El Altar volcano – Crater lake
El Altar volcano

El Altar is an extinct volcano on Sangay National Park. 170 km south of Quito, near Riobamba. It has nine peaks surrounding a beautiful glacial crater lake. Surrounding the crater, there are green valleys full of waterfalls and multi-coloured glacial lagoons.

Chimborazo volcano
Chimborazo Volcano

Chimborazo volcano is the highest peak of Ecuador. It is 20,564 feet (6,268 meters) height. The mountain is capped with eternal snow. Chimborazo volcano is the farthest point from the center of the earth.

Atillo Lagoons
Atillo Lakes

Atillo Lagoons are part of the Sangay National Park and the Ozogoche lake complex. “Lagunas de Atillo” in Spanish.  It includes several lagoons such as Negra, Cuyug, and Atillo. Located south of the Chimborazo province. About 40 mi. (79 km.) from Riobamba, on the road Riobamba–Macas. The nearest town is Guamote, about 30 mi. (48 km.) Southeast. ... Read more

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Chimborazo province

Chimborazo is a province located in the central Andes of Ecuador. Riobamba is its capital. Its main attractions are the Chimborazo National reserve, the Sangay National Park. As well as the famous Devil's Nose train ride. It also homes several volcanoes such as the Chimborazo volcano — the highest mountain in Ecuador, the Carihuairazo mountain, and El Altar — an inactive volcano with a crater lake known as the "yellow lagoon". All of them part of the "Avenue of the Volcanoes".  The main destinations are Alausí, Guano, and, of course, Riobamba.

An important economic activity is manufacturing with wool, leather, and textiles. As well as handicrafts in leather and carpet weaving. Besides, some indigenous communities grow potatoes, barley, corn, beans, wheat, and some fruits.

The climate varies depending on the height of the place you are visiting. In general, it is cool with some rain throughout the year. Average temperature goes from 50°F to 74°F (10°C to 23°C). This province has only two seasons rainy and dry.  The dry season is from June to September. Hottest months are from October to December. While the rainy season goes from January to May. Chimborazo receives visitors all year around. But, the best times of year to visit for warm-weather activities are from mid-April to mid-June and from late August to mid-January.

Chimborazo local holidays are Independence of Riobamba on April 21 and Foundation of Riobamba on November 11.

Click here to see tourist attractions map of (Riobamba) Chimborazo, Ecuador

Facts & Information

Language: Spanish
Currency: US Dollar

Location: South America
Country: Ecuador
Region: Andes
Capital: Riobamba

Dial code: +593 3
Time zone: UTC-5
Postal code: 060150
Elevation: 9,035 ft (2,754 m)

Temperature: 50°-74°F (10°-23°C)
Weather / Climate

Best places to visit
Tourist destinations / Cities & towns to go

Achupallas is part of the Alausí canton, in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador. Achupallas is a peaceful city famous for the Inca trail. The trail crosses the Tres Cruces sector, ...
Alausí is a charming town located in the Chimborazo province, Ecuador. Tourists flock to so that they can ride the Devil's Nose train, about 2 hours down from Riobamba. The ...
Bucay is a small town located in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador. This is around a 90-minute drive east of Guayaquil. Bucay is a place full of nature. It has ...
Guano is a nice town surrounded by picturesque landscapes. It is famous for its handmade leather products. Located in the Chimborazo province, 20 minutes from Riobamba. Main attractions are the ...
Penipe is a town located on the slopes of El Altar volcano. This is 92 mi. (149 km.) South of Quito, near Riobamba — in the Chimborazo province, Ecuador. There are ...
Riobamba is a charming Andean city, located in the heart of the Ecuador. It is known as "La Sultana de los Andes", because it sits atop a large plain with snow-capped peaks ...

Sightseeing / Day trips
Popular things to do

Bird-watching, National Parks & Ecological Reserves
Chimborazo Fauna Reserve is located in the provinces of Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Bolivar in the Ecuadorian Andes. The reserve is a protected area that guards a wide variety of vegetation

Volcanoes & Mountains
Mount Carihuairazo is a volcanic caldera, in a beautiful snow-topped mountain. Located inside the Chimborazo Fauna Reserve. Close to the Chimborazo volcano — Ecuador’s highest mountain. The nearest city is
Rivers, Lakes & Lagoons, Volcanoes & Mountains
El Altar is an extinct volcano on Sangay National Park. 170 km south of Quito, near Riobamba. It has nine peaks surrounding a beautiful glacial crater lake. Surrounding the crater,
Volcanoes & Mountains
Chimborazo volcano is the highest peak of Ecuador. It is 20,564 feet (6,268 meters) height. The mountain is capped with eternal snow. Chimborazo volcano is the farthest point from the center
Volcanoes & Mountains
Chimborazo volcano is the closest one to Riobamba. West of Riobamba is El Altar, an inactive volcano, and Tungurahua volcano. Going south there is the Sangay volcano, the least accessible

Rivers, Lakes & Lagoons
Laguna Amarilla is a crater-lagoon at the base of El Altar volcano, in Ecuador. El Altar has an elevation of 17,451 ft. (5,319 m.) and it is part of the
Rivers, Lakes & Lagoons
Atillo Lagoons are part of the Sangay National Park and the Ozogoche lake complex. “Lagunas de Atillo” in Spanish.  It includes several lagoons such as Negra, Cuyug, and Atillo. Located south of
Rivers, Lakes & Lagoons
Lakes of Ozogoche — “Lagunas de Ozogoche” in Spanish — are located in the Chimborazo province of Ecuador. The Ozogoche Lakes consists of 45 separate lakes and lagoons located inside the
Rivers, Lakes & Lagoons, Volcanoes & Mountains
El Altar is an extinct volcano on Sangay National Park. 170 km south of Quito, near Riobamba. It has nine peaks surrounding a beautiful glacial crater lake. Surrounding the crater,
Rivers, Lakes & Lagoons
Colta Lagoon is a large water body of elongated shape, surrounded by lush vegetation, native bird species, colorful boats, a a playground. It is home to a wide variety of
Parks, Rivers, Lakes & Lagoons
Guayaquil Park, “Parque Guayaquil” in Spanish, is one of the parks of Riobamba, Ecuador. This interesting park has educational aspects, visitors enjoy walking around learning about local flora and fauna.

Waterfalls & Hot springs
Bucay is a small town located in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador. This is around a 90-minute drive east of Guayaquil. Bucay is a place full of nature. It has

Beaches & Surfing
Riobamba is located in the heart of Ecuador. Closest beaches to Riobamba are located on the Pacific Coast. The nearest beach is known as “Playas”, its full name is General

Bird-watching
Achupallas is part of the Alausí canton, in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador. Achupallas is a peaceful city famous for the Inca trail. The trail crosses the Tres Cruces sector,
Bird-watching, National Parks & Ecological Reserves
Chimborazo Fauna Reserve is located in the provinces of Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Bolivar in the Ecuadorian Andes. The reserve is a protected area that guards a wide variety of vegetation

Jungle Towns & Rainforest
Jungle towns and rainforests are found in the Amazon Basil. Nearest jungle town to Riobamba is Puyo, located in the Pastaza province, in the north-east of Ecuador. From there, you can

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