, you will experience the biodiverse páramo ecosystem and finish at more than 15,000 feet above sea level.
Elsewhere, in different directions but all within a few hours of Quito, the Antisana, Cayambe, and Cotopaxi volcanoes are sky-high with towering peaks covered by glistening glaciers that not even the equatorial sun can melt.
Last but not least, Quilotoa volcano, which is in the same province as Cotopaxi and just a bit further away, holds a turquoise crater lake where you can kayak — one of my absolute favorite things I’ve done here.
I may be biased, but I believe this region is one of the most underrated places in the world. If you find yourself in South America, it is absolutely worth it to set some time aside to get to know the Andes and everything they have to offer.
Just be careful on your journey there — you, too, may also find yourself staying just a bit longer than you planned.
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