Carchi, home to towering mountains such as Volcano Chiles (4,768 m) and an alpine climate with an average temperature of 12 degrees centigrade, is Ecuador’s northernmost province. The province is home to some of the nations most impressive protected areas, such as El Angel Reserve, and several interesting and colorful towns. One of its major attractions is Gruta de la Paz (the Grotto of Peace). Carchi also has a domestic airport with connecting flights to various cities throughout Ecuador and a handful of flights to southern Colombia.

Home to an uncountable number of lakes and other bodies of water, Imbabura is a great place for fishing and adventure sports. Located in Ecuador’s northern highlands, the province enjoys a pleasantly dry climate with an average temperature of around 18 degrees centigrade. Its production of handicrafts has made its indigenous population, principally those from Otavalo, famous worldwide. The province is also well known for its Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Imbabura’s hotel facilities and tourist infrastructure are among the best in the country.

Quito, the provincial of Pichincha and the nation’s capital, is the departure point for Ecuador’s main tourist destinations. Due to its strategic location and well-developed tourist infrastructure Quito is an ideal place from which to start a trip and a great place to hold both national and international conventions and other events. The city lies at the foot of the western Andes range and enjoys a spring-like climate, with temperatures ranging from 13 to 24 degrees centigrade. Its Mariscal Sucre Airport, is one of Ecuador’s international terminals. Apart from its historical capital, Pichincha has an abundance of interesting destination: protected areas with extensive forests and towering volcanoes, archaeological sites, and villages indigenous markets that sell the finest in artisan crafts.

The province of Cotopaxi’s main attraction is Cotopaxi National Park. Located on the eastern plain of Patate, in the center of the country, Cotopaxi’s climate varies from 12 to 17 degrees centigrade. In addition to Cotopaxi National Park, the province has major indigenous markets and is rich in popular traditions.

With its temperate, wet, and cool climate, this province, lying to the south of Cotopaxi, is known for its towering peaks, its Carnival festivities, and its fruit and flower production. Handmade leather goods are another one of its riches. The town of Baños is one of the gateways to the Amazon.

Located in the heart of the country, quaint Guaranda is the smallest provincial capital in the highlands. Its pleasant climate (22 to 25 degrees centigrade in the tropical regions) make it very popular with visitors, who are also attracted the area’s cool paramo. The Carnival festivities of the area have gained fame throughout Ecuador.

This is one of the most popular provinces with foreign visitors and the geographical location and mountains, such as Chimborazo, make it an ideal place for mountaineering. The province is also rich in history, traditions, handicrafts and natural beauty with many lakes and distinctive paramo vegetation. The average temperature is 13 degrees centigrade and it’s on the southern route through the highlands.