What to Do in Riobamba, Ecuador: Travel Guide
Read our personally curated travel guide to Riobamba, a city in Ecuador. Riobamba offers a large number of things to do, indigenous culture, and many options on one-day trips. In this travel guide, we share tips on top attractions, the best things to do in Riobamba, and practical information on where to stay, what to pack, and how to get to Riobamba.
Riobamba in Chimborazo province is an interesting place. When walking around the city center, you would not believe that more than 150 000 people live here. If there is one thing you should know about Ecuador, is that it's full of surprises.
The very heart of Riobamba has a small-town feel, and the feeling is even intensified by a large number of indigenous people strolling around Riobamba dressed in their traditional clothes.
This is what we liked about this South American city the most - the connection with local people, which is slowly disappearing in certain parts of the world.
We could see the traditional way of life and authenticity, which we feel is still harder to find when traveling, and which is actually one of our main motivations to explore the world.
Then we appreciated that the architecture was quite interesting, and we were able to discover and see some of the top attractions in only one day.
Last but not least, the most fascinating thing about Riobamba was that the city is close to Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest peak.
When looking for the best things to do in Riobamba, you can either find them within the city, but some of the best highlights are outside the city limits, a short ride away by car, bus, or train.
Although travelers often bypass Riobamba because there are so many must-visit places in Ecuador, and it is certainly not an easy task to create a perfect Ecuador itinerary and fit there everything, if you have one or two days spare, it is a good idea to give Riobamba a chance.
The city has a great atmosphere, and the Chimborazo volcano is a must-see place.
This destination is awesome for adventure seekers, budget travelers, backpackers, visitors enjoying the slow pace, sightseeing in the city, and even those who are completely satisfied to get only a glimpse of high peaks in the Andes mountain range.
In this travel guide, we would like to inspire you to visit Riobamba, share with you the best things to see and do in the city, and tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to visit.
BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN RIOBAMBA
Riobamba played a significant role in Ecuador's history, and thanks to it, there is no shortage of wonderful buildings, parks, churches.
Simply, Riobamba has a style, but it also has its unique soul.
The top attractions and must-visit places within the city can be seen in only one day, but if you want to get a more intimate experience, get closer to the highest mountain, Chimborazo, or even take an iconic train ride, reserve for your visit two to three days.
And what are the best things to do in Riobamba?
Keep on reading!
SIGHTSEEING IN RIOBAMBA
Although Riobamba will probably never make it to guidebooks as Ecuador's most beautiful city, as it will always be overshadowed by the capital city, Quito or UNESCO listed Cuenca, there are still quite many notable sights you should not miss.
Most of the time in the city, you do not need any particular plan, just walk around the center with your eyes wide open, and your legs will eventually take you to the most exceptional places.
Riobamba has several parks in the heart of the city only a couple of blocks from each other, but to see the best, head to Park Maldonado.
It is a good place to start because you will find here the city's finest buildings.
There is a chance that your eyes will be caught by Catedral de San Pedro, which is the most notable cathedral in the city.
We found the architectural style a bit similar to other religious buildings in the country, but it does not change the fact that the cathedral, which survived a destructive earthquake in 1797, is beautiful.
The earthquake also destroyed some parts of the building, but the cathedral was repaired as locals used rocks from other destroyed buildings.
Among other notable buildings on the square belong Municipio, which played a major role in Ecuador's history. Here was signed the country's first constitution in 1830.
Then you should notice Museum de la Ciudad.
Nearby is Parque Sucre, where you will find Iglesia Concepcion and on the corner also Teatro Leon.
Parque La Libertad is home to Basilica del Sagrado Corado de Jesus. It is possible to walk inside the churches and admire the interior as well.
When walking the other direction from the center, you will get to Train Station, and inside the building, you will find a small museum with a free entrance.
Although the departure point of a train going to Devil's Nose was moved to Alausi station, it is still a building significant for Riobamba as other trains leave the station, and the station is also significant for Riobamba’s history.
You will also find many good restaurants, fast foods, and stalls with traditional sweets on the way between the city center and the station.
Riobamba has a large selection of markets, and on market days (which is usually on Wednesday and Saturday), it seems that one market blends into another.
One of the best markets for handicrafts and clothes is near Plaza Roja, but if you are looking for cheap grocery shopping (mostly fruits and vegetables) or something to eat, head to Mercado Central (it is usually quiet on Sunday).
We will not name here every single pretty building in Riobamba, simply walk around, and you will stumble upon another church or another small plaza or fountain, which is well worth it.
One of our favorite things to do in Riobamba was street photography. As this province is home to a large community of indigenous people, their colorful dress and tall hats are absolutely photogenic.
Always ask for permission and be polite during the interaction. In the cities, we usually use a compact travel camera.
We are never tired of perfect views of cone-shaped volcanoes, so when the day is coming to an end, it is time to watch the sunset.
Same as in Latacunga - which is the base for the most popular multi-day trek in the country, Quilotoa Loop - many hotels in Riobamba have a rooftop terrace, from where you can watch the last sun rays touching the surrounding peaks.
Alternatively, walk to Parque 21 de Abril, which is near to the train station.
CHIMBORAZO NATIONAL PARK
We always prefer nature over cities, so no wonder that our main motivation to visit Riobamba was getting closer to Ecuador's highest mountain, Chimborazo (although later we found out that Riobamba is a pleasant stop on its own).
Chimborazo is over 6200 meters high, and even if you plan on making a one-day trip to the reserve, you should be acclimatized or at least know how your body usually reacts to the heights.
You can do several activities in the park so that you can choose the right one for you, depending on your interests and level of fitness. The park is approximately one hour drive from the city, so first, you have to solve the problem of how to get there.
In case you take a tour, the problem is solved as transport is included, but if you want to be completely independent, getting closer to the hiking trails is a bit more challenging, but for sure not impossible.
The easiest way is to arrange a shuttle in one of the Riobamba's travel agencies or take a public bus that goes to Guaranda. You will have to get off at the park's entrance, and from here, either walk 8 kilometers uphill, take a taxi or hitchhike.
Although this option is possible, it can be tricky to get back, especially when the weather is bad.
Therefore, we recommend you to book a tour or private transport.
Most experienced travelers, or rather we should say climbers, can attempt to get to the top of the Chimborazo volcano, but a guide and experiences are necessary to enhance your chances.
Another option on what to do in the park is to take a short hike from Refugio Carrel at 4850 meters to Laguna Condor Cocha at 5100 meters. The hike is not challenging except for the wind and the altitude.
We opted for a biking tour, which included transport to the park, an independent hike to the lake, and then an almost 40 kilometers long downhill ride from Chimborazo's slopes.
You can read more about our Chimborazo biking experience here, but we must say in advance that it was one of the best experiences we've had in Ecuador.
And here is our final travel tip. A good alternative for those who don't have time to travel to Riobamba is to visit Chimborazo on a day tour from Banos.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
TRAIN RIDE
The landscape around Riobamba is incredibly scenic. One of the most popular ways to see the beauty in a short period, almost effortlessly, is by taking a train tour.
There are several train paths around Riobamba.
One of the most popular ones is a train to Devil's Nose alias Nariz del Diablo, which zigzags through impressive scenery, and the views, in combination with steep slopes, will leave you speechless.
This train does not leave from Riobamba but from a nearby village Alausi (where you can also start Ecuador's Inca Trail to Ingapirca).
However, another train, which goes only on weekends, Tren de Hielo, leaves from the city's train station.
Train tours are usually also combined with learning more about the region's culture, and you will have a chance to see some products made in Chimborazo province.
WHERE TO STAY IN RIOBAMBA
Riobamba is on the way between Banos and Cuenca, and thanks for being a base for visiting Chimborazo and offering a large number of things to see and do, it is worth it to spend here at least one night, if not more.
You can find quite many accommodation options in Riobamba for every budget, even in the city center, so it does not make sense to stay anywhere far.
We've handpicked the three best hotels for every type of traveler.
Budget | Hotel Estación - This traditional family-run hotel features clean rooms and an excellent location. There is also a great view from the terrace, reliable WiFi, and a good breakfast. A great choice for all budget travelers.
Mid-range | Casa 1881 - If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful stay in a historic building from the late 19th century in the city center, this might be just the perfect choice for you.
Mid-range | Hotel Santa Isabella - We stayed in this beautifully renovated hotel built in colonial style and had a great time. The room was bright and clean, and we loved the indigenous soaps and shampoos from Amazon.
WHEN TO VISIT RIOBAMBA
Riobamba is an all-year-round destination, but in general, you can expect the best conditions - blue skies and dry weather between June and September.
This season also coincides with school holidays in Europe or the USA, so you can also meet more travelers in the area.
Temperatures do not vary that much; usually, there are pleasant temperatures during the day, and it gets chilly at night.
Remember that Riobamba sits 2700 meters above sea level, so it is not very hot here, and also surrounding mountains can always bring clouds (or hold them) and rain any time of the year.
It does not matter if you plan on hiking or biking near Chimborazo or you prefer taking a train ride or wander around Riobamba; here are several essential things to pack:
Daypack | Hiking Boots | Rain Jacket | Fleece Jacket | Sunscreen | Water Bottle
HOW TO GET TO RIOBAMBA
Although Riobamba is often bypassed by travelers heading to other top-rated places such as Banos de Agua Santa, Cuenca, or Guayaquil, which is the departure point for visiting the Galapagos Islands, the good news for visitors intending to spend some time in Riobamba is that most of the buses traversing Ecuador stop here, and either pick up or drop off passengers.
That's why you should not have a problem getting by bus to all destinations mentioned above, but also to the capital city, Quito, from Riobamba.
Roads in Ecuador, at least on the main highways connecting touristy destinations, are very good. Most of them are new, and we found traveling by bus completely fine, even above our expectations.
The only downside of traveling by bus is the danger of pickpockets and bag snatching - always keep your valuables on your lap, never leave them on overhead shelves or the ground.
Although renting a car is not that common in Ecuador, what we could see, the infrastructure is really great, and you can consider this way of getting around when short on time, or simply when you prefer a higher level of comfort and freedom.
Last but not least option on how to get either from or to Riobamba is by train. There are no regular passenger trains, but touristic services.
Some travelers might find it interesting that the railroad traverses Ecuador from north to south, and there are many options in the country to get from one point to another by train.
The most popular one-day train trip leads around Devil's Nose, but it does not have to be visited only on a one-day tour from Riobamba, but you can also combine it, and use it as a transport option, as you can be dropped off in Cuenca as well.
If you are a fan of trains, one of Ecuador's best-rated activities is a multi-day train from Quito to Guayaquil tour.
SAFETY IN RIOBAMBA
Riobamba is one of the safest cities in Ecuador, and we never felt threatened when walking in the city center.
Riobamba was also one of the few places where we walked outside even after dark. Although we could see several people without shelter close to the train station or close fast foods, no one ever approached us, and we also minded our business.
The streets were not somehow crowded, and the place with the highest concentration of people we visited in this destination was the central market.
Always watch your belongings, pickpockets can happen same as anywhere else in the world.
In general, you should not experience any troubles in Riobamba, but always keep in mind you will always stand out even if you try to keep a low profile.
You can also read our blog post: Is It Safe to Travel to South America?
HOW TO GET AROUND RIOBAMBA
It is possible to get around Riobamba by public transport, but as the city center is compact, we think it is much easier to simply walk than trying to figure out how the system works.
Taxis are plentiful, so it is easy to flag down a taxi to get from a restaurant to your hotel after dark. Only remember to negotiate the price before getting in.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
