Attractions

Riobamba has a couple of minor city attractions, but most folks use the city as a base for tours, activities, and excursions outside of town.

Riobamba's city parks are perfect for people-watching. Re-landscaped in 1911, Parque Maldonado has pretty gardens, tall trees, and flowing fountains, and it fronts the city's picturesque cathedral. Parque Sucre has a splendid fountain of Neptune, while Parque La Libertad fronts the pretty 19th-century basilica. Toward the north end of the city, Parque Guayaquil (also called Parque Infantil, or Children's Park) is the largest in Riobamba, with a small lagoon, row boats, and a large abstract sculpture strangely resembling a cow; there's also a children's playground. For a panoramic view, head to the Parque 21 de Abril, from where you can marvel at the scenery, particularly the plumes of smoke coming off Volcán Tungurahua.

The Museo de Arte Religioso, on Argentinos and Larrea (tel. 03/2965-212), is the town's most prestigious museum, with a fine collection of 18th-century religious artifacts and a priceless gem-encrusted .9m-tall (3-ft.) monstrance. Housed in a former convent, the Convento de la Concepción, the collection here is large and spread out, some of it in the rooms, known as cells, which were occupied by the prospective nuns. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to noon and 3 to 6pm, and Sunday from 9am to noon. Admission is $2 (£1.10). Ask at the entrance and you should be able to hire a bilingual guide for a few more bucks.

Riobamba really comes alive on Saturday, with its famously colorful regional market, as villagers from all over the province pour into the city to sell their produce and handicrafts to locals and tourists alike. The most activity occurs around the streets 5 de Junio and Argentinos, where vendors principally sell produce. Tourists are better off heading to the charming market in Parque La Concepción (Orozco and Colón). La Condamine is a smaller daily market situated on Carabobo and Colombia. On non-market days, you can find handicrafts in a number of shops located along León Borja close to the train station. Check out The Tagua Shop, at León Borja 35-17 (tel. 03/2942-215), which sells a wide range of handicrafts carved from the extremely hard nut of the tagua tree; or nearby on the same street, try Almacén Taller Rescate Artesanías de Chimborazo, which specializes in woven bags and woolen goods.

While in Riobamba, don't miss out on a trip to the region's beautiful lakes. The Lagunas de Ozogoche, composed of 60 lakes, is a stunning spot, as is the Lagunas de Atillo, both of which are situated about a 3-hour drive outside the city. Slightly closer is the Laguna de Colta, just 20 minutes away. All the local tour agencies and hotel tour desks can arrange these trips.

From Riobamba, you can also visit surrounding indigenous villages. The small village of Guano, famous for its weaving industry, is located some 9km (5 1/2 miles) north of the city. You can also head a few kilometers farther to Santa Teresita to visit the Balneario Los Helenes hot springs.

An excellent time to come and experience the typical Ecuadorian highland culture of Riobamba is during its annual fiestas, on and around April 21, when the town comes alive with music, drinking, dancing, street parades, and fireworks to commemorate its 1822 independence from Spanish rule.