Northern Andes

Toward Imbabura province. Photo by Andrea Davoust

V!VA User‘s Description

The Northern Andes in Ecuador can be found between the edges of Quito and the Colombian border. This mountanous area of the country features a wide range of ecosystems, from the cloud forests around Mindo to deserts, and everything in between. The rolling countryside around the famous markets in Otavalo is scattered with haciendas, many of which have opened their doors to tourism.

The Northern Andes is an area where few foreign tourists have ventured up until recently. There are opportunities to explore local campesino tracks, trek in unspoiled páramo, explore rural villages (where the pace of life has not changed over centuries), have a go at a traditional handball game (pelota del mano), soak in the Arco Iris hot springs, located close to Chachimbiro, or explore the ancient Caranqui culture. 

Places in Northern Andes

• Tulcán
• Cayambe
• Lagunas de Mojanda
• Fuya Fuya
• Otavalo
• Cotacachi
• Oyacachi
• Ibarra
• El Angel
• Quito

Sponsors

Hacienda Cusin - Otavalo Ecuador Hotel Hacienda Cusin is a restored 17th-century Andean estate at 8,500 feet, close to the Equatorial Line and 90 minutes north of Quito, Ecuador. Snow-capped mountains and the famous Otavalo markets are nearby. haciendacusin.com

All Activities in Northern Andes

Top Rated Hotels

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Top Rated Restaurants

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Great V!VA Travel Guides Books about Northern Andes

Buy the world's most up-to-date guidebook about Ecuador. Get it from Amazon, Barnes&Noble or direct from V!VA. In Ecuador get it at Libri Mundi Or download free chapters from this book.

Buy the world's most up-to-date guidebook about Peru. Get it from Amazon or direct from V!VA. Or download free chapters from this book.

V!VA List Latin America, 333 Places and Experiences that People Love Packed with tales of travels from Tijuana to Tierra del Fuego, this compilation provides firsthand knowledge about places to visit, things to do, and where to stay, as well as insight into local cultures and customs. Get it from Amazon, Barnes&Noble or direct from V!VA. Download free chapters from this book. Download free Google Earth version chapters.