Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Central Sierra
Home to the second highest mountain range on Earth, Ecuador presents visitors with the
fortune to experience authentic Andean culture at its grassroots, and no other region is as
characterized by this topographic bulge as the central highlands. Ecuador's sierras are prob-
ably the country's most picturesque region, comprising of cascading green hills that be-
come saturated by clouds come late afternoons and massive glowing cones that poke at the
sky. Because of this cordillera that vertically cuts the country in half, the mainland alone
hems in 30 active and extinct volcanoes - with the highest concentration known as
Avenida
de los Volcanes,
or Volcano Avenue. Nestled within their valleys sits a series of cities and
indigenous villages that travelers can use as bases to explore their people, peaks and mega-
diversity.
The inheritors of this land are known as the Kichwa people, a prevailing pre-Incan indigen-
ous group not to be confused with the Quechuas (who share similar origins but hail from
other western South American nations). Characterized by the cordillera and climate in
which it thrives, Kichwa culture remains a reserved one, but once travelers break the ice
they'll find a warm and curious people behind the surface. The food, customs and dress
that claim the culture all come together to tell a colorful story of survival in the harsh face
of economic struggle and rough climatic conditions.
Speaking of, the climate in the central highlands is a particular blend of seasonal extremes
packed into everyday living. Since the country's center straddles the Equator inhabitants
get up close and personal with the sun, whose maximum solar radiation is hazardous for
human, animal and plant life. Strong solar protection (lotion, hats, sunglasses, etc.) is a
must for visitors in this area.
Relief from the sun is offered daily thanks to the wash of clouds that sweep highland peaks
every afternoon. In fact, travelers in this region will have to keep early schedules to catch
its best attractions. Some of Ecuador's most majestic volcanoes are only visible for small
early-morning windows of time, and when the sun finally sinks behind the clouded hori-
zons come evening, travelers better be prepared for the cold temperatures that take its
place.
Living among the clouds does have its downsides, and altitude sickness is an uncomfort-
able reality for most anyone that doesn't hail from extreme heights. Andean cities offer the
perfect base to acclimatize before heading out on any adventures. The good thing is that it
usually passes within two days.
