The Highlands of Ecuador sit between two parallel mountain ranges about sixty kilometers apart, running North to South. Although equatorial, because of elevation, this area ranges in climate from Spring-like to ice-cold. It is here that most of the people of Ecuador live, in the capital Quito and in several smaller towns and villages.

QUITO
Quito, 2.850 m. high, capital of Ecuador and former Northern capital of the Inca Empire, is a stunning mixture of Indian and Colonial art, beautiful cathedrals, elegant old world mansions, interesting museums, plazas and parks with statues of historical personalities, first class hotels and charming pensions, delightful restaurants, fashionable shops and street markets selling a wealth of Ecuadorian jewels, arts and crafts. This fascinating city sits on a cool Andean plateau, surrounded by majestic mountains, some of which are snowcapped year round.
Here is a selection of tours in and around Quito:
           . Colonial Quito
           . Quito Archaeological Museum
           . Contemporary Art Tour
           . Equatorial Monument
           . Quito City Tour & Equatorial Monument

CUENCA
Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador, is situated in a fertile valley in the southern highlands of Ecuador. Perhaps because of its isolation, Cuenca has kept its old-world architectural charm and its colonial ambiance. Many Ecuadorians consider it to be the most beautiful city in the country, as well as the center of arts and crafts such as jewelry making and ceramics. With streets running at right angles and block numbered, Cuenca is a city to go strolling in without getting lost.

          . Cuenca Scenic tour
          . Ingapirca Fortress of The Incas
          . Quito-Cuenca Overland with Train Ride Riobamba-Huigra
          . Quito-Cuenca Overland "The Route of The Incas"
          . Quito-Cuenca by air