Riobamba & Chimborazo Volcano Climbing

Chimborazo lodge

Overview

Riobamba, the capital city of the Chimborazo province, is a city of many attractions. High in the Central Andes of Ecuador, Riobamba offers colonial architecture, peaceful plazas and parks, interesting museums, and a fantastic Saturday market. Riobamba is the central commercial hub for the surrounding indigenous peoples as well, creating a colorful blend of Riobamba residents. Perhaps most importantly, Riobamba is the primary outpost for excursions up the nearby Chimborazo Volcano. Long believed to be the highest mountain in the world, Chimborazo attracts serious climbers from all over the planet. In addition to Chimborazo, the nearby peaks of Sangay, Carihuairazo, and El Altar also make Riobamba a great base camp. The train ride to Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) is another great trip right out of Riobamba.

Unique for both its attractions within the city limits and its proximity to some of the world’s most striking mountains and volcanoes, Riobamba has something to offer all types of visitors. In Riobamba, travelers find a suitable balance between cultural, metropolitan experiences and raw, natural adventures. Though not the biggest city in Ecuador, Riobamba might be the most diverse in its offerings.

History

Riobamba was originally located some 20 km south of its location today. In 1797, a devastating earthquake shook Riobamba to the ground. Down but not out, the city rebuilt itself further north and continued on as a vital city in Ecuador’s sierra.

Riobamba offers colonial architecture, peaceful plazas and parks, interesting museums, and a fantastic Saturday market...

Riobamba is a very important city to post-colonial Ecuador. Prior to 1830, Ecuador belonged to a conglomerate group of liberated nations, deemed “Gran Colombia” by Simon Bolivar. This collection of liberated nations included Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, and Venezuela. In 1830, when Ecuador decided to leave Simon Bolivar’s “Gran Colombia” and strike out on their own, the first constitution of the new Ecuadorian republic was signed in Riobamba.

With the development of railroad transportation, Riobamba became an important hub in the economy of Ecuador. Connecting the coast to the highlands, Riobamba’s railroad infrastructure helped importation and exportation of goods. The city fueled Ecuador’s economy. Riobamba’s newfound position of commercial hub blended interestingly with the surrounding indigenous communities, who already used the city as a center to buy, sell, and exchange their goods. Though the railroad has become less important with the advancement of modern technology, it is still a celebrated aspect of Riobamba’s past. This is evidenced in the many festivals and the train ride to Nariz del Diablo.

Attractions

Riobamba has an impressive array of cathedrals, parks, and plazas. Of particular note are Parque Maldonado, Parque Sucre, Parque Guayaquil and Santa Bárbara Cathedral. The colonial architecture and broad streets of Riobamba make it an enjoyable city to explore on foot. The city hums with activity every day but Sunday.

Riobamba also hosts an impressive and important collection of museums. These include: Ateneo de Chimborazo, Armas, Arte Religiosa de la Concepción, Córdova-Román, Ciencias Naturales del Colegio Maldonado, Casa de Bolívar, Antropológico del Banco Central, Etnográfico de la Casa de la Cultura. Perhaps the most famous exhibit is the gold monstrance with gems, diamonds, and pearls. This is found in the museum of Arte Religiosa de la Concepción, open Tuesdays to Saturdays 9am – 12pm and 2pm – 5pm.

Saturday market is the main cultural market in Riobamba. This is a busy weekly event in which indigenous artisans sell hand woven clothing, textiles, ornaments, and pottery. Travelers can find anything and everything they need at this market, from food to electronics to clothing. The market in Plaza de la Concepcion is best for souvenir shopping, while the La Condamine and the San Alfonso markets have the widest array of local produce and crafts.

Outside of the city, the summit of Chimborazo Volcano is a huge draw for travelers. Chimborazo is the tallest peak in Ecuador, touching the sky at 6,310 meters. An extinct volcano that last erupted some 10,000 years ago, Chimborazo has a massive snowcapped peak that many claim to be one of the most beautiful in all of South America.

Though not the most technical hike, Chimborazo Volcano does require previous experience as well as excellent physical form and appropriate mountaineering equipment. The volcano has five peaks, with Whymper Peak being the highest. Climbers must sleep first at the refuge at Whymper Peak, acclimating to the altitude before heading out on their grueling quest. From the refuge, the hike takes about 10 hours, meaning that most trips leave from the refuge at midnight to hike in the morning when the snow has not thawed in the midday sun.

Those hoping to summit Chimborazo should consult with tour agencies in Riobamba. These agencies provide transportation, equipment, and expert guides. They can also recommend a series of smaller climbs to help hopeful hikers get acclimated to altitude and conditioned to the demanding physicality of the summit.

Getting to and away

Seeing as it is a major city, Riobamba can be reached easily from both Guayaquil and Quito. Countless bus agencies provide essentially the same rates and have regular service to Riobamba. To or from Quito takes about four hours and costs about four dollars. Buses to or from Guayaquil take about 4.5 hours and cost around five dollars. Cuenca takes about six hours and costs six dollars. A trip to Banos takes just under one hour.

When to go

Festivals:
The most noteworthy time to visit Riobamba is between December and January 6th during the massive Fiesta del Nino Rey de Reyes. This festival features plenty of music, dancing, and colorful parades. April 21st is also a special time in Riobamba as it marks Riobamba’s Independence Day. This also features parades and lively music and celebrations. November 11th also calls for festivity as it is the celebration of the day of Riobamba’s foundation.

December through May are considered the rainy seasons for this region, with the temperature remaining fairly constant.

If looking to summit Chimborazo Volcano, the best months are believed to be June, July, December, and January. February, April, and May are known for bad weather, making for a more difficult and potentially more dangerous ascent.