Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Northern
Highlands
F
romQuito north to the Colom-
bian border, the Andes pro-
vide spectacular views of rolling
mountains, sparkling lakes, and
tiny villages. Indigenous culture,
passed down through the ages, is
mixed with the colonial legacy.
Renowned for their
handicrafts
,
local communities offer every-
thing from leather goods to Pan-
ama hats, wool sweaters,
paintings, sketches, woodcarvings,
pottery and stoneware, hand-
crafted jewelry and fine lace and embroidery. Travelers flock here to buy
the quality crafts and goods hidden within the area's remote villages
and sold at the world-renownedmarket in
Otavalo
, one of the largest
and oldest indigenous craft markets in all of Latin America.
Arts and crafts are just one facet of this amazing region. With lower el-
evations, a milder climate, and less extreme weather conditions than
the central Sierras, theNorthernHighlands are ideal for outdoor activ-
ities.
Cayambe Volcano
and its surrounding lake-trodden country-
side offer plenty of exciting opportunities to explore and play. And from
Cotacachi Volcano, the western slopes of the Andes begin with the
boundary of the
Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve
, and in-
clude the emerald jewel of
Lago Cuicocha
set within. The ecological
reserves in this region offer some of the least explored and perhaps
most underrated natural treasures in the country.
IN THIS CHAPTER
History
117
Flora & Fauna
118
Getting Here &
Getting Around
118
Visitor Information
119
Touring & Sightseeing
121
Adventures
132
Eco-Travel
139
Where to Stay
144
Where to Eat
149
Shopping
152
Nightlife
152
The range of activities includes whatever you dare to dream up, from
hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding and mountaineer-
ing. Whether you're an explorer or you just want to absorb the local
culture, you will quickly realize why Otavalo and its surrounding
countryside is one of the most visited regions in mainland Ecuador.
What most people don't do, however, and what we encourage you to
do, is to get off the beaten track and really experience the finest of the
highlands.
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