Ecuador Travel

Ibarra, Imbabura

Ibarra, Imbabura

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Destination

From lush green valleys, towering volcanoes, and exotic rain forests, the train from Ibarra to Salinas takes its passengers through landscapes that are as diverse as they are picturesque. The train, that was renovated to carry tourists to and from the Northern Andean villages of Ibarra and Salinas, is a popular weekend trip. The 30 kilometer (18.5mi) trip takes about two hours each way and promises to enchant passengers with breathtaking scenery. The train capacity is 45 and each seat offers the passenger the chance to gaze out the window at the landscape sailing by. The track stretches across valleys, passes over bridges and climbs mountains.

History

Railroads were extremely important to the development of the towns in the northern Andes Not only did they transport goods from place to place, they also helped people travel all over the country.

In the late 19th century, salt became more valuable than gold, and the town of Salinas was producing 300 tons of it, which was transported country-wide. Word spread of this wealth of resources and soon the price of land in Salinas was at a premium. Trains ran in and out of the town as salt miners piled on their goods. It was a lively place to live. As salt production increased, the town’s people began developing goiters. It was soon discovered that the goiters were a result of a lack of iodine in the salt. This discovery made the salt less valuable as a commodity and production decreased. The entire industry quickly died down until the only salt that was mined was made into blocks for animals. This decline in demand left the town without income. Many people moved away and soon Salinas was left with no industry and very few inhabitants. The trains stopped coming and the infrastructure began to deteriorate leaving those who remained with no running water, no sewers or electricity.

In 2005, with the help of the Municipality of Ibarra, who provided the city with a grant of $30,000, the city has cleaned up its streets, renovated its parks and repaved its streets. The townspeople have also built a salt museum in to commemorate their history. In addition to the renovations, the train began taking passengers to Salinas, strengthening its economy and giving tourists a chance to visit this now thriving and culturally rich town.

Attractions

Ibarra, known as the White City because of its colonial white washed houses, is a popular tourist town that offers visitors the chance to peruse its lively Saturday markets. They can also pass through the Santa Domingo church that doubles as a museum for paintings by Diego de Robles, and houses other pieces of religious art. Its red roofed houses and horse-drawn carts tromping down cobblestone streets, add to the charm of this little town. The town is still known for its delicious Helados de Paila, a handmade ice cream that has been made by the indigenous population for centuries, using snow from the Imbabura volcano. It’s a good idea to arrive to the town of Ibarra at least a day before you are scheduled to take the train because there is so much to do and it would be impossible to fit in all into one early morning or late evening.

While you are in Ibarra, make sure to visit Parque La Merced, a church with a large statue of the Virgin Mary resting atop its roof. It houses an ornate altar to the Virgin of La Merced, the patron saint of armed forces. After a stop there, head over to the Plazoleta del Coco where you will find the Centro Cultural that houses an agrological museum.

Once the train stops in Salinas, passengers are often treated to a jubilant, party-like atmosphere. Native dancers and eager musicians meet the incoming train and greet the newly arriving passengers with lively songs and traditional dances. While in the town, visitors can stop and rest in one of Salinas’ four parks, take a tour of the salt museum or stop off at the gastronomic center, which specializes in international cuisines, and get a bite to eat.

Season

Hotels often fill up quickly during the last week of September because of Fiesta de los Lagos, Ibarra’s annual festival. This is a fun time to visit the town - live music fills the streets and there is never a shortage of activities and things to do. However, it is often crowded at this time and it can be hard to book a seat on the train, in addition to finding accommodation. If you do plan to go during this time, make sure to make all of your reservations early.

Budget, Schedule and Reservations

The train from Ibarra to Salinas runs Thursday-Sunday and on holidays. It takes two hours both ways. It leaves the station in Ibarra at 8:30 a.m. and arrives in Salinas at 10:30 a.m. The return trip leaves from the station in Salinas at 2 p.m. and arrives back in Ibarra at 4 p.m. The cost for one adult passenger is $7.60 for a round trip. Children, senior citizens and people with disabilities pay half of the regular admission price. One way trips are possible and cost $6 in either direction. Reservations can be made Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. by calling the Ibarra station at 06 295 5050.

Getting There

Travelers planning to catch the train in Ibarra can easily get there by bus. From the Carcelen bus station located in northern Quito, buses leave frequently. Hope on any bus headed toward Otavalo. These buses continue further and stop in Ibarra. The trip is around three hours and will cost you approximately $3. The town of Ibarra does not have a central bus station so where you stop will depend on which bus you have boarded. Supertaxis Los Lagos stops at Flores 924 and Sánchez Cifuentes and at Parque La Merced, Trans Andina stops on Chica Narváez, Expreso Turismo stops on Moncayo, between Flores and Vacas and Trans Otavalo stops on Av. F. E. Vacas.

From Otavalo, Ibarra is only a 45 minute bus ride away. To return, buses leave frequently heading toward Quito.