Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Northern Sierra and Western Andean Slopes
Stretching from Quito to Colombia between the western coast and deep jungle to the
East, Ecuador's northern Andean region is all tranquil waves of rolling green hills and
sleepy country life. The landscape is characterized by wide open skies and patchwork sier-
ras that inspire a sense of calm while a few provincial cities and imperious volcanoes glint
on the horizon. A year-long spring climate and affordable living standard has earned this
part of the country a reputation with international retirees - in short - it's the kind of place
you want to go to live out your days.
This stretch of the northern Andes in Ecuador is the only region in the country which incor-
porates provinces in the jungle, coast and mountains all at once. The province which takes
up the most space here is Imbabura, named after its inactive volcano that undulates lumpily
toward sugarcane fields and small farms that terrace its lower hills. Pretty much every-
where you travel in this area Imbabura will always be in sight, like an awkward giant. Imb-
abura is also known as the Province of Lakes (it hems in nine) and the most ethnically di-
verse province in Ecuador, representing the melting pot of mestizo, indigenous, European
and Afro-Ecuadorian communities that make up the country. San Miguel de Ibarra (re-
ferred to as just Ibarra) is the bustling capital of this province.
Just about every town in this region is acclaimed for its skill with a certain handicraft. For
example, if you're looking for the best leather products head to the experts in Cotacachi, or
if you're looking for furniture made by master woodworkers make your way to San Anto-
nio de Ibarra. Close by sits the star artisan city of Otavalo, which is home to the largest
handicraft market in all of South America.
Just 40 miles (64 km) east of Quito on the main road that bends dramatically from alpine to
Amazon in just hours sits the small village of Papallacta, which is famous for its hot
springs and spas. The town is located in the tropical province of Napo, and the fact that the
snow-capped, 13,000 ft (4,000 m) Antisana volcano can exist within it shows just how eco-
logically diverse Ecuador is. Similarly, the Andean cordillera's western arms extend to the
sleepy city of Mindo which is wrapped by subtropical cloud forest and hence a cardinal
ecotourism destination.
With its varying cultures and climate Ecuador's northern sierras and their slopes have
something for everyone: fresh cacao and volcanic ice-cream for foodies, sprawling Indian
