There are so many amazing places in the Ecuadorian Andes to see, the central countryside offers picturesque towns and villages. Scroll down below to see our picks of the most beautiful places to visit in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. These beautiful places are waiting for you.
20 Beautiful places to visit in the Ecuadorian Andes
Facts & Information
Language: Spanish
Currency: US Dollar
Location: South America
Country: Ecuador
Main Destinations: Quito, Cuenca, Riobamba
Provinces: Azuay, Bolivar, Cañar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Imbabura, Loja, Pichincha, Tungurahua.
Average temperature: 55º-78º F (12º-25ºC)
Weather / Climate
Best destinations to visit
Location: Pichincha province
Quito is Ecuador's capital. This beautiful city is nestled in a valley at the base of the Pichincha Volcano. Quito boasts one of the largest historical districts in Latin America. It has colonial architecture. In fact, Quito's old town is quite breathtaking.
Location: Tungurahua province
Baños de Agua Santa or "Baños" is a beautiful town located in the Tungurahua province, Ecuador. Baños means "springs" and Agua Santa means "holy water." This town possesses natural beauty, surrounded by lush vegetation, waterfalls, rapid rivers, and thermal springs. Hence its name, holy hot springs. The closest cities are Ambato and Riobamba. The movie Proof ...
Location: Chimborazo province
Riobamba is a charming Andean city, located in the heart of the Ecuador. It is known as "La Sultana de los Andes", because it sits atop a large plain with snow-capped peaks in the background as the Chimborazo volcano — Ecuador's highest mountain.
Location: Azuay province
Cuenca is a beautiful historical city, capital of the Azuay province, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is famous for its stunning architecture, tourist attractions, hotels, cafes, galleries, and night activities.
Beautiful tourist attractions to see
Condor-Machay is a waterfall located in the town of Rumipamba. This is 17 km. from Quito, Ecuador. Condor-Machay means "Nest of the Condor" in the Quichua language. The hike to the Condor-Machay waterfall takes about 2 hours but is rewarding. The waterfall road ...
Limpiopungo Lagoon is a beautiful lake formed by water from the glaciers. It is located very close to the Cotopaxi volcano. Limpiopungo lagoon is like a mirror that reflects the beauty of the surrounding peaks. In fact, the image of ...
Peguche waterfall is one of the main attractions in Otavalo and its surroundings. Located 1.86 mi. (3 km.) North of Otavalo and 14 mi. (23 km.) South of Ibarra. "Cascadas de Pequche" in Spanish. It is a beautiful waterfall of ...
Cajas National Park is located about 30 km west from Cuenca. Due to the altitude - 3,156 to 4,450 meters above sea level - it is really chilly in the park. It is characterized by páramo flora and fauna plus ...
El Altar is an extinct volcano on Sangay National Park. 170 km south of Quito, near Riobamba. It has nine peaks surrounding a beautiful glacial crater lake. Surrounding the crater, there are green valleys full of waterfalls and multi-coloured glacial ...
Devil's Cauldron o "Pailon del Diablo" in Spanish, is a spectacular waterfall; about 262 ft. (80 m.) high, formed from the Rio Verde (green river). The Devil's Cauldron is located on the road Baños-Puyo. This waterfall is a must-do stop ...
Chimborazo volcano is the highest peak of Ecuador. It is 20,564 feet (6,268 meters) height. The mountain is capped with eternal snow. Chimborazo volcano is the farthest point from the center of the earth.
Quilotoa is an inactive volcano. It features an awe-inspiring volcanic crater lake. Surrounded by massive sheer cliffs and filled with deep blue and turquoise water. Quilotoa sits in the center of the Quilotoa Loop, about 1,000 ft. (300 meters) down ...
Mojanda lakes are three turquoise lagoons nestled in the Andes Highlands. They are amongst once-active volcanoes. Located in the Imbabura province, near Otavalo. "Lagunas de Mojanda" in Spanish. It has an altitude of 13,983 ft. (4,263 m) The complex has ...
Tungurahua is an active volcano with an elevation of 16,475 ft. (5,023 m.) above sea level. It is an impressive symmetric volcano, but its summit is usually under clouds. Located in the Tungurahua province of Ecuador. It is part of the ...
Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve is located two hours north of Quito, Ecuador. Its main feature is the Mindo-Nambillo Cloud Forest. Mindo-Nambillo biodiversity allows more than 350 bird species to live in this area. Certainly, Mindo Cloud Forest is the perfect place ...
Colta Lagoon is a large water body of elongated shape, surrounded by lush vegetation, native bird species, colorful boats, a a playground. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife including ducks, swans, sheep, birds, and fish.
Cuicocha is a caldera nestled within the crater of the Cotacachi volcano. It has an elevation of 10,649 ft. (3,246 m.) Located in the Imbabura province, in Ecuador. "Laguna Cuicocha" in Spanish is a 2 mi. (3 km.) crater lake. ...
Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve is a calm and isolated volcanic crater. This protected area is inside the Pululahua volcano. It is rich with a great diversity of fauna and flora. "Reserva Geobotánica Pululahua" in Spanish. Located 11 mi (17 km) north ...
Cotopaxi National Park is located in the Cotopaxi Province, around 50 km south of Quito. The Cotopaxi volcano - 19,347 feet (5,897 m) - is the main attraction of this park. Cotopaxi National Park is a popular destination for visitors looking ...
Chimborazo Fauna Reserve is located in the provinces of Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Bolivar in the Ecuadorian Andes. The reserve is a protected area that guards a wide variety of vegetation and animals. Thus, it is common to see vicuñas, llamas, ...
