RIOBAMBA & CHIMBORAZO | ECUADOR

The city of Riobamba lies in the heart of the Avenue of Volcanoes and is an essential stop on the journey south towards Cuenca and Guayaquil. The city itself is famous for it’s market and has a couple of pretty, tree-filled colonial squares with interesting old buildings such as the cathedral and neoclassical basilica. You are unlikely, however, to be spending much time in the city itself while on your Ecuador tour as most accommodation is located just outside of the centre and on most itineraries you will arrive to Riobamba in the afternoon or evening. The nearby Chimborazo and Carihuairazo volcanoes sit within the Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo. Here there is a healthy population of vicuñas (a relative of the llama). Hiking and climbing are the main activities in this area.

Riobamba is located at a similar altitude to Quito, about 2700 metres above sea level. The surrounding area and Chimborazo, however, is a bit higher. In this region, known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes, you can expect mild day time temperatures and cold nights. June, July and August have the least amount of rain, so this would be the best time to visit.

Riobamba itself is more of a working city with little to offer the tourist, but the wider area has legendary train rides and epic Andean scenery.

★ Visit the majestic Chimborazo volcano and national park

★ Visit the llama museum in the community of Palacio Real

★ Hike in the national park and see the Carihuairazo volcano

★ Visit the oldest church in Ecuador in the village of Colta

★ Explore the streets and plazas of Riobamba

Browse the incredible destinations we cover in Ecuador from the Cloud Forest, a bird watcher’s haven, to the Amazon jungle and the quaint colonial cities of Cuenca and Quito. In between you will find the legendary Avenue of Volcanoes, the unexplored coast and the cacao plantations of the south. Get in touch to start planning your tailor made tours in Ecuador!