Riobamba is a historical city located in the province of Chimborazo, 2,750m (9,022 feet) above the sea level. It is the central point of a road full of contrasts: a road leading to the snowy mountains if you go north; and to the desert, if you head south. Have an amazing journey on this 100km (62mi) road across the best of Ecuador’s Andean landscapes.
Going 38km (23 miles) northeast is found the Chimborazo volcano, the highest volcano in the country, and the world’s highest peak considering it is the farthest point to the center of the planet, due to its slightly flattened surface. Time goes by unnoticed when you see this volcano showing its bright, snowy peak and its astonishing height. Vehicles are left at the first stop, located 4,800m (15,748ft) high, and visitors must continue by foot to get to one of the world’s best viewpoints: the Andes seen from 5,000meters (16,404 feet) high. From this point, the adventure can only be continued by specialized climbers.
Going south, you find an amazing contrast: the cold Palmira Desert, whose name’s origins and its relation to the desert found in Syria are unknown. This is a fantastic spot to take pictures and the only place in the country where you can dream of a mysterious odyssey of the kind of the Saharan stories. It is a small desert 10 hectares wide located 3,150 meters (10,334 feet) above the sea level, in whose sands lies a pine tree forest. Such contrast is due to the forestation carried out by the Palmira inhabitants, who decided to turn the desert into an oasis. To walk among the pine trees, the sand, and a few cactuses while hearing the wind whistling among the trees, is undoubtedly a priceless experience.
The journey from the snows of the impressive Chimborazo to the sands and the pine trees of the cold desert of Palmira is an adventure full of contrasts and colors, a relaxing trip and an invaluable moment: definitely something travelers should not miss!
Photo: adrikar
No comments:
Post a Comment