Highlights from Riobamba
Riobamba is located in central Ecuador at an altitude of 2760 meters, close to several volcanoes, such as the Chimborazo. It is an important commercial centre for the central highlands. The large market held in the city on Saturdays is therefore a meeting place for local people from the surrounding area. Riobamba is also the starting point for the spectacular train journey to El Nariz del Diablo (the Devil's Nose).
Train journey El Nariz del Diablo
The El Nariz del Diablo train journey (between Riobamba and Alausi) was part of the original route from Quito to Guayaguil. The commercial usefulness of this route has disappeared due to the construction of motorways, but fortunately the most spectacular stretch has been preserved. The train runs through the rugged interiors of Ecuador with beautiful vistas and passes through local villages. At the last route of the train, the Devil's Nose (El Nariz del Diablo) descends. The descent is so steep that hairpin bends no longer meet, the train zigzags between switches sequentially front and backward down!
Guamote market
South of Riobamba is Guamote, where an Indian market takes place on Thursday. The whole town turns red on this day by the traditional red ponchos that the local people, who come to Guamote from all over the area, wear. Sheep, pigs, llamas, potatoes, wool, clothing and tools are sold. Or one comes alone to meet. There is still old-fashioned barter taking place here!
Reserva Faunística Chimborazo
The Reserva Faunística Chimborazo is located northwest of Riobamba. The park was established to protect the vicuñas, alpacas and llamas that have been reintroduced here. The eye-catchers are the snowy volcanoes Chimborazo of 6310m (the highest volcano in the Andes) and the Carihuayrazo of 5020m, also called the "snowy Andean giants". Part of the reserve is a large sandy plateau, the Arenal, at 4400m altitude west of the Chimborazo. Although it can be inclement and windy here it is very beautiful with small flowers growing there and the best place to see vicuñas (smallest llama kind).
