Guaranda is a small city, capital of the Bolívar province. It is located in the northeast of the province, about 137 mi. (220 km.) South of Quito and 93 mi. (150 km.) North of Guayaquil. Guaranda sits amid seven steep hills, that's why it is also known as "the Rome of Ecuador" or the "City of the Seven Hills." Guaranda has a colonial charming; houses stand up in colorful rows with interesting balconies and doorways. About the altitude, Guaranda has an elevation of 8,753 feet (2,668 meters) above sea level.
Guaranda has several statues and busts of important people, as well as plazas, and parks. The main festivities are the Independence of Guaranda on November 9 and the Carnival celebrated in February.
