Location: Riobamba
Top Things to do in Riobamba
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10 Things to Do in Riobamba That You Shouldn't Miss
Riobamba (Spanish pronunciation: [rjoˈβamba], full name San Pedro de Riobamba) is the capital of the Chimborazo Province in central Ecuador, which is located at the Chambo River Valley of the Andes. It is 200 km (120 mi) south of Ecuador's capital Quito and located at 2754 m on the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The city is an important regional transport center as well as being a stop on the Pan-American Highway that runs through Ecuador. Riobamba stands as one of the largest cities in the central portion of Ecuador's Sierra region.
Restaurants in Riobamba
1. Pro Bici
Overall Ratings
5 based on 217 reviews
We offer excursions to Chimborazo and other snowpeaks, mountain lakes, thermal pools, rain and cloud Forests and indigenous, historic and cultural sites that reveal unimagined natural and cultural wonders hidden to the common tourist.
Reviewed By Michiel H - Antwerp Province, Belgium
A big 10/10. All was perfect while downhilling the Chimborazo volcano. We paid 60USD per person for a full-day adventure and it was worth every penny. Most definitely one of my all time South America highlights.
We had done downhilling before, and after Reading all these excellent reviews, we put our hopes up high. Our expectations were more than exceeded. The Chimborazo route is a thrilling and versatile one. It is semi-technical, quick, intense and mostly off-road, and the 60USD variant takes around 9 hours. Note that the more technical parts can be replaced by simple asphalt roads if you have little mountainbiking experience. Also, different riding levels in one group is not an issue as the included biking guide allows you to go your own pace.
Pro Bici on their part does a fantastic job in providing well-maintained and medium-end bikes, as well as all necessary safety downhill gear (helmet, knee and elbow protectors, gloves). The driver/guide was extremely friendly and even assisted my brother afterwards at the police station for a camera stolen a few days before. The tour organiser, Galo, is a sincere chap with a passion for mountainbiking that will help you to perfectly tailor your tour to your needs.
I highly, highly recommend the Chimborazo activity and Pro Bici agency.
2. Iglesia de Balbanera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By Donna H - Brighton, Colorado, United States
For such an amazing piece of history, it is sad that this chuch depends upon the parish and tourist donations for upkeep. It would be nice if there were more artifacts and interpretation of the effect of the church upon the indigenous population. In some senses, this is a non-descript parish church, in another sense, this is symbolic of a revolution in human life in this part of the world.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Katey B - Albuquerque, New Mexico
A tiny historic gem. An earthquake destroyed part of it years back but the locals put it back together with an indigenous look to the exterior faces of angels.
4. Lakes of Ozogoche (Lagunas de Ozogoche)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Located in the state of Chimborazo, this group of 45 small lakes or lagoons is an excellent site for viewing wildlife, hiking, fishing and bird watching.
Reviewed By belleretraite - Montreal, Canada
The lakes are located at the beginning of the park , are easily walkable but we did not find any spectacular view points . They are lakes , in a flat surrounding without any specific characteristics . We found the lakes in the Cajas National Park more interesting . Maybe it was the guide ???
5. Tren Crucero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
The Ecuadorian Train was called "the impossible one". When the project was finished, the train brought together for the first time the young Ecuador, it connected the Pacific coast with the Andean highlands, carrying voices, colors and goods to every corner of the country. Ride the train and be part of an historical journey: feel the excitement when you go up to the Andes; see the amazing climatic transition when the landscape changes in front of you eyes, feel the cool air from the Mountains while the daunting Devil´s Nose appears in the horizon! This journey will take you from zero to 2,300 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l) featuring an authentic Ecuador, on board a comfortable panoramic convoy. Discover by yourself why this railway was known as the "most difficult train in the world". Schedule and routes: - Round Trip, Guayaquil (Duran) - Alausi - Guayaquil | Saturdays to Sundays (2 per month) - One Way departing Guayaquil (Duran) to Alausi | Saturdays (2 per month) - One Way from Alausi to Guayaquil (Duran) - | Sundays (2 per month)
Reviewed By LED276 - Sydney, Australia
We travelled from Quito to Guayaquil on this amazing journey. The scenery was spectacular and the visits to a beautiful hacienda with its original Jesuit chapel and rose farm among many other great places of interest were real highlights of the journey. Unfortunately several sites along the track had been washed out in the wet season necessitating some sections of travel by bus but this was handled well by the wonderful crew. Overall a wonderful way to see some of the best of Ecuador.
6. Altar Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By SamMora87 - Cotacachi, Ecuador
I did the El Altar Trek it's a moderate hike of 2 days or 3 depending on the itinerary... about 6 hours per day hiking (if you do the 2 days it's the same way to return). You get to see the yellow lagoon, crater lake of el altar volcano. It worth it, we did it with travel2south check their website.
7. Laguna de Colta
Overall Ratings
4 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Any P
Almost most of my holidays I travel to the Mountains this time I went in carnival together with my cousins, and on the way to Riobamba we stayed in the "lagoon of colta", thanks to a friend who had recommended, is a place beautiful, located in the province of Chimborazo, spectacular place to spend with family, friends, boyfriends etc. Tickets with extremely low prices: 2 dollars for adults and 1 dollar for children bellow 12, the people were very friendly in such a way that attract many foreign tourists, and also from different provinces of the equator, also has boats to take a walk for all lagoon Especially is a place for see all beauty the landscape where also you can walk for hours according to the availability of each person, I would recommend you to visit.
8. Sangay National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
The park features two active volcanoes, rainforests, glaciers. It is home to animals such as tapirs, ocelots, pumas and porcupines.
Reviewed By Pierre W - Brussels, Belgium
The major road from Riobamba to Macas is very controversial since it was built right in the middle of the Sangay National Park, but now that it exists you can take profit of it for an easy visit to the Sangay NP. There are reguler public busses on this road, every 1 or 2 hours. Take a a bus to the Lagunas de Atillo, and than walk the next 12 to 15 km towards Macas. The environment is superb. First the lakes, then you climb (slightly) to the pass, and the first 10 km of the descent are really stunning, cloudforest, Waterfalls (If you travel by car, please note there is no parking anywhere along this stretch). Well of course it also means clouds and rain. Then you can board another bus to continue to Macas or return to Riobamba. Further towards Macas, there is a lot of colonization along this road.
9. Markt Guamote
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Jolyon67 - Melbourne, Australia
This is a double listing on Tripadvisor. Guamote is a lovely sleepy town which is midway between Riobamba and Alausi. I visited on a Sunday and there were a number of market stalls active. The place sees very few tourists, so take care not to be too intrusive with taking photos. Many children are happy to pose for photos, adults less so but they will wave. All the usual colourful Poncho and bags are for sale. The shoe shine kids can get a bit annoying.
10. Museo de Arte Religioso de la Concepcion
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Museum of religious art in La Concepción, it has 15 rooms with a permanent collection of more than 200 pieces, art from the famous Quito school of the colonial and republican times, this museum is suitable in the cells or dormitories of the nuns conceptas, nuns of cloister, between which they envelop stories of importance for the Ecuador
Reviewed By martincucalon - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Museo que guarda parte de la historia religiosa de la ciudad m hay joyas que se ven en pocos museos .
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