Ambato Travel Guide

Ambato is a beautiful destination in the Andean Highlands of Ecuador that offers a mix of culture, history, and outdoor adventures. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Ambato

Nestled in the Andean highlands of Ecuador in South America, Ambato is a beautiful city that offers a range of experiences for travelers. This vibrant destination is a great place to experience Ecuadorian history, culture, and cuisine. It is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with scenic views and outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Ambato

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ambato has a rich history, and there are many museums and historical sites that visitors can explore. Some of the most popular ones to visit include the Museo Casa de Montalvo, the Museo de la Ciudad and the Cathedral of Ambato. Each of these attractions showcases a unique aspect of Ambato’s culture and heritage.

Natural Attractions of Ambato: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

With its location in the Andean highlands, Ambato has breathtaking natural scenery that travelers can enjoy. From hiking to the top of the Tungurahua Volcano to exploring the Ambato River, there are countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Adventure seekers can also go mountain biking or paragliding, or simply take in the views from the numerous lookout points around the city.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ambato

Ambato is also a great destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Trails like The Devil’s Nose, Quilotoa Loop, and the Ambato-Pelileo route provide a unique and challenging experience for visitors. The trails vary in difficulty, so it’s essential to plan accordingly and bring adequate gear.

Best Things to Do in Ambato: Activities and Tours

A trip to Ambato is incomplete without experiencing the local culture and cuisine. Visitors can take a cooking class to learn the secrets of Ecuadorian food or take a tour of the city to visit popular landmarks and historical sites. Other exciting activities in Ambato include visiting local markets, listening to music, and learning traditional dance.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ambato

A week-long itinerary in Ambato can help visitors make the most of their stay. Day one can start with a city tour to visit popular landmarks and historical sites like Cathedral of Ambato and Plaza 18 de Noviembre. On day two, visitors can hike to the Ambato River Canyon or take a scenic bike ride through the city. Day three can be spent exploring local markets and trying out Ecuadorian food. The itinerary can include visits to museums, cultural sites, and outdoor activities.

Food and Drink Scene of Ambato

Must-Try Dishes

Ambato is famous for its cuisine, which includes traditional Ecuadorian dishes like Hornado (roast pork), Fanesca (a soup made during Easter), and Churrasco (steak cooked with onions and tomatoes) and many more. These dishes are known for their unique flavors and use of local ingredients.

Local Beverages

Ecuador is famous for its chocolate, and Ambato’s hot chocolate and “agua de panela” (a sweet beverage made from cane sugar) are must-try drinks in the region. Visitors can also taste traditional Ecuadorian drinks like horchata (a rice and cinnamon drink), canelazo (alcoholic drink), and colada morada (a drink made with purple corn).

Where to Stay in Ambato: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ambato has a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Travelers can choose according to their budget and personal preferences. Some popular hotels include Hotel Emperador, Hotel Ambato and Hotel Ambato Royal.

What to Buy in Ambato: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Travelers can buy various souvenirs and local products in Ambato, such as handcrafted Ecuadorian textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. Ecuadorian chocolate and coffee are famous internationally, so visitors can buy these as presents or take them home as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Ambato

Ambato is known for its vibrant and lively culture, which includes traditional Ecuadorian music and dance. The locals celebrate a variety of festivals and holidays, such as the Feast of San Francisco and the Ambato Carnival. Visitors can learn more about the unique traditions of Ambato by engaging with the locals.

Best Time to Visit Ambato

The best time to visit Ambato is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. This is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, festivals, and events. The city also experiences a mild climate year-round, making it an ideal destination for all seasons.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ambato

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Try traditional Ecuadorian cuisine.
  3. Learn some Spanish phrases.
  4. Take part in local festivals and celebrations.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect religious sites or ceremonies.
  2. Wear revealing clothing in public.
  3. Waste resources.
  4. Overlook travel safety precautions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ambato

Ambato is considered generally safe, but visitors should be cautious and aware of their surroundings, especially at night. Theft and pickpocketing are common in crowded areas, so it’s essential to keep valuables safe.

Health in Ambato

Visitors should ensure that routine immunizations are up-to-date before traveling to Ambato. Altitude sickness is a common issue due to the city’s high elevation, so it’s important to adjust gradually to the change in altitude and stay hydrated.

Getting to Ambato: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ambato

The nearest airport to Ambato is the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito. From there, travelers can take a bus or taxi to reach Ambato.

Bus Stations Near Ambato

Ambato has a well-connected bus network to reach other destinations in Ecuador. Some of the most popular bus terminals include Terminal Terrestre de Ambato, Bus Terminal Plaza del Medico, and Bus Terminal de la Ofelia.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Ambato through a private car or taxi. It’s best to book the service through a travel agency beforehand to avoid any hassles.

How to Get Around in Ambato

Taxis and buses are the most common ways to get around in Ambato. Local transportation is efficient, and taxis are affordable. Visitors can also rent cars or bikes to explore the city at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Ambato: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Ambato is well-connected to other Ecuadorian cities like Quito, Riobamba, and Cuenca, where visitors can explore Ecuadorian history, culture, and natural beauty.

Conclusion

Ambato is an exciting destination for all types of travelers, offering a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures, explore museums and historical sites, try unique Ecuadorian cuisine, and engage with the friendly locals. With this comprehensive travel guide, planning your trip to Ambato will be a breeze.