Today, we're continuing on our trip exploring a region from one of the world's most beautiful countries - the Ecuadorian Andes. Quintessentially Ecuador, this region (also known as the Highlands) is one of the most visited in the country. Its cultural and natural diversity spans grassy highlands (paramo), cloudforests, mountain lakes, active volcanoes, thermal baths, Indian markets, colonial towns and haciendas. Two chains of mountains form Ecuador's highlands, with lush green valleys nestled in the middle - and are flanked by some of the continent's most majestic volcanoes which we'll be checking out throughout the entry. Let's take a look at some of this beautiful region's most amazing sights in today's update.

We'll begin with an aerial view of the region, with some it's most majestic volcanoes on display - an area that's known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes.

Ecuador's highest point is the imposing Mount Chimborazo - standing 20,564 feet high, it's one of the continent's highest points. But perhaps it's known better for a unique distinction - because of the curvature of the Earth around the Equator, it's actually the world's highest mountain when measured from the center of the Earth.

We travel south through the heart of the country, and this corridor of volcanoes, mountains, and lakes offers some of the Andes' best views from above.

The crater lake of Quilotoa is one of the Andes Mountains' most distinctive, unique, and mesmerizing sights.

We make our way towards the heart of the country for the final leg of the journey - and along the way, we visit some of the region's most beautiful farmlands and villages. Here we see a small homestead and some countryside near the city of Lloa.

Towering nearby is one of the Andes' most famous mountains - Cotopaxi. Violent eruptions can happen frequently, and the steam and ash spew over the city's backdrop making for a stunning, yet dangerous sight. Fortunately however, there hasn't been an eruption since 2016 and all signs point to the volcano staying quiet for the foreseeable future.

We'll conclude with a ground-level view of Cotopaxi from some of the surrounding farmlands - truly a sight to behold.

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-korver