Mountain Ranges and Major Peaks of Ecuador

Ecuador is characterized by its stunning and diverse mountainous regions, which play a central role in shaping its unique geography, climate, and culture. The country's mountainous areas are primarily centered around the Andes, the world's most extended mountain range, which runs from north to south through the heart of Ecuador. However, other mountainous regions add to the country's rich natural beauty and biodiversity.

Andes Mountains

The Andes, the most extended mountain range in the world, run through the central part of Ecuador from north to south. This iconic range defines the country's geography and offers diverse landscapes, including towering peaks, deep valleys, and high-altitude plateaus.

The Ecuadorian Andes are divided into two main parallel cordilleras, shaping the country's central highlands and providing a stunning backdrop to Ecuador's diverse landscapes.

• Western Cordillera (Cordillera Occidental): The Western Cordillera is located closer to the Pacific coast of Ecuador. A series of volcanic peaks and rugged terrain characterize it. This cordillera is home to some of Ecuador's most iconic and majestic volcanoes, including Cotopaxi, which is one of the world's highest active volcanoes, and Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador and the closest point to the sun due to the equatorial bulge. The Western Cordillera features glacial lakes, high-altitude grasslands known as páramos, and dense cloud forests on its western slopes. The area around Cotopaxi and Quilotoa is popular for trekking and outdoor adventures, offering incredible vistas and opportunities to explore unique volcanic landscapes.

• Eastern Cordillera (Cordillera Oriental): The Eastern Cordillera lies on the eastern side of the Andes and borders the Amazon Basin. Unlike the Western Cordillera, which is primarily volcanic in origin, the Eastern Cordillera is composed of sedimentary rocks and features fewer volcanoes. However, it is home to the active stratovolcano Sangay, part of the Sangay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Eastern Cordillera is characterized by its lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, and indigenous communities. This region offers opportunities for ecotourism, birdwatching, and cultural experiences with local indigenous groups.

Major Peaks of the Ecuadorian Andes:

• Antisana, 5,752 m (18,871 ft)

• Cayambe, 5,790 m (18,996 ft)

• Chiles, 4,723 m (15,495 ft)

• Chimborazo, 6,268 m (20,564 ft)

• Corazón, 4,790 m (15,715 ft)

• Cotopaxi, 5,897 m (19,347 ft)

• El Altar, 5,320 m (17,454 ft)

• Illiniza, 5,248 m (17,218 ft)

• Pichincha, 4,784 m (15,696 ft)

• Quilotoa, 3,914 m (12,841 ft)

• Reventador, 3,562 m (11,686 ft)

• Sangay, 5,230 m (17,159 ft)

• Tungurahua, 5,023 m (16,480 ft)

_{Topographic map of Ecuador.}

Other Mountain Ranges

• Coastal Range (Cordillera Costañera): The Coastal Range runs parallel to Ecuador's Pacific coast and is a series of low-lying mountains and hills. While not as towering as the Andes, this range still offers beautiful landscapes, including lush forests, dry savannas, and picturesque beaches. It is known for its cloud forests, home to various plant and animal species, including howler monkeys and tropical birds. The region is also culturally significant, with communities of Afro-Ecuadorians and Mestizos living in the coastal valleys.

• Avenue of the Volcanoes (Avenida de los Volcanes): Volcanoes Avenue is a section of the Andes in Ecuador with numerous volcanoes. Some of the most notable volcanoes along this avenue include Cotopaxi (5,897 m / 19,347 ft), one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and Chimborazo (6,263 m / 20,548 ft), the farthest point from the center of the Earth due to the equatorial bulge. The region is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes and offers opportunities for trekking and mountaineering.

_{Ecuador physiographic map.}