Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the way of historical monuments, notable museums or adventure activities, but affords the
off-the-beaten-path traveler a chance for genuine cultural immersion and a glance into
everyday Ecuadorian life. The city itself is full of bright houses and modern buildings
built by the banks of the Ambato River in the Central Cordillera's most fertile valley.
Thanks to the city's eternally clear skies and its location on Volcano Avenue, views of Co-
topaxi, Tungurahua and Chimborazo's imperial peaks can be seen from Ambato, which is
also one of the warmest stops along the Ecuadorian Andes. A great time to visit would be
anywhere between October and February when visitors can take advantage of the warm,
dry season and catch Carnival at the start of spring.
Food
Conveniently located in the country's central cordillera, Ambato is the perfect base to
sample traditional Ecuadorian cuisine,
Serrano
-style. Ecuador's Andean dishes date back
before Spanish and even Inca influences, to a time when natives were learning how to pre-
serve protein-rich foods to withstand time, temperature and high elevations. This is after
all, the birthplace of the potato.
These foods' staying power have lasted throughout the years and most Ambatenos today
still prefer home-cooked meals to the influx of fast food chains that dot the city. If I were
to describe mountain grub in one word, it would definitely be 'hearty': an everyman's mix
of meat-and-potato dishes, vegetable-rich stews and lots of avocado with everything. A
few highlights are:
Llapingacho
Llapingacho can be served a variety of ways, but the best by far consists of potato patties
stuffed with cheese, fried on a griddle and served with an avocado puree. It can also come
with a garden salad, sausage and fried plantains or fries. Hits the spot.
Roasted Guinea Pig
Not for the faint of heart, Andean Ecuador's most famous delicacy is guinea pig, which
can be seen roasting from roadside eateries and within fine dining establishments alike.
The results are not so different from broiled chicken: crispy on the outside and juicy on
the inside, but with less meat. It's typically served with potatoes and vegetables.
