Riobamba is a charming Andean city, located in the heart of Ecuador. Riobamba is the capital of the Chimborazo province. Riobamba is known as the "Sultan of the Andes" — "La Sultana de Los Andes" in Spanish. This is because it sits atop a large plain with snow-capped peaks in the background. Thus, the city is close to mount Carihuairazo and the Chimborazo volcano — Ecuador's highest mountain. — Downtown Riobamba has a colonial architecture with a nice maze of churches, government buildings, and cobblestone streets. About the altitude, Riobamba has an elevation of 9,035 ft (2,754 m) above sea level.
Riobamba has one of the largest concentrations of indigenous people in Ecuador. Their economy is base on the trade of cattle and other animals. As well as exporting textiles, handicrafts, leather goods, beer, and dairy products. Examples of traditional food are a roast guinea pig, pork, or chicken; and a variety of soups. In addition to street snacks such as fried potatoes (french fries), hamburgers, empanadas (patties), corn tortilla, sweet quince paste, and more.
The climate is generally cool with some rain throughout the year. Average temperature 50°F to 74°F (10°C to 23°C). The dry season is from June to September. Hottest months are from October to December. It rains mostly from October to April, most rain falls in April. There is no fixed best time to visit Riobamba. As a tourist, you can go at any time of the year. Although, 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. Some popular activities or things to do in Riobamba are hiking, mountain biking, trekking, and climbing.
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
