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Ecuador's region of the Andes consists of over 30 volcanic cones, many
over 5,000 meters and
almost a third still active. One of these the snow-capped Cotopaxi is the world's highest active volcano.
Numerous national parks and protected areas of wilderness feature a wide range of microclimates and enormous bio-diversity, making the Sierra a paradise for
bird watching in particular.
The highlands provide exciting hiking and trekking and there are excellent routes for mountain biking and horse
riding.
One of the world's greatest train Journeys begins in Riobamba
passing through the famous "Devil's Nose" on the way to the coast.
Many inhabitants of the Sierra are Indians and there are fascinating indigenous
markets and craft centers throughout the highlands.
Quito, situated in a circle of mountainous peaks, is the world's second highest capital and has
one of the finest settings of any city in the world. Quito is home to excellent
museums, churches and art galleries and its colonial center, one of the
finest in Latin America, has been designated a World Heritage Site, by
UNESCO.
In the Southern Andes, colonial Cuenca near the Inca fortress ruins of Ingapirca is considered by many to
be Ecuador's most beautiful city.
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