Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Settled about 4 hours south of Quito on Volcano Avenue is the city of Riobamba, a valley
town over 9,000 ft (2,754 m) in the air known as the Sultan of the Andes. Another ex-
ample of a traditional Ecuadorian city colliding with the modern world, most tourists only
pass through here to board the hair-raising Devil's Nose train or to climb the epic Chim-
borazo volcano - whose summit is farther from the Earth's surface than any other what
with the equatorial rib pushing it into the sky. As the geographic center of the country, it
represents the Heart of the Fatherland and is even depicted on the nation's flag.
The capital of Chimborazo Province, Riobamba is a winsome college town with a friendly
small-town feel and a springtime climate. Though not so popular with tourists, the city
does host a steady expat community of Peace Corps volunteers, NGO workers and study
abroad students. Since the Ecuadorian Sierras are principally cowboy country, the area
surrounding Riobamba is peppered with farms,
fincas
(country homes) and
haciendas
(co-
lonial cattle estates.) After spending a few days in town, it's impossible to not meet
someone who either raises llamas, rides horses or fights bulls.
With this strong influence of local, preserved traditions intact, Riobamba has come to be
known as the nation's capital of bona fide mountaineers. It's no wonder why, since the
city is literally encircled by the colossal peaks of Chimborazo, still-active Tungurahua and
breathtaking El Altar. The city is home to a host of expert guides and also serves as the
main jumping off point for Sangay National Park, a massive ecological reserve containing
two active volcanoes and a sweeping range of ecosystems.
As for the rest of Riobamba's 200,000 strong population, a general laid-back attitude is
assumed and locals are known nationwide for being some of the friendliest, infusing the
city with their warm ambience. As an old-fashioned town, a little manners can go a long
way, and locals appreciate foreigners attempts to communicate in Spanish, just don't ex-
pect them not to laugh at you. In short, it's not a city that caters to tourists, but rather a
community that extends open arms to anyone willing to experience real Ecuadorian life.
Riobamba is home to about 5 universities and students are always milling about town, but
two of the most favored lounging spots are
Parque 21 de Abril
and
Parque Ecológico
.
The former is the best place in town to view the surrounding volcanoes on a clear day,
while Parque Ecológico on Riobamba's outskirts is a vast reserve where college kids host
barbecues and couples sprawl out on the grass to catch some sun. The city comes alive at
night, when partygoers file along the club strip
