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Riobamba

Province capitals in Ecuador | Province capitals in Ecuador Forum

Riobamba is the capital of Chimborazo Province in central Ecuador, which is located at the Chambo River Valley of the Andes. It's 200 km (125 miles) south of Ecuador's capital Quito and located at on the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The city is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, and while sitting at the foot of the volcano Chimborazo, one gets the worlds highest view from the center of the Earth.

History

Riobamba is an important historic and cultural landmark of Ecuador. The region was a Puruha Indian territory before it was conquered by the Incas during the late 15th century. It was the first city founded by the Spaniards in what is now Ecuador, founded in 1530. In 1563 the city became part of the Spanish Empire's newly-formed Royal Audience of Quito.

Known as the Sultan of the Andes, Riobamba was completely destroyed by earthquake in 1797, but rebuilt a few years later 14 km (9 miles) away from its original location, near a village named Cajabamba. The city still retains a great architecture from the Spanish period. In the struggle against Spanish rule Riobamba first declared independence on November 11, 1820 but was soon retaken. The city finally became part of an independent Gran Colombia in 1822, and then a separate Republic of Ecuador in 1830.

The old city was the birthplace of Isabela Godin des Odonais (b. 1728).

Geography

Lying at the center of the country, Riobamba is conveniently located at the crossroads between the highlands, the coast and the jungle.

Volcanoes

Chimborazo

Chimborazo is located in the Inter-Andean Cord, a north-northeast trend structural depression that separates the Western and Eastern Mountain Chain of the Andes. It is a quaternary volcano that has never erupted. Its peak is 6,310 m above sea level.. It has a colossal shape which immediately makes altitude problems to the mountaineers. The first refuge is accessible via car but only experienced climbers should attempt climbing the northwest or the southwest face.

Sangay

At 5,350 m, Sangay is one of the most active volcanos in the Andes, the mountain lies inside Sangay National Park. The first documented eruption of Sangay was in 1628. Sangay has erupted almost continuously since 1934. In 1976, an explosion dropped blocks up to 35 cm (14 inches) in diameter that killed two people and also injured many.

Altar

Standing at 5405 m , Altar is the fifth highest volcano in Ecuador. It is an extinct, snowcapped volcano close to the geographical center of Ecuador. It contains many different colored lakes and a great diversity of valleys. Altar contains a lake that sends a small flow of water from its boiler, which is full of caves. Its abundant peaks resemble the shape of a colonial churchs altar. Seeing the mountain as a huge cathedral, Spaniards named it El Altar. The highest peak is Bishop, also called Capac Urcu, which means "Almighty Mountain."

Demography

Beyond its historical dimension, Chimborazo is considered the most indigenous province in Ecuador and retains a unique cultural melange. More than five hundred indigenous communities contribute to Chimborazos ethnic diversity, and have successfully led a national indigenous movement. Riobambas colorful and picturesque markets, its street life and cultural traditions are testimony to this strong and diverse indigenous presence.

Economy

The economy of the city mainly focuses on the agricultural production of the surrounding local populations. Besides this, Riobamba has an open-air market where indigenous artisans display their wares, where people can find manufactured products as textiles, handicrafts, leather goods, beer, and dairy products. Riobamba is also an important trade center of cattle-ranching.

Education

Schools

Colegio Maria Auxiliadora

Colegio Amelia Gallegos Diaz

Colegio Angel Polibio Chaves

Colegio Camilo Gallegos Toledo

Colegio Carlos Cisneros

Unidad Educativa Cristiana "VERBO"

Colegio de las Madres Franciscanas

Colegio 10 de Noviembre

Colegio La Salle

Colegio Nacional de Senoritas Riobamba

Colegio Nacional Pedro Carbo

Colegio Ruffo Di Donato Chiriboga

Colegio Salesiano Santo Tomas Apostol

Colegio San Felipe Neri

Colegio San Pedro de Guanujo

Colegio Tecnico Nacional Guaranda

Colegio Verbo Divino

Instituto ABC

Instituto John F. Kennedy

Maldonado

Marianas

Unidad Educativa Jefferson

Unidad Educativa Riverside

Colegio Cap Edmundo Chiriboga

Universities

ESPOCH

Universidad Central

Universidad de Chimborazo

Universidad Salesiana

Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Instituto Tecnologico superior Isabel de godin

Newspapers

La prensa

Services

Hotels

Hosteria La Andaluza

It is a nice ranch with excellent views of the Altar and Tungurahua volcanos. Located 15 km along the Panamericana.

Hosteria Abraspungu

A relaxing country house with restaurants, swimming pools, bars, and horse riding. Located along the road to Guano on km 3 1/2.

EI Cisne

Hotel Galpon

Hotel Zeus

Hotel Chimborazo

Segovia

Tren Dorado

Whymper

Restaurants

GUS

El Charero

Bonny Restaurant

Lentejitas "El Sabor"

El Meson

El Penjamo

El Fogon

Tambo de Oro

Monacco

Chifa Macau

Shopping

El Buho: Regional crafts.

Cacha: Wool sweaters, bags and other handicrafts.

Alta Montana: Wood carvings and tagua amongst others.

Bars Music

Gens-Chop Bar: Varied music and videos.

Grin Livs: Disco-bar.

Milenium: International music.

Unicornio: Salsa and Piano-bar.

Vieja Guardia: Disco-bar.

El Tentadero.

Romeo.

Viejoteka

Festivals

The main celebration in Riobamba is Fiesta del Nino Rey de Reyes, which starts in December and ends on January 6. It has many colorful parades and music during the festivities. Another celebration is Riobamba's Independence Day on 21st of April. During those days people enjoy many concerts, drinking and lively parades. As most of the population does not work during these festivals, it is very difficult to find accommodation or any other service. The last festivity in Riobamba is its Foundation, which takes place at the 11th of November.

Tourism

Places to visit

Museums

Ateno de Chimborazo

It is a privately run museum with sculptures, furniture, photographic materials, and documented memorabilia, located on Velasco 24-25 and Veloz.

Armas

It proudly exhibits a wide selection of uniforms, arms as well as religious materials which depict various epochs of Ecuador's history, located on Ave. Heroes de Tapi.

Arte Relegioso de la Concepcion

It is a prestigious museum boasting the a priceless gem-encrusted gold monstrance. The art encased in this religious collection is comes from the 18th century. entry.

Ciecias Naturales del Colegio Maldonado

Casa de Bolivar

Cordova-Roman

Antropologico del Banco Central

Etnografico de la Casa de la Cultura

Churches

Catedral

Basilica del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus

Concepcion

La Merced

San Antonio

San Alfonso

Casa Madre

Capilla del Colegio San Felipe Neri

Parks

Parque de Guayaquil a.k.a. Parque Infantil

Parque Barriga

Parque Loma de Quito a.k.a. Parque de los Enamorados

Parque Maldonado

Parque Sucre

Parque 21 de Abril

Parque La Libertad

Parque Ecologico

Sports

Climbing and trekking

Riobamba is a good base to climb Carihuairazo, Chimborazo, Sangay and Altar.

Ball games

There is a ball game in Riobamba called "the mamona", which is played with a leather ball. It is usually played by the locals all afternoons at the Plaza Roja.

Mountain biking

Swimming

This sport can be practiced in CENAEST, where temperate swimming pools and Spa attract many tourists.

Cockfights

Cockfights are usually seen during Riobamba's festivities and on weekends at the Gallera San Francisco.

Agencies

Metropolitan Touring

Julio Verne

Alta Montana

Transport

Bus

In the main bus terminal as well as in the Oriente bus Terminal tickets are available to: Quito, Ambato, Banos, Puyo, Guayaquil, Guaranda, Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Machala, and Cuenca.

External links

Riobamba City Guide

Riobamba Travel Guide

Interactive Chimborazo Map

University of San Francisco de Quito - Riobamba