The most beautiful natural sites to discover Sierra

Surrounded by colonial-style buildings, including the Town Hall, it offers a haven of peace amid the hustle and bustle of the city. At its center is a sculpture to the glory of Rumiñahui, champion of the Inca resistance against the Spanish. People come here to stroll during the week and relax on market days. It's undoubtedly the ideal place to observe the locals in their traditional dress, and in particular the sumptuous golden pearl necklaces worn by women of all ages. The more they have, the more respected they are.

Located in the provinces of Zamora and Loja, its name comes from the only native coniferous coniferous in Ecuador and capable of living there: Le, still called Romillero. Three species of this gymnosperme grow in the park cloud forest in the middle of 4 000 other plant species, including the quinine tree or Chinchona, active against malaria. Covering 150 000 ha, the reserve contains a hundred lagoons at altitudes ranging from 900 to 3 800 m above sea level, hence its incredible biodiversity (one of the largest in the world considering its area). Different types of landscapes are found, from tropical rainforest to high plateau (páramo). There are many species of orchids listed there, with more than 560 bird species, more than 40% of the country's bird species. You can visit it easily from Vilcabamba, Zamora or Loja.

A little further, some 3 000 varieties of orchids burst into a garden this time, well maintained. Children's Games and swimming pool. Very busy this weekend.

The volcano rise takes place in 3 days. There's no refuge, so we're going to the crater. Same recommendations as for the previous one.