The Sierra lies between the western and eastern ranges of the Andes Mountains - the Cordillera Occidental [Western Chain] and the Cordillera Oriental [the Eastern Chain]. The Valley has been populated and its land cultivated for many centuries. Nestled in the valley is Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Of the two mountain ranges, the Cordillera Oriental is wider and higher; however, Mount Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador, is part of the Cordillera Occidental.

The Sierra also contains volcanoes, of which six are still active. The world's highest active volcano is Cotopaxi, which reaches 5,897 metres or 19,348 feet.

Sierra Provinces:

Province	Capital
Azuay	Cuenca
Bolivar	Guaranda
Cañar	Azogues
Carchi	Tulcan
Cotopaxi	Latacunga
Chimborazo	Riobamba
Imbabura	Ibarra
Loja	Loja
Pichincha	Quito
Tungurahua	Ambato

Last updated 5th July 2006

|Article contributed by Dominic Hamilton|||

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