BRIEF GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Some 47 km south of Latacunga (136 km south of Quito) is the large town of Ambato, the capital of the Tungurahua Province. Ambato was badly damaged in a 1949 earthquake, but a modem city was soon rebuilt. This city is prosperous and growing, Its altitude is 2800 meters above sea level.

Apart from the festivals described below (see Special Events), most travelers just pass through Ambato on their way to Baños, which is one of the more popular destinations in the country. It is, however, worth staying in Ambato for a night to see the little-known but interesting museum. The Monday market is a huge affair - the biggest in Ecuador.

Because of reconstruction since the 1949 earthquake, most of the buildings in the center are new and of no great interest. A recommended walk is along Bolivar street (southwest of the center) to the pleasant modem suburb of Mirafiores on the banks of the Rio Ambato (note that Bolivar street changes into Avenida Mirafiores). The river can be crossed about two km away from town on Avenida Los Guaytambos, which soon leads to the Quinta de Montalvo. There you will find the famous writer Montalvo's country house. It can be visited from 9 am to noon and 2 to 6 pm. This is in the suburb of Ficoa.

Several famous country houses that survived the earthquake and are worth visiting. For example, the home of Quinta de Mera, wife to the writer Juan Leon Mera, can be visited 9 am to noon and 2 to 6 p.m. The house is set in an attractive botanical garden on the Avenida Los Capulies in the suburb of Atocha. Close by is the Quinta La Liria, the country home of the mountaineer Nicolás Martinez, which is also set amongst elegant scenery. Atocha is on the far side of the Rio Ambato, about two miles northeast of the city center.

Museo de Ciencias Naturales

This natural history museum is in the Colegio Bolivar on the streets Sucre and Lalama The museum is located on the northwest side of Cevallos park. There are hundreds of stuffed birds, mammals, and reptiles. Most of which are quite well prepared. The museum offers a pleasant change from field guides to Ecuadorian wildlife. The museum is good to visit if you wish to identify species you may have seen in the wild. There's also a rather gruesome display of freak animals, such as two-headed calves and six-legged lambs.

Contact us to quote a day tour: