Southern Sierra
Beaconing from the windswept, mountainous regions of the north are the temperate, rolling hills of the Southern Sierra. This region has escaped development and retains a relaxed, rural feel throughout its cities. A handful of national parks and archaeological sites make this region a highlight for all travelers.
Cajas National Park
The countless lakes, alpine hillsides and curious herds of alpacas make the Cajas National Park an impressive wilderness destination.
Explore PlaceIngapirca
As one of the most prominent Inca sites in Ecuador, Ingapirca is a great way to see and learn about the great empire that once ruled throughout the Andes.
Explore PlacePodocarpus National Park
A mix of Sierran highlands and Amazonian flora and fauna, the Podocarpus National Park packs a lot into its relatively compact size.
Explore PlaceCuenca
Cuenca is a colonial marvel and one of the most attractive cities in Ecuador. Nestled in the highlands, its charming streets, grand plazas and churches span multiple levels of the mountainside, making the city more than postcard-worthy.
Explore PlaceAlausí
After countless miles of turns and switchbacks through the dramatic Southern Sierra, the town of Alausí appears. Often overlooked, this quiet village is a welcome rest stop while exploring this region.
Explore PlaceLoja
Loja’s bustling streets, filled with university students and business men and women, give it a youthful atmosphere. For visitors, Loja’s historic district – filled with scenic churches and plazas – make this a worthwhile place to visit.
Explore PlaceVilcabamba
Time seems to move slowly in Vilcabamba. Perhaps that’s why its residents are said to be the oldest in the country. With a handful of relaxing spas and a hippy vibe, Vilcabamba is as close as you can get to the fountain of youth while traveling in Ecuador.
Explore PlaceA little more about Southern Sierra
The Southern Sierra is the region that time forgot. A patchwork of local farms quilt the rolling hillsides. Rural villages, mostly comprised of proud indigenous farmers, dot the landscape as well. The region’s cities retain a relaxed demeanor and an authentic atmosphere—a combination of attributes that is rarely found elsewhere in Ecuador.
The charming town of Cuenca is the largest city in the region. Its beautiful red roofs and gothic churches make it look transplanted from Spain. The towns of Alausi and Loja are home to an array of cultural highlights. Even further south, the backroads town of Vilcabamba is so quiet and peaceful, it may just help you live longer.
This region provides much needed relief from the cold, windy parts of the Northern and Central Sierra. The lower elevation, which ranges from 5,000–8,000 feet (1,524–2,438 m), provides for a warmer and more temperate climate. Temperatures can range from a cool 55°F (12.7°C) near Cuenca to a balmy 70°F (21.1°C) as you head south toward Vilcabamba.
A couple of national parks and archaeological sites give visitors to the Southern Sierra several opportunities to explore. The Cajas National Park, located outside of Cuenca, is characterized by stark moorlands and alpine lakes. In contrast, the semitropical Podocarpus National Park is extremely biodiverse. Finally, the premier Inca archaeological site of Ecuador, Ingapirca, should also not be missed.
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