Known by Ecuadorians as “The Homeland’s Cradle” or “The Sultana of the Andes”, the historical city of Riobamba was the place where the beginning of the Ecuadorian nation came with the writing and signing of the country’s first constitution in 1830, right after getting its Independence from Spain. Ironically, it took place only 25km (15 miles) away from the Colta Lake, where the first Spanish settled and erected the Balvanera church, back in 1534.
Riobamba is located in Ecuador’s Central mountain range, 200km (124mi) away from Quito, in the province of Chimborazo. It is a purely cultural city, proud of its independence, created among hills and volcanoes in one of the country’s highest spots, 2754m (9035ft) above the sea level. Its streets have still the atmosphere of the Colonial times, and you can find in them attractions such as the Maldonado Park, with its majestic water fountain and beautiful gardens framed by its two major architectural works: the local government building and the Santa Bárbara Cathedral. Two blocks away from the park is found the Religious Art Museum, the city’s most prestigious museum that houses a fine collection of religious objects from the 18th Century. It is suggested to visit the city either on Saturdays –when the handcraft market is livelier– or on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, when you can take the early morning train that goes to Nariz Del Diablo (devil’s nose).
Thanks to its strategic location, Riobamba is also a compulsory stay for adventurous spirits: a great starting point from which you can go in any direction and discover one of the province’s unique natural attractions. The closest destination is Guano, located approximately 10km (6mi) North of Riobamba. It is a little town whose craftwork has caught the attention of the Vatican and other institutions. On the other hand, taking a 38km (23mi) road to the North-West, you will get to a highway called “Volcanoes’ Avenue” that leads to the majestic Chimborazo: Ecuador’s highest volcano and even the world’s highest volcano considering the flattened surface of the Earth.
You can also choose going south, where you will find first the Colta Lake –a magical place full of culture, nature and history– and then, at approximately 60km (37 miles) from Riobamba, the Palmira Desert, with its contrasts of sand and Andean landscapes. The impressive road from the desert to the snowy mountains is only 100km (62mi) long.
Riobamba is also a great viewpoint to admire the volcanoes of Chimborazo, Carihuairazo, Sangay and El Altar, which can even be seen from your hotel room. This inspiring historical city is a place that has slowly let the modern world in while continuing to preserve its ancestral essence at the same time.
Photo: Alfredobi
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