Andes Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Quito featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a small town or village
Quito
Andes
Cotopaxi National Park featuring tranquil scenes
Quito showing bird life

Find yourself surrounded by Ecuador’s tallest mountains as you relax in a hot spring and visit one of South America’s most famous markets.

The monumental highlands of the Andes region dominate the central corridor of Ecuador. Located a short distance from the Ecuadorian capital, QuitoOpens in a new window, the Andes region is part of the longest continental mountain range in the world. Also known as the Highlands or the Sierra, the region has towering mountain peaks, lush valleys and one of the world’s tallest active volcanoes. Whether you’re looking for adventurous mountain hikes or wanting to relax in a thermal hot spring, have your camera at the ready as you’ll be constantly surrounded by natural beauty.

Wander past the historic buildings that line Quito’s La RondaOpens in a new window street to experience Ecuadorian hospitality before you venture out in search of loftier heights and smaller villages. Tour operators are abundant in the city and can organize packaged tours to the famous Cotopaxi National Park to see one of the tallest active volcanoes in the world or to Cochasquí where there are ruins that pre-date the Inca civilisation.

Transportation to the small villages of Cayambe and Ambato can be found in the city, both of which provide great bases for hiking and exploring. Take the train ride to Riobamba, with its exhilarating incline and dramatic views. Immerse yourself in the thermal pools of Baños or Oyacachi or visit one of South America’s most iconic markets in Otavalo.

Be sure to pack for many types of adventures, and weather. The Andes region in Ecuador is known to have four seasons in one day, although there is a distinct rainy season from October to May. Visit from July to September for the best chance of cloudless skies and the opportunity to see the Andes’ often-illusive peaks. Mornings are almost always crisp at this altitude and even in the capital, at 9,350 feet (2,850 meters) above sea level, you’ll get chilly overnight.

Reach the Ecuadorian Andes via Quito’s international airport, with flights from North and South America arriving regularly. Those travelling overland will find connections from major hubs in Ecuador and its neighboring countries in the capital. Accommodation is plentiful in the region, although often basic, and reservations during the dry months are advised.

Where to stay in Andes

La Merced Church which includes a church or cathedral and a square or plaza

Quito Historic Center

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

Churches, museums and shopping are just a few things travellers like about Quito Historic Center. Sights like Independence Square and Catedral Metropolitana de Quito are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Quito area at San Francisco Station.

Quito Historic Center
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Downtown Cuenca

Downtown Cuenca is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden and Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga while in the area.

Downtown Cuenca
La Carolina featuring a pond and a garden

La Carolina

Travellers choose La Carolina for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Carolina Station or Iñaquito Station and check out top sights like El Jardin Mall.

La Carolina
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Cuenca Historic Center

While you're in Cuenca Historic Center, take in top sights like Plaza Rotary Market and jump on the metro at Gaspar Sangurima Tram Station to see more of the city.

Cuenca Historic Center
Quito showing heritage elements, interior views and a church or cathedral

Centro Histórico

While you're in Centro Histórico, take in top sights like Calle La Ronda and jump on the metro at San Francisco Station to see more of the city.

Centro Histórico
Foch Square which includes dining out, modern architecture and café scenes

La Mariscal

4/5(1 area review)

La Mariscal is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Foch Square and La Mariscal Craft Market while in the area.

La Mariscal
Wyndham Quito Airport

Wyndham Quito Airport

5 out of 5
Parroquia Tababela S/N Via Yaruqui, Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre, Tababela, Pichincha
The price is AU$228 per night from 19 Sept to 20 Sept
AU$228
19 Sept - 20 Sept
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Tababela. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
Wyndham Quito Airport
Holiday Inn Quito Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Quito Airport by IHG

4 out of 5
Solar Numero 4, Barrio Santa Rosa, Calle conector Alpachaca y calle Cotopax, Tababela, Quito
The price is AU$131 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
AU$131
5 Sept - 6 Sept
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Tababela. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Holiday Inn Quito Airport by IHG
Oro Verde Cuenca

Oro Verde Cuenca

4.5 out of 5
Av Ordóñez Lasso S/N, Cuenca, Azuay
The price is AU$167 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$167
8 Sept - 9 Sept
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Cuenca. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Oro Verde Cuenca
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Edificio Tofino

Edificio Tofino

3 out of 5
Av. Naciones Unidas, Quito, Pichincha
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Quito. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Naciones Unidas Boulevard and Iñaquito ...
Edificio Tofino
Old Town Quito Suites, Apartments & Boutique hotel

Old Town Quito Suites, Apartments & Boutique hotel

4 out of 5
José de Antepara E3-61 y Vicente Léon, San Blas, Quito, Pichincha
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Quito. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Old Town Quito Suites, Apartments & Boutique hotel
Acqualina Suites and Spa

Acqualina Suites and Spa

4.5 out of 5
& Irlanda, Quito, Pichincha
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Quito. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Botanical Garden of Quito ...
Acqualina Suites and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Andes