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 THE ANDEAN HIGHLANDS
A RICH AND VERSITILE ENVIRONMENT
The Andes Mountain Range crosses the country from north to south. The Occidental and the Oriental Ranges are born from this mountain system as it divides in the province of Loja, forming plains and valleys along the Andean Corridor.
Between the two ranges there is a plateau which reaches heights of three thousand meters.
The Highlands Regions, commonly referred to as La Sierra, is made up of ten provinces, each of which have important peaks such as Chimborazo, the Illinizas, Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and Antisana.
Chimborazo: 6,310 m
Cotopaxi: 5,897 m
Cayambe: 5,790 m
Antisana: 5,758 m
Altar: 5,320 m
Illiniza: 5,248 m
Tungurahua: 5,023 m
Cotacahi: 4,944 m
The highest peaks are found in central and northern Ecuador. From Riobamba towards the south there is a decrease in altitude and an increase in the width of the mountain range, forming a kind of plateau known as the Austro.
Parks and Reserves:
Located just outside the settlement of Angel, in the northern Ecuadorian province of Carchi, El Angel Ecological Reserve is a great place to discover the unique flora and fauna of the paramo ecosystem. The Reserve's cool climate and frailejone-covered landscape make it a great place for hiking. Moreover, the Reserve has countless lakes, a thriving bird population, and extensive forests of the rather rare polylepys. Some of the more notable mammals that live within the Reserve are deer, rabbits, and the paramo fox.
Moreover, the nearby 40-hectare Santa Marta de Cuba Myrtle Forest with its thick foliage, flourishing orchids, and thriving bird populations is another hot spot for trekkers and nature-lovers.
In western Carchi, alongside the Maldonado-El Chical route, Tobar Donoso, located 145 km from Tulcán, is a popular launching point for trips into a nearby woodland reserve containing a variety of flora and fauna species. Here, it is possible to observe the Paletón, the Macaw, the Guantín, and the Red Flower (Anturio). The tree species Chandul and Guaiacum are also found here. This area, protected by the State, is home to the Awa indigenous community, who conserve their autonomous identity.
The province of Imbabura contains one of the most visited protected areas - Cotocachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve.. It has become a favorite stop for tourists who visit the Andes. A few minutes from Cotocachi, you'll find Lake Cuicocha (3,068 m), one of the area's major attractions. A boat trip around the small islands in the center of the Lake allows visitors to experience the flora and fauna of the area firsthand, getting a close-up glimpse of colonies of birds and diverse plant life. The protected area includes humid forests and paramos home to herbaceous plants, lianas, and ferns. From the highest points, where the icy air circulates constantly below a powerful sun, you can get spectacular views of the entire area.
In Pichincha, the protected areas are numerous. Located forty minutes to the northwest of Quito,  “Puluahua”, as it is popularly known, is an unique extinct volcano whose crater has been populated and sown by local farmers. Its setting is unparalleled in beauty and can be taken in from the views offered by the reserve's various lookout points. Further on, on the road to Calacalí, you'll find the Mindo-Nambillo Woodland Reserve. This area is home to the most important natural bird reserve in the country, ideal for the observation of over 500 species that flock through the skies of the Andes. There are also humid subtropical forests, as well as primary and secondary forests, all suitable for walking tours. In the midst of the area's exuberant flora dwell mammals, birds, reptiles, and colorful butterflies. The rivers and waterfalls help travelers to enjoy the countryside and partake in water sports.
In route to the Amazon is the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve, comprised of more than 400,000 ha.. It stretches across the provinces of Pichincha, Imbabura, and Sucumbíos. The snowcapped mountain Cayambe (5,790 meters) is a central attraction, especially for climbers, who can scale its faces to the peak. This protected site also boasts lakes and forests. At the beginning of the reserve you find the hot springs of Papallacta, filled with visitors every weekend. Also, partially located in the province of Napo, is Antisana Ecological Reserve. Its principal attraction is the volcano of the same name which reaches a height of 5,758 m and is easily accessible to visitors. Scientific research is one of the main reasons people visti the area. The area's primary vegetation type is paramo and among the diverse species that dwell there, the area is most well know for the presence of the Andean Condor, a majestic species in danger of extinction.
Cotopaxi National Park and its main feature, the Volcano Cotopaxi (the world's highest active volcano) are located 60 km from Quito. At 5,897 m, Cotopaxi offers amazing views not to be missed by adventurous visitors to the country. Despite its extreme altitude, the area is nonetheless home to a large variety of mammals, birds, and endemic species such as the Paramo Rabbit. The area is also home to the Boliche Recreation Area, an exuberant forest with a variety of vegetation, animal reserves, and camping areas. Other noteworthy sights in the reserve include lakes, such as Limpiopungo, and pine forests. Snow-capped Cotopaxi is home to a refuge that can accommodate dozens of tourists.
The province of Tungurahua is home to another national park of great importance, El Sangay. This park extends from the Amazon Rainforest to the Andes. It covers almost 520,000 ha and belongs to the provinces of Chimborazo and Morona-Santiago. Its altitude varies from between 800 and 5,400, fostering the existence of diverse wildlife such as the Mountain Tapir, the Spectacled Bear, and the Ocelot. Many of the nations highest peaks, such as the active Sangay Volcano, El Altar, and the active Tungurahua, are concentrated in the reserve. The temperature fluctuates between 6 and 24 degrees centigrade. The Park's entrance is found near the town of Baños. In Chimborazo, we find the Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve, whose territory, with an area of 58,560 ha, is split between the provinces of Bolívar and Tungurahua. Its principal attraction is Volcano Chimborazo, suitable for experienced, acclimatized climbers who are accompanied by sufficiently specialized guides. Another important nearby peak is Carihuairazo. The central objective of the reserve is the preservation of its species belonging to the Andean ecosystem, such as the Vicuña, the Llama, and the Alpaca.
Text : Ministry of Tourism Ecuador
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