The Andes Mountain Range crosses the country from north to south. The Occidental and the Oriental Ranges are born from this mountain system as it divides in the province of Loja, forming plains and valleys along the Andean Corridor. Between the two ranges there is a plateau which reaches heights of three thousand meters. The Highlands Regions, commonly referred to as "La Sierra", is made up of ten provinces, each of which have important peaks such as Chimborazo, the Illinizas, Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and Antisana.

• Chimborazo: 6,310 m
• Cotopaxi: 5,897 m
• Cayambe: 5,790 m
• Antisana: 5,758 m
• Altar: 5,320 m
• Illiniza: 5,248 m
• Tungurahua: 5,023 m
• Cotacahi: 4,944 m

The highest peaks are found in central and northern Ecuador. From Riobamba towards the south there is a decrease in altitude and an increase in the width of the mountain range, forming a kind of plateau known as the Austro.

Points of Interest

• Quito
• Cuenca
• Ambato
• Cotopaxi
• Ba–os
• Mindo