- Geographical characteristics of the inter-Andean region of Ecuador
- Vegetation and flora
- Fauna
- Urban features
- References
The inter-Andean region of Ecuador, also known as Sierra del Ecuador, is an extension of geographical territory that extends from north to south through the Andes, completely crossing the Ecuadorian nation in half.
It is popularly known for presenting varied elevations, ranging from 1,500 meters above sea level to its highest point, 6310 meters above sea level, located at the top of Chimborazo.
Today, the inter-Andean region of Ecuador comprises a great division, not only geographical and climatic, but also administrative. The territories of approximately 10 provinces are divided along this mountain range, and in it are cities of great importance such as Cuenca and the national capital, Quito.
Within the territorial limits of the inter-Andean region are a variety of Ecuadorian national parks and natural monuments.
Zones of hot, temperate and cold climates coexist in this mountain range, and it serves as a division between the coastal region of Ecuador, which ends in the Pacific, and the rest of the Andean region, which continues towards the interior of the continent.
Geographical characteristics of the inter-Andean region of Ecuador
The inter-Andean region has an extension of between approximately 100 and 120 kilometers from one extreme to the other, the highest points of which vary considerably depending on their extension.
It has two main mountain ranges subject to its highest mountains: the eastern mountain range, which extends and ends at the Cotopaxi volcano, and the western mountain range, which ends at the Chimborazo volcano.
These two volcanoes are the highest points in the entire inter-Andean region, and even in the entire Ecuadorian national territory, with Cotopaxi having 5897 meters above sea level at its highest peak, and Chimborazo about 6268 meters above sea level.
Where the mountain ranges of the Ecuadorian Sierra end, the other important regions of Ecuador begin: the coast, towards the Pacific Ocean, and the eastern region, which extends towards the Amazon jungle.
Despite its mainly mountainous qualities, the inter-Andean region has a large number of slopes, valleys and natural accesses that have come to be known as knots.
Apart from the aforementioned volcanoes, throughout the entire Ecuadorian highlands there are more than twenty other volcanoes and smaller mountains.
Vegetation and flora
The vegetation and flora of the Sierra is very diverse throughout its geographical extension; it varies mainly depending on the altitude and the climatic conditions present. One of the main factors affecting the plant variety of this region is humidity.
There is an approximate classification of the types of vegetation of the inter-Andean region of Ecuador according to their altitude levels:
-Between 1000 and 1800 meters above sea level, soils of humid qualities are usually found, with wooded vegetation and high incidences of precipitation.
-After 2000 meters above sea level, more temperate soils are usually found, and a large amount of cultivated vegetation typical of the Andean regions.
-Exceeding 3000 meters above sea level, large portions of cultivated land continue to be achieved; a temperate climate and mountain vegetation with some humidity; low-rise shrubs and plants.
-From 3500 meters above sea level and exceeding 4000, the vegetation is typical of the sub-paramo or páramo, beginning to be covered by snow and glacial manifestations at its highest points.
Fauna
Like the vegetation, the diversity and presence of animal species throughout the Ecuadorian highlands vary according to the altitude and climatic conditions in which they inhabit.
The lower areas that present agricultural activities are usually the most common habitat for domesticated animals such as dogs, chickens and cattle, mainly.
As you climb you can find other species of livestock such as sheep or goats, as well as a large presence of reptiles and snakes. At higher altitudes, llamas and birds such as blackbirds or vultures are usually seen.
The popular condor, an iconic Andean animal, although in danger of extinction, can be seen in the highest points of the Ecuadorian mountains.
You may also be interested in this list of animals of the Ecuadorian sierra.
Urban features
Despite its natural qualities and the great extension of its territory, a large part of the Ecuadorian highlands is inhabited and even urbanized. Their lands are used for agricultural activities and there are modern communication routes between the main cities and towns.
Today, the Republic of Ecuador benefits from the economic activities carried out in the highland regions, be they agricultural, livestock, mining and even tourism. Each province must respond, in the same way, to the portion of the mountains attached to its territory.
The presence of national parks and nature reserves also provide Ecuadorians and tourists with other ways to immerse themselves and interact with the natural qualities of the inter-Andean region. Currently, the ecological reserves function as vegetable and fauna sanctuaries typical of the region, administered by the main provincial departments.
Among the main national parks located in the mountains, are the El Cajas National Park, a few kilometers from the city of Cuenca, where you can see a fauna that includes deer, ocelots, pumas and bears. On the other hand, the Cotopaxi National Park, located between the provinces of Pichincha, Cotopaxi and Napo, where the popular Cotopaxi volcano is located.
Among the plant attractions of this last park is the presence of extensive pine forests, which makes it a quite striking area of the Andean region.
The artisanal and historical centers that are scattered throughout the Ecuadorian highlands, as well as their internal activities (be they gastronomy, celebrations and crafts), add to the national perception and natural and geographical importance that the inter-Andean region of Ecuador has, not only for this nation, but for the entire Latin American region.
You may also be interested in the Sierra del Ecuador:
–Your fruits.
-Edible products.
-Typical food.
-Clothing.
References
- Ecuador Explorer. (sf). National Parks in La Sierra. Obtained from EcuadorExplorer: ecuadorexplorer.com
- Patzelt, E. (1996). Flora of Ecuador. Quito: Central Bank of Ecuador.
- Saint-Geours, Y. (1994). The central and northern Sierra (1830-1925). History and region in Ecuador, 1830-1930.
- Valencia, RC (1999). The natural formations of the Sierra del Ecuador. Sierra R, 81-108.