Ecuador travel
Tourist attractions in Ecuador
Explore the tourist attractions of Ecuador.
Alfaro Craft Square
It is located in the Riobamba Train Station, this emblematic site has become a space for entrepreneurship. What should you know? The Riobamba train station has a square called "Plaza Artesanal Alfaro". This site has gradually become a place where entrepreneurs show their products, all of quality, all with a great soul. There are 16 booths; in which products are offered with a variety of raw materials that can be found in the area, such as: natural fibers, vegetable fibers, wood, ceramics, jewelry, leather, etc., the artisans make a wide variety of handicrafts that are offered to visitors, so that they can take a souvenir of their visit to Riobamba la Sultana de los Andes. In this station you can feel the history, the footsteps, the sound of the distant train that arrived with signs of progress. History is intact since these epics of progress are what have marked this land and its children as fighters, avant-garde, scattered throughout the world, making this beautiful land proud at every step. Located on Carabobo and Daniel León Borja streets, it is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Train station and Plaza Alfaro With the arrival of the railway and due to the importance of its geographical position within the national sphere, Riobamba became the strategic point between Quito and Guayaquil; It was also the place of rest for passengers, tourists and merchants who traveled between the coast and the mountains, which is how a rapid capitalization of the local economy was generated that encouraged the establishment of factories, large businesses, the beginning of the hotel industry and banking formation. In September 1917, President Baquerizo Moreno faced the execution of the work rectifying the railway line through Riobamba, obtaining the construction of the new Railway Station based on the plans of the Russo brothers; the building was inaugurated on January 1, 1925, from that date it became an important space for the city, in the eighties and nineties, the space was fenced with a metal mesh and a door for the entrance and exit of the train; its regeneration began in January 2012 by Ferrocarriles del Ecuador, on Wednesday, October 03 of the same year, the recovery work of the Station building was inaugurated. The place showed a new image and took the name "Plaza Alfaro" in honor of the Old Fighter whose bust can be seen on one side of the Station; It has a cobblestone floor, benches made with the old sleepers of the railway line that passes through there; The square is currently consolidated as a meeting space where different fairs, artistic and socio-cultural events are held; located in the traditional neighborhood of Riobamba La Estación. (Hernandez 2017) Train cafe The Café del Tren is a meeting place for tourists and visitors who arrive at the Station, where they can taste food that rescues the Riobambeño gastronomic tradition, operated by local entrepreneurs, who offer dishes typical of the Ecuadorian highlands. Train museum The museum presents an exhibition of old pieces that were part of the process of developing the train in Riobamba; In addition, through a model, it explains the difficulty that this transport had to unite the mountains with the coast, allowing the tourist to know and value the railway heritage of Ecuador.
167.12 Km.
Lime house
Looking at the architecture of this traditional beauty one can find certain traces of an ancient time, as if the memory conjures up a castle. This traditional house is an emblem of beauty and heritage value that belonged to Evangelista Calero, a representative Bolivarian shoemaker who settled in Riobamba, married to Delia Briones from Guayaquil, with whom he had three children: Juan, Angélica and Carmela. Due to the economic boom of the city in the 20th century due to the arrival of the train, Calero decided to move his industry to Riobamba on October 28, 1924, where he inaugurated the production plant, mechanical workshops and offices of the shoe company. , becoming its main headquarters. Casa Calero was the house built near the shoe factory to the north of the city, it also had a shoe store on Primera Constituent streets between Larrea and Colón, it should be noted that the buildings exist today. In Guayaquil Calero had his shoe company where he learned the trade in his youth, the good quality manufactured shoes became: "the best footwear in the country"; Calero was a councilor of that city in 1936, where he was also decorated for his work with a gold medal by the Ministry of Economy. SCHEDULE From Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00. Casa Calero currently serves as IESS offices, so your visit must be planned in advance. ATTRACTIONS The architecture of the house with the air of a castle that stands out among the surrounding buildings.
167.13 Km.
Laura's Clock
It is a clock brought from Germany and placed in what is now the building of the Federation of Neighborhoods of Riobamba. What should you know? The building has balconies and balusters supported on strong corbels. An important detail that characterizes this building is the top of the tower that was built in 1920 where a clock imported from Germany and installed the same year stands out. It was owned by Mr. Rodolfo Lara, a successful merchant. From 1930 this building functioned as a public clock. The house was restored in 1998 and is currently the headquarters of the "Federation of Neighborhoods of Riobamba FEDEBAR, created in 1952" The building is open from 09:00 to 12:30 in the morning and from 14:30 to 18:00 in the afternoon. FEDEBAR is an Institution that helps with the legalization procedures of the neighborhoods, in addition, the partner neighborhoods can manage, through the Federation, the implementation of infrastructure, working together with the Autonomous Decentralized Municipal Government of the Riobamba canton.
167.18 Km.
Ricpamba Park
A theme park, recreational with a forest nursery. Where you can take guided tours and enjoy a wonderful tour. What should you know? The Ricpamba environmental theme park is a recreational center, which occupies the facilities of the former forest nursery of the Riobamba Municipal Autonomous Decentralized Government. It is an alternative for family gatherings, a park that invites enjoyment, education and relaxation, it also promotes care and love for nature since it has rest spaces, trails, an artificial lagoon, barbecues, nurseries, an environmental ecological farm, a projection room, interpretation spaces, flora, fauna and the river that runs around it that make it perfect for recreational activities in balance with the natural environment. Unlike other parks, this one does not have soccer, basketball or volleyball courts because it is intended for the conservation of nature by creating ecological awareness in the people who visit it, Ricpamba Riobamba has an area of approximately nine hectares, it was inaugurated on the 9th of November 2014. In this place, in addition, visitors can learn, recreate and learn more about the importance of caring for nature. In addition, prior authorization from the Department of Environment, Health and Hygiene, families can have picnics and barbecues. Interactive tour to learn how to take care of nature The tour is interactive and is guided by technicians from the Cabildo Riobambeño to cement this message. In this need, and as part of a process that seeks to generate a culture of environmental awareness, the Municipality of Riobamba, in cooperation with the Madrid City Council, created the theme park called 'Ricpamba', inside which environmental walks can be carried out, in which citizens can have a clear experience of what it means to care for nature and protect local natural resources, such as the Chibunga River. The tour is completed when, once the importance of caring for nature and the need for afforestation and reforestation is known, each of the children can plant a small plant, as a mark of their commitment to caring for the environment. Schedules It is open from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:30 and Saturday and Sunday from 08:30 to 18:00.
167.19 Km.
Riobamba Red Square
The Red Square of Riobamba, or Plaza de la Concepción, is the best place to acquire and admire the most varied crafts and clothing of the Andean peoples. Its colors and textures will fascinate your senses. What should you know? The Red Square has the name, Plaza de la Concepción, because it is located in front of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Its original name was José Antonio Lizarzaburu (1916) and later Juan Bernado de León (1921), an official name that persists to the present day. It dates from the first months of the resettlement of Riobamba in 1799, after the great earthquake that destroyed colonial Riobamba in 1797. Monastery, church and square, form a complex of great importance due to its historical, architectural, social, cultural and, above all, religious background; Thus, this site is considered the spiritual heart of Riobamba. In front of its north corner, is the Oratory of the Lord of Justice, one of the patron saints of the city. On Holy Tuesday, Riobambeños gather at this site to start the procession in honor of the Lord of Good Success. The Red Square of Riobamba has free WiFi enabled for citizens. La Concepción Artisan Square The Red Square is also known as: "Plaza Artesanal la Concepción", where the Saraguro from Loja, the Salasaca from Tungurahua, the Otavalo from Imbabura, and the Puruhaes from Chimborazo, all these indigenous peoples and nationalities come together in the same place with the objective of trading their handicrafts. The products are, in essence, handicrafts and traditional clothing of the Andean peoples: ponchos, girdles, bags, hats, cabuya products and various handicrafts that are part of the manifestations of the Riobambeño identity and the indigenous cultures of the mountains. . Also in it we find the office of the "cobblers" who with their sewing machines fix the clothes of the Riobambeños. This scenario called: 'Red Square' of Riobamba, is a place that seeks to become a showcase for all the Quichua peoples of Ecuador. During Wednesdays and Saturdays, this place becomes your business center. You can see dozens of merchants from indigenous peoples who come to the "Red Square", known for the color of its floor.
167.22 Km.
Sector San Alfonso
This sector is characterized because it has a beautiful temple accompanied by a characteristic market in the city of Riobambeña. What should you know? In 1872 the construction of the temple of San Alfonso began with the contribution of the Riobambeños in economic resources and carrying all kinds of materials. The San Alfonso market is one of the first places contemplated in the resettlement plans for the new Riobamba. Temple of San Alfonso The church shows the neogothic and romanesque style of the time; It has walls, interior arches, rosettes and an iron roof; Two tall, conical, wooden towers can be seen on the main façade. Inside, a beautiful altar covered with gold leaf stands out; paintings and images of great artistic value, the image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the statue of San Alfonso de Ligorio. San Alfonso Market Place destined for the meeting of people, the practice of sports, the sale of food, the trade of agricultural products and also the sale of objects of clay and wood, for which there are several carpentry shops, which leave their characteristic aroma in the environment. To this day, this tradition is maintained in the city market.
167.22 Km.
San Alfonso Church
The temple of San Alfonso stands out for its architecture with neo-Gothic and Roman influences, in its towers you can see the images of the Virgen del Perpetuo Socorro and the monument to San Alfonso. San Alfonso Church Architecture The facade of the temple is of Renaissance style in which two towers, a rose window, the image of the Virgin of Perpetual Help and the statue of San Alfonso Ligorio can be distinguished; inside it has three naves supported by eighteen central pillars located in a rectangular shape. The Missionary Fathers of the Most Holy Redeemer settle in Riobamba on July 15, 1870, in the convent and church of San Agustín. On May 4, 1871, the church collapsed and a small chapel was built for worship. In 1872 the construction of the Temple of San Alfonso began with the contribution of the Riobambeños in economic resources and carrying all kinds of materials. The work took eight years under the leadership of the priests Pedro Didier, Pedro López and Antonio Yenger. The architects were the Redemptorist brothers Vicente Lindner and Teófilo Richert. In 1880 the work finished. The opening festivities were solemn. The official consecration took place on April 17, 1881 and was presided over by the Apostolic Delegate Dr. Mario Mocenni. In 1905 the Redemptorists are violently expelled from the country; Through management of a commission of Riobambeñas ladies, the gradual return of all of them is achieved so that they continue with their pastoral and missionary mission. The church shows the neogothic and romanesque style of the time; It has walls, interior arches, rosettes and an iron roof; Two tall, conical, wooden towers can be seen on the main façade. Inside, a beautiful altar covered with gold leaf stands out; paintings and images of great artistic value, the image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the statue of San Alfonso de Ligorio. San Alfonso Church Schedule of the Eucharist From Monday to Saturday at 07h00. Sunday: 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Attractions San Alfonso Church Main altar of gold leaf and sculptures of religious art.
167.22 Km.
San Alfonso Market
It is one of the traditional markets of the beautiful city of Riobamba. Its natural products fill the place with color and aroma, attracting families from Rio de Janeiro and visitors. What should you know? The Simón Bolívar market in Riobamba is traditionally known as the San Alfonso market. The San Alfonso market is one of the most popular markets for citizens. The fairs are held on days: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. This market offers products such as: vegetables, fruits, legumes, potatoes, thirds and various food stalls. This market is enchanting as it exhibits indigenous and mestizo faces, who come together to trade fresh fruits and vegetables. Black pudding from the San Alfonso Market Blood sausage is one of the oldest sausages in the American Andes and you can find it in the San Alfonso Market. In Riobamba, blood sausage has a peculiarity that distinguishes it: its filling has a slightly sweet flavor, due to the incorporation of scraped panela in its refried food. This sweet touch undoubtedly highlights the flavor of its filling that contains cabbage, raisins, cooked rice, pork rinds, mint, organ meats, salt and lard. The broth of 31 from the San Alfonso Market It is a generous broth that contains a wide collection of pork viscera: hearts, lungs, livers, guts, are some of the viscera that stand out. Very well seasoned with garlic, cumin, achiote and onion. Currently this dish can be found in the Mercado de San Alfonso. Medicinal plants of the San Alfonso Market In the "Medicinal Plants" section, 6 stalls offer all kinds of herbs to relieve any pain in the body and different diseases. The "leg of cow" is ideal to combat inflammation of the kidneys, cholesterol, fatty liver among others. Moringa is very effective for gastritis, stress and cancer. The "zorilla" for the inflamed colon and prostate. The "human meat" to heal wounds, diabetes and thyroid. The "ginger" for cough, flu, lung problems and throat inflammation. Business hours: Sunday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
167.23 Km.
Leon Theater
Get to know the details of the reopening of the León Theater, one of the most beautiful in Ecuador that encloses a cultural space that evidences a time that still causes nostalgia in some Riobambeños. What should you know? Carlos Arturo León was the builder of this old theater, a project that he began on June 27, 1918. Thanks to the participation of the brothers Natale and Luca Tormen, the completion of the work was achieved. The influence of these Italian builders is present in the neoclassical style of the dome, the windows and the large doors. On April 27, 1929, the solemn inauguration of the León Theater took place. At the time it was one of the great and best theaters in Ecuador, for a long time it hosted the presentation of masterful works, artistic, social and cultural activities. The León Theater is in the process of being restored, the recovered building will be a cultural space where people can enjoy social and cultural events. Its reopening is scheduled for the first half of 2021. The León Theater, projecting the history of Riobamba In 1929 the doors of this iconic theater in the center of the country were opened which, from its high dome, has witnessed the development of the Sultana de los Andes. Or maybe it's the opposite, it was Riobamba that was reflected in this mirror. Almost a century of history that can be summed up in 5 acts. The splendor of the theater In the cold mornings of Riobamba, every day you could see the passage of a man, who with great skill carried huge signs and installed them at strategic points in Riobamba. It was the decade of the 1930s, when the people of Riobamb gathered around these signs to find out about the presentations and concerts of the queen of tango, Libertad Lamarque; by the trio Los Panchos, by Daniel Santos, Ernesto Albán, Carlota Jaramillo and of course, by the Duo Benítez and Valencia. In morning and evening performances, the people of Riobambo occupied the stalls and side stands of the theater that, at that time, presented the best shows in Ecuador, in a property of extreme good taste, which filled the residents of the center of the country with pride. The golden age of Mexican cinema Dolores del Río and María Félix, arrived hand in hand with Jorge Negrete and Pedro Infante to the life of the people of Rio de Janeiro. It was the decades of the 50s and 60s; when our young grandparents played hide and seek with their hands, while on the screen, Cantinflas said "at the orders of the boss." There are inexhaustible anecdotes of Riobambeños who lined up to see the latest movies, children who saved money by selling newspapers to secure a seat in the stalls, young people who skipped class to see Silvia Pinal's passionate kisses. The arrival of the blokbuster The days of cotton candy and canguil succumbed when in the 90s, the cinema moved to the rooms of the houses of Riobambeños. Along with the arrival of video rental stores, the darkest days came to the León Theater, which gradually lost all its splendor. The elegance of Pedro Infante's romantic scenes were replaced by battered shots from adult movies. No one noticed the day the doors of the León Theater closed. The cavalier of the new century The new century did not stop, nor did I return to see what was once one of the most beautiful theaters in Ecuador; everything was destroyed in a slow agony. Perhaps the lions that support the benches in Sucre Park, or one of the newts that surround the Neptune monument, were the only ones who lamented. The new century was relentless to the point that it came to collapse the interiors of the theater. Only the outer walls remained, waiting for a new opportunity, which was slow in coming. There were several attempts and projects that were raised, and several were the disappointments that the lions and cherubim had to endure. The show must go on The Riobambeños who cross Sucre Park every morning cannot hide the curiosity generated by the large canvases that currently hide the León Theater. Curiosity, because it is known that, in 2020, the function must continue. Thanks to the intervention of the Municipal GAD of Riobamba, the opportunity that the Theater longed for finally arrived. The restoration of the theater began in January 2019, with an investment of 4.6 million dollars, the recovery of this architectural jewel is assured. 65 architects, restorers, civil and electrical engineers and builders work double shifts, fine-tuning the last details so that the doors of the Riobambeños theater will reopen in 2021.
167.26 Km.
Sucre Park in Riobamba
The Sucre park where you can see the wonderful sculpture of the God Neptune. What should you know? It stands on the old Plaza de Santo Domingo because it is located in front of the temple and convent of the same name, where the centennial Maldonado School is currently located. In the Plaza de Santo Domingo, Saturday fairs were held and soccer was played until 1919, the date on which the Municipality decided to build the park named after the Venezuelan who fought for the independence of Riobamba and Ecuador, Marshal Antonio José de Sucre; The first stone was laid on August 10, 1919 and it was inaugurated on November 11, 1924. Parque Sucre has the shape of a nautical rose whose central axis is the pool with the Roman god Neptune and four small tritons, it was placed with the inauguration of the Riobamba drinking water service in 1913. Sucre Park, a bit of history The first name with which this public space was designated was "Plaza de Santo Domingo", given its proximity to the Dominican Convent. On June 28, 1913, the drinking water service was inaugurated, parallel to the fountains and pools of the city, in this square, specifically, the beautiful fountain with the sculpture of the god Neptune. Years later, the definitive name of the park was established in homage to Marshal Antonio José de Sucre, architect of the Battle of Riobamba. Since 1919, a variety of works have been carried out, this space being inaugurated on November 11, 1924. Parque Sucre, heritage and historical space of the city, located in the historic center of Riobamba, since its construction, has occupied a central place in the public sphere of Riobambeños. Its modification gives rise to conflicting points of view, pointing, above all, to the presence of characteristic identity and heritage elements in the space. The discourses that have emerged serve to analyze the way in which the physical space is related to the urban imaginary and the communication media that emerge from this relationship.
167.31 Km.
Santa Barbara Chapel Riobamba
It keeps a story of faith that saved the people of Riobamb from the dangerous lightning storms that occurred due to the strong climate of the city. What should you know? It is open for prayer from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the morning and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the afternoon from Tuesday to Sunday. It has a beautiful main altar, interior paintings and heritage sculptures. Santa Barbara Chapel Riobamba The chapel was the place where the baptismal font of the Main Church of Riobamba was located and in it Santa Bárbara is venerated, "lawyer against lightning and earthquakes". It is also known as the "Chapel of the Tabernacle". The story tells that in 1870, a lightning storm fell on Riobamba that put families in danger; its inhabitants fervently prayed to Santa Barbara for the storms to stop and faith did its thing. This, Bishop Dr. José Ordóñez declared the Saint Patron Saint of the Diocese. Since 1885, the Association of "Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament" has been operating in this chapel.
167.32 Km.
Riobamba Cathedral
The Riobamba Cathedral, a symbol of Catholic religiosity and the syncretism of indigenous and Spanish culture. Meet this tourist place that has murals by Oswaldo Viteri and Pérez Esquivel. What should you know? It is open on Thursdays for the Eucharist of the Blessed Sacrament at 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays for masses at 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Outside it exhibits images carved on the stone walls, 3 towers, San Pedro. Inside it exhibits the mosaic of the Mestizo Christ and the Christ of Poncho. It has a stone museum, a library, and the Curia (Headquarters of the Diocese of Riobamba). It was built in the 18th century and its architectural style is baroque. San Pedro Riobamba Cathedral Its facade is built in white calcareous stone with reliefs that reflect the indigenous and Spanish syncretism, it keeps vestiges of the Colonial Riobamba. The mysteries of Christianity are represented on its façade, worked in relief drawings on white calcareous stone. In its stones you can interpret passages from the old and new testament, with aboriginal and Spanish expressions. It is made up of three levels: the plinth, the moldings and the three towers. Of the latter, the one in the center and largest contains the effigy of the city's patron saint: San Pedro. Its current construction is of a single nave, in the background is the mural of the Mestizo Christ by artist Oswaldo Viteri, which was inaugurated on April 22, 1989. On the right side is a mural of the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, painted in 1986. Pérez Esquivel's mural represents the Christ of Poncho, who is on the cross, but not crucified, he is the Christ of hope for the people. History of the Mother Church of Riobamba Main Church whose peak of construction was in 1835 under the direction of the priest José María Freile. In 1874 a contract was signed with Mr. Rafael Carrillo to extend the Cathedral to the back street, now Orozco Street, and to raise the walls above the arches. In 1876 Canon Cepeda built a spacious choir behind the main altar. In 1880, the beautiful main altar was placed, which was brought from Europe.
167.34 Km.
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