AbstractThe Quaternary glacial sequence proposed for the Ecuadorian Andes by Walter Sauer is critically reviewed. Examination of his field evidence at sections exposing Quaternary sediments east of Quito has led to a fundamental reinterpretation. Deposits which Sauer considered as glacial, glacio‐fluvial, glacio‐lacustrine and pluvio‐glacial in origin appear to have been formed mainly by volcanic, volcano‐loessic, laharic, fluvial, colluvial and pedogenic pr