Cañar, in the southern Andean region, is home to Ecuador’s most important archaeological site – Ingapirca. Here, the Pre-Colombian finds and the Temple of the Sun attract hundreds of visitors year round. The province also has interesting indigenous markets and lakes. The climate here is relatively cool.

Home to breathtaking protected areas such as El Cajas Park National in the city of Cuenca, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Azuay is southern Ecuador’s most important tourist center. Moreover, Azuay is a great place to shop for high-quality handicrafts and partake in festive celebrations throughout the year. The area also boasts an ideal climate, with temperatures ranging between 12 and 20 degrees centigrade. This province has a national airport with flights available to most any point in Ecuador.

Located in southern Ecuador, Loja is most well known the Vírgen del Cisne religious festivals it organizes, which attract pilgrims from all over the country and from abroad, as well. Loja also has popular tourist attractions, the most well known being Vilcabamba Valley, famous for the longevity of the locals, most of whom live to the age of 100. The average temperature here is 16 degrees centigrade.