Ecuador travel: What to do in Riobamba

Posted: Feb 03, 2011 |Comments: 0 |

Located in the heart of Ecuador, known as the "Corazon de la Patria" (Heart of the Nation), Riobamba is a quaint town, which despite its ageing buildings, retains a quiet charm. Its beautiful setting, amidst the wide Tapi Valley, and the nearby majestic Mount Chimborazo, make it a great destination if you are looking for exceptional scenery and some excellent treks and hikes. Considered by many to be the highest mountain on earth, which it is if you measure it from its base rather than its height above sea level, Mount Chimborazo has earned its nickname as "Sultana de los Andes" (Sultan of the Andes).

Riobamba itself has quite a few interesting attractions to offer the travelers, including lovely churches and impressive public buildings, as well as breathtaking views of the some of the most magnificent peaks in Ecuador: Chimborazo, Altar, Tungurahua, Carihuairazo, and Sangay. As the most important city in the region, Riobamba acts as a commercial hub for the province, and is also a dynamic center for highland culture, resulting from the proximity of many indigenous communities as well as the city's self-proclaimed European aristocracy.

There are several attractive parks, churches, and parks in town that can be admired on a stroll through the city. Among the most notable are Parque Maldonado, home to the beautiful colonial Santa Barbara Cathedral as well as the city's Municipality and several other colonial buildings with arcades. Two blocks away, Parque Sucre boasts a lovely Neptune fountain. Don't miss the extremely well-appointed Monasterio de las Conceptas, one of the best museums for 18th century religious art outside of Quito.

One of the main attractions of Riobamba however, is riding the train over the Nariz del Diablo (the Devil's Nose), an almost perpendicular wall of rock. The train takes travelers on a four to five hour ride through spectacular scenery, winding through the mountains and offering exciting descents, twists and turns. Travelers seeking thrills can ride on the train's roof, but hang on tight as it accidents are not uncommon.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/ecuador-travel-what-to-do-in-riobamba-4163077.html

    Article Tags:

    ecuador travel

    ,

    riobamba travel

    ,

    riobamba vacations

    ,

    riobamba tours

    ,

    ecuador vacations

    ,

    ecuador packages

    ,

    ecuador tours

    ,

    ecuador travel packages

    Experience the array of activities Ecuador's most exciting and beautiful volcanoes have to offer during an Ecuador vacation with the travel experts at Peru For Less. Ecuador has plenty of geothermal unrest that makes visiting the country an explosive and exciting adventure.

    By: Henry Arnaultl Travel> Exotic Locationsl Mar 29, 2011

    Article explores about various tourist locations and hotels near by tourist spots. Article also suggest you locations which must visit during your visit to Mahabaleshwar. Article also gives you a information about various hotels including 2 star hotels, 3 star hotels, 4 star hotels,various budget hotels in Mahabaleshwar .

    By: nirmayeel Travel> Destinationsl Jun 02, 2012

    Article explores the various Locations in Mahabaleshwar and also various hotels in Mahabaleshwar which can provide you very good accommodation facility with affordable price. There are many tourist locations which you can visit when come to Mahabaleshwar.

    By: nirmayeel Travel> Destinationsl Jun 01, 2012

    Portugal, officially known as the Portuguese Republic, is located in the Iberian Peninsula in the southwestern part of Europe. It is bordered by the Atlantic ocean on the south and west sides, making it the westernmost country in Europe. It is bordered by Spain to the east and the north.

    By: Dedi Walkerl Travel> Destinationsl May 31, 2012
    Jenny Edwards

    The city of Lo Pagan on the Mar Menor is renowned for its healing mud baths, for those on their Costa Calida villas for rent and afflicted by rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis, It is an ideal destination. The area is protected, but are free for you to use. The city has the biggest area of mud baths in Europe, which are advocated for every kind of skin conditions.

    By: Jenny Edwardsl Travel> Destinationsl May 30, 2012
    Shubhra Joshi

    Restaurants in Cairo offer great food. You can enjoy variety of Egyptian dishes and specialties of international delicacies.

    By: Shubhra Joshil Travel> Destinationsl May 30, 2012

    Plan a hassle-free vacation to Brazil and make sure you are well prepared. Read these tips to traveling in Brazil by a Brazil For Less travel expert.

    By: Hortense Soulierl Travel> Travel Tipsl Apr 26, 2011

    Learn about Rio de Janeiro's fascinating history with a visit to its most beautiful square, Praça XV de Novembro. Read this guide to the most important buildings to see on your Rio de Janeiro tour by a Brazil For Less travel expert.

    By: Hortense Soulierl Travel> Destinationsl Apr 26, 2011

    Discover the north of Peru and its many historic & archeological jewels with this guide by a Peru For Less travel expert

    By: Hortense Soulierl Travel> Destinationsl Apr 26, 2011

    Travel to Peru and enjoy some excellent beach scenes with this guide to Peru's most attractive beaches by a Peru For Less travel expert.

    By: Hortense Soulierl Travel> Destinationsl Apr 26, 2011

    Discover what exotic animals you are likely to spot while on your exciting Amazon tour in Peru, with this guide by a Peru For Less travel expert.

    By: Hortense Soulierl Travel> Exotic Locationsl Apr 26, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast