Central Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 154

such as the Andean hillstar . Rising along the slopes of snow-
studded volcanoes, the land gives way to the páramo life zone, where
dwarfed vegetation and only the hearty survive. In places like
Cotopaxi National Park and the more distant peaks, the Andean
condor soars with a 10-foot wingspan, while an orange-faced falcon,
the carunculated caracara , darts between shrubs hunting small
rodents. The mountain lion (puma) continues to rule the animal
kingdom on the ground, with white-tailed and dwarf deer , rab-
bits and the Andean fox , or colpeo, roaming the region. There are
miles of abundant trout streams, particularly in the more remote ar-
eas of this region.
Getting Here
The Andes run north to south, dividing Ecuador almost
perfectly in half. The upper Amazon Basin lies to the east,
and the Pacific lowlands to the west. The Cordilleras
themselves line the sides of a deep valley. Flanked on both
sides by this enormous range is the Central Valley and the Pan-
American Highway.
The Pan-American Highway is the main road within this region.
Buses from Quito and elsewhere travel the Pan-American daily. The
Pan-American runs north-south and is the major transportation cord
that unites all of Ecuador. From Quito, it is the obvious and only
choice for traveling south toward Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and other
regional destinations. Travelers generally go toward the Cotopaxi
area, or down to Baños, with plenty of options in-between. The more
distant Andean countryside is much more isolated and makes for in-
credible adventures if you are willing to get off the beaten track a bit.
Flights are also available from Quito to Latacunga.
Getting Around
Unless you rent an automobile, the easiest way to travel
in this region, as withmuch of Ecuador, is by public trans-
portation. Buses frequent even the most remote villages.
Just catch a bus from Quito to the major town nearest
your final destination, then transfer to buses for the next largest town
or village. Even if you are heading to a fairly remote area, it won't
take more than a couple of transfers. If you are driving, bring a guide
or be prepared to ask for directions. Most roads are not sign-posted.
Fortunately, everything is a turn-off from the Pan-American High-
way.