CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS

South of Quito is some of the loveliest mountain scenery in Ecuador. This part was named "Avenue of the volcanoes", by the German explorer, Alexander Von Humboldt, and it is easy to see why. An impressive roll call of towering peaks lines the route south: Cotopaxi, the Ilinizas, Carihuairazo and Chimborazo to name but a few. This area obviously attracts its faire share of trekkers and climbers, while the less active traveler can browse through the many colorful Indian markets and colonial towns that nestle among the high volcanic cones.

Baños, named and famed for its thermal baths, is a spa popular with international traveler and Ecuadorians alike on the main road from the Central Highlands to the Oriente jungle.

The convoluted topography of the provinces of Cañar and Azuay reveals an ancient non volcanic past distinct from the northern Sierra neighbors. The region is the home of many treasures. Here are Ecuador prime Inca sites, one of the most spectacular National Parks and Cuenca, the focal point for El Austro (as this part of the country is called). Cuenca boasts some of the country's finest architecture. The Cuenca basin is a major "artisan" center producing ceramics, gold and silver jewelry, textiles and the famous Panama hat.