Balbanera is the oldest Catholic church in Ecuador, built by the Spaniards in 1534. The Balbanera church is located in Cajabamba town, 11 mi. (18 km.) from Riobamba near the Colta lake. The church is built with stones, its arched entryway features low pillars, cherubs, and rough religious imagery. Also worth noting are what appear to be nautical motifs, such as anchors carved into the rock. Best times to visit La Balbanera are on weekends and holidays when the church doors are more likely to be open.
Balbanera Church - Ecuador's first catholic building, Colta
