Location: Riobamba
Top Things to do in Riobamba
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do in Riobamba, Chimborazo Province
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
5.0 based on 323 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 AlexHesse1111
An all round amazing trip, cannot recommend enough! From the knowledge of the guides to the quality of the equipment. All the guides were extremely friendly and supportive throughout the 12 hour trip, tending to the needs and skill levels of each member of the group. They shared their vast comprehensive knowledge of the plants and different terrains we covered as well as explaining the history and spiritual aspects of Chimborazo. The bikes and safety equipment were all extremely well maintained and the advice given to deal with being at such high altitude was comprehensive and helpful!
2. Avenida De Los Volcanes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Located south of Quito along the Pan American Highway is a series of mountain ranges and valleys that weave in and around a number of high volcanic peaks including Cotopaxi, Llinizia, Chimborazo and Tungurahua.
3. Lakes of Ozogoche (Lagunas de Ozogoche)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 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.
4. Sangay National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
The park features two active volcanoes, rainforests, glaciers. It is home to animals such as tapirs, ocelots, pumas and porcupines.
Reviewed By Fxtutti
This is an incredible place located in the Releche’s community on the slopes of Ecuador’s El Altar Mountain. The Hacienda provides bed and breakfast including showers, rest and game room, Wi-Fi, horseback riding, hiking and other activities. Mr. Oswaldo Cedeno can provide all the amenities, and much more including a journey thru the trails up to El Altar. For information about reservations, supplies and much more please contact Mr. Cedeno at [email protected]. Best time to visit: Any time of year. Supplies and What to wear: It is best to stop in Riobamba town for some supplies including a pair of rubber boots that you will use only in some parts of the trails. The trails are muddy after rain, but this could be a fun challenge. Always pack warm, waterproof clothing, hiking boots, sleeping bag, hat, etc. For a complete list of the supplies and prices you could contact Mr. Cedeno at [email protected]. How to get there: Hacienda Releche is about one-hour bus ride away from Riobamba Town. You will have to pass by Penipe Town first and then truth the small village of Candelaria continuing all the way to Hacienda Releche. Visitors can hike or horseback ride thru the trails up to “The Paramo”. This could be done in two days but I do recommend three days in order to have a complete experience and enjoy a magnificent place. I spend the first night at Hacienda Releche at the start of the trail, and taking off the next day between 6am and 7am. Hacienda Releche also has a small refuge at the foot of the volcano with running water, but you’ll need a sleeping bag. The hike could take from 3 to 6 hours to the small refuge, and another two hours up to the crater with the lagoon. Arriving at The Paramo I decided to enjoy the views, the nature and wildlife animal including the magnificent Andes’ condors, other birds, bears, foxes, etc. I was recommended to be back before 5pm the third day in order to catch the bus back to Riobamba. Third day. After spending the night in the small refuge, I hiked early in the morning all the way to the lagoon, which is incredible. About 12pm I started descending back to Hacienda Releche where I spend my last night enjoying a wonderful meal and a good sleep. Weather: The weather extremely unpredictable. Prepare for inclement weather at any time, including rain, fog, or even snow.
5. Altar Mountain
6. Tren Crucero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 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)
7. Iglesia de Balbanera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By vjv2007 - Tampa, United States
Our travel guide insisted that we leave our B&B in Riobamba at 5:30 AM to see this beautiful church. He was right!
8. Catedral de Riobamba
9. The Devil's Nose Train Ride
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 701 reviews
The Devil’s Nose awaits us beyond the quaint village of Alausi; a defiant outcrop that looks almost impossible to climb down. The train descents, in a breathtaking maneuver, 500 meters in just 12 kilometers across a zigzag craved in the rocks of the mountain, and continues deep into the Chanchan River gorge in the Southern Ecuadorian Andes. The train operates from Tuesdays to Sundays departing from Alausi or Thursdays to Fridays departing from Riobamba.
