Quito & Central Highlands
The soaring capital and its surrounding volcanoes along the Avenue of Volcanoes
Quick Stats
location_city Cities in this Region
Quito
The highest official capital in the world
Baños de Agua Santa
Adventure capital at the edge of the Amazon
Otavalo
Heart of indigenous Andean market culture
emoji_events Bounties in Quito & Central Highlands
Walk the Golden Naves of La Compañía
Step inside the most ornate Jesuit church in the Americas.
Straddle the Equator at Mitad del Mundo
Place one foot in each hemisphere at the Middle of the World.
Swing at the End of the World
Launch yourself over a volcanic canyon on the famous tree-house swing.
Ride the TelefériQo to the Edge of the Sky
Ascend to 4,100 meters above the colonial city in a single gondola ride.
Chase Waterfalls on the Ruta de las Cascadas
Bike downhill past a dozen thundering waterfalls on the road to the Amazon.
Taste Locro de Papa at a Market Stall
Warm up with Ecuador's beloved potato-and-cheese soup.
Climb the Tower of the Basílica del Voto Nacional
Scale a neo-Gothic basilica guarded by Ecuadorian animals instead of gargoyles.
Descend into the Devil's Cauldron
Cross a suspension bridge to stand face-to-face with Ecuador's most powerful waterfall.
Wander the Bohemian Streets of La Ronda
Explore Quito's oldest and most atmospheric cobblestone lane.
Haggle for Treasures at the Largest Indigenous Market in South America
Lose yourself in Otavalo's legendary Saturday textile and craft market.
Hike to the Sacred Laguna de Cuicocha
Circle a volcanic crater lake ringed by orchids and Andean condors.
Gaze Up at the Virgen de Agua Santa Basilica
Visit the towering basilica built to honor Baños' miracle-working Virgin.
Taste Fresh Melcocha Pulled on the Street
Watch artisans pull molten sugarcane taffy on wooden pegs outside their shops.
Sip Single-Origin at a Quito Café de Especialidad
Discover why Ecuador's highland coffee rivals Colombian beans.
Stand Beneath the Cascada de Peguéche
Visit the sacred waterfall where Otavaleño people perform solstice rituals.
Warm Up with Yamor Corn Chicha
Drink the ancient seven-corn fermented beverage sacred to the Otavaleño people.