The rural highlands of Cotopaxi Province, especially around Pujilí and Guangaje, represent a typical example of life in the central Andes of Ecuador. These areas sit at elevations between 9,500 and 12,500 feet and are part of the larger Andean highland zone that stretches from Imbabura in the north to Loja in the south. In these elevated regions, agriculture remains the primary livelihood. Farmers cultivate traditional crops adapted to cold climates, including potatoes, fava beans, barley, maize, and quinoa. Terracing is often used to farm the steep mountain slopes efficiently.

A key route through the area connects Pujilí to the famous Quilotoa Crater Lake, a turquoise volcanic caldera located at over 12,800 feet. The road passes through remote páramo landscapes and indigenous villages, forming part of the scenic Quilotoa Loop, a popular trekking and driving circuit.

Across Ecuador’s rural highlands, indigenous Kichwa communities maintain deep ties to ancestral land and customs. Many villages preserve traditional dress, language, and community organization (cabildos). The climate in these regions is cool and dry year-round, with two main seasons: a rainy period from October to May and a drier stretch from June to September. Days are often sunny with intense ultraviolet exposure, while nights can drop below freezing.