Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Central Highlands
E
cuador's
Avenue of the Vol-
canoes
is the backbone of the
Central Highlands, a long and
beautiful stretch of eternal
mountain views. Snow-capped
volcanoes peer through layers of
mist and each curve of the high-
way presents a new vision. The
highest peaks, several of which
are active volcanoes, lie in this
stretch of the Andes. Opportu-
nities for adventure include hik-
ing, trekking, mountaineering
and horseback riding. Mountain
biking and road touring are com-
ing into their own. Birders and
photographers will find this re-
gion a pleasure. Wildlife viewing
abounds, particularly in the
higher-elevation
páramo
zones.
IN THIS CHAPTER
Quito South to Riobamba
Flora & Fauna
153
Getting Here
154
Getting Around
154
Visitor Information
156
Touring & Sightseeing
157
Adventures
165
Eco-Travel
175
Where to Stay
177
Where to Eat
181
Baños Area
Getting Here &
Getting Around 184
Visitor Information 184
Touring & Sightseeing 186
Adventures 187
Tour Operators 192
Eco-Travel 193
Where to Stay 194
Where to Eat 197
Shopping & Entertainment 198
Ecuador's highlands span the entire country, as the Andes actually
cross several countries in South America. This chapter focuses first
on the central area - one of the more visited regions in the country -
south of Quito to Riobamba. To the southwest, in the region around
the adventure-oriented town of Baños, our travels split toward the
Oriente, the upper stretches of the AmazonBasin. This is a transition
zone between the highlands of the Andes and the Amazon rainforest,
neither here nor there, but definitely somewhere that youwill want to
visit. As such, it is treated as a separate section of this chapter.
Quito South to Riobamba
Flora & Fauna
The Cordillera landscape is, in a word, massive. Inter-
mountain valleys have been primarily converted to farm-
land. High altitude grassland offers habitat for grazers
and flowering plants that attract beautiful hummingbirds
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