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.

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Cajas National Park

The countless lakes, alpine hillsides and curious herds of alpacas make the Cajas National Park an impressive wilderness destination.

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Ingapirca

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.

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Podocarpus National Park

A mix of Sierran highlands and Amazonian flora and fauna, the Podocarpus National Park packs a lot into its relatively compact size.

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Cuenca

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.

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Alausí

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.

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Loja

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.

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Vilcabamba

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.

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Ecuador

A 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.

Trips to inspire

Browse some of our favorite itineraries

Get excited and browse our selection of our favorite hand made tours including Southern Sierra. From romantic honeymoons to family-fun; these are completely flexible and arranged to your needs.

9 days | $$$

An Incan Adventure for One

Blaze your own trail on this safe solo adventure as you walk in the footsteps of the Incas. Explore the highlands and the valley, history and culture, and cuisine.

An Incan Adventure for One
14 days | $$$

It Was Hard to Say Goodbye

Ecuador is a beautiful country from Quito all the way to the coast of Guayaquil. It is definitely a must. Percy was amazing in helping us plan our trip, as I must have changed my itinerary about a million times. Even when I had questions during our trip he was right there ready to help and took care of everything. Now, there are no words to describe our driver, (which we were lucky to have for 9 days) Ricardo. He was professional, friendly and went above and beyond to help make our Ecuador experience one to remember. It was sad to say good bye, but one thing is for sure when we plan our next trip to Ecuador we will be asking for Ricardo again.

It Was Hard to Say Goodbye
12 days | $$

Cultural Highlights of Ecuador

From the lovely city of Quito to the highlands of Cuenca, our vacation to Ecuador was filled with rich cultural experiences and a superlative experience to remember.

Cultural Highlights of Ecuador
12 days | $$$

Stress-Free Solo Journey in Ecuador

I loved my trip. It was well organized

 Stress-Free Solo Journey in Ecuador
19 days | $$

I Can Say We Did It All

We spent almost 20 days exploring all parts of the country — from the mainland, to the coast, to the Amazon. I can say we did it all!

I Can Say We Did It All
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