the Indigenos are not on exhibit for tourists...
by jglsongs
One thing that I did see in the small towns and markets of Ecuador - tourists seeing the indigenous people (mainly the women with their distinct hats and clothes) and snapping pictures of them as if they were in a wax museum.
These are people - locals - you are their guest. Instead of snapping pictures of them - go up and say hello (preferrably in Español...or Quechua if you can!). Their main goal is for you to buy something, of course, but talking to people one-on-one instead of treating them like museum pieces will make the experience a lot more interesting and rewarding.
If you want to take pictures, ask, like you would anyone else. Then...buy something from them, or give up some pocket change.
Cold and rain gear
by wildcanary
You will want to go to the more remote places. Make sure to bring good gore tex rain gear, excellent hiking shoes. Remember that you are at altitude. The moment the sun goes down it is very cold. Do not spoil your trip. Be prepared and enjoy. Bring everything that you think you might need. Spend your time enjoying this unique space instead of hunting for medicine. Remember that you are at high altitude. Make sure that you acclimitize before heading off to even higher altitudes.
Visit the Town of Guano
by namastedc
Guano is a little town about 30 minutes away from Riobamba. If you are in Riobamba for the train ride, Guano is a nice side trip you can do in a morning.
Guano is known for two products - sisel carpets and leather products. You will have to shop around to find quality in both, and know that bargaining hard is expected. You will be charged according to what the vendor believes you can afford!
Right as you enter town there is a leather 'factory' - this place has fairly good quality jackets, bags, purses, briefcases, belts, wallets, etc. I can't speak for any of the other places. As for the carpets, I prefer woven so I only 'window shopped'.
One Night in Rio... bamba that is
by calcaf38
Conventional wisdom states that Riobamba is a dreary town where one has to spend one night in order to catch the famous train early the following day.
My experience was quite the opposite. I am glad I spent one evening in Riobamba, especially as the train was rather a letdown.
In order to find out about the train, please see my Alausi page.
Important fact for independent travelers: On a map, Riobamba is halfway between Quito and Cuenca. In reality, it takes more time to go from Riobamba to Cuenca than from Quito to Riobamba. In the Northern half of the trek, the terrain is flat (albeit high) and the roads are straight. In the Southern half, the roads were built on steep grades, and loop around vertiginous mountains.
I apologize for the lightweight commentary accompanying the photos. I simply didn't spend enough time in Riobamba to find out a lot. Nevertheless, the town exerted its charm on me.
The elevation of Riobamba is 2,750m = 9,022ft
Five weeks as a Riobambeña
by SivanG
"Learning to Live in the Andes"
After a week in Quito/ the Galapagos, I was ready to start my four week homestay in Riobamba, Ecuador. I was quite nervous at the beginning, but by the second day I was absolutely, head over heels in love with this city. I lived a bit away from the city center, so I couldn't walk to La Avenida (the main street) or to the big shopping street, 10 de Agosto. However, taxis are one dollar and by car it was only 3 minutes, so I went into town all the time. I took day trips to Nariz del Diablo, Chimborazo, Baños, and Ozogochee, between 1 and 2.5 hours away. In Riobamba itself I shopped, got lots of ice cream, and visited small towns like Chambo and Guano. By night, we'd go to bars- San Valentin, Romeo y Julieta- and clubs- El Tentador- on La Avenida or to one of the many carboneras- hamburger stands- by the city parks. Notice- stick with hamburgers and chips- you do not want to try tripas or cuy. I didn't do much touristy stuff in Riobamba- mainly I just hung out with my host sister and her friends. That's actually my favorite part of traveling, though- living another lifestyle.
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Playing and goofing it up
Busted wheel
The captain runs a tight ship
Love on the tracks
