Riobamba
Known as the "Sultana of the Andes," Riobamba is a highland city in central Ecuador ringed by volcanoes — Chimborazo, Tungurahua, El Altar, and Carihuairazo — with scenic viewpoints across the surrounding peaks. The centre holds many historic churches and a lively café and restaurant scene. Founded in 1575 near Laguna de Colta, the city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1797 and rebuilt on its current site, making it Ecuador's first planned city. A UNESCO World Heritage site lies within the wider region.
Description drafted with AI from public sources such as Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap. How this works
- Population264,048
- Nearest water from center 0.8 km0.5 mi
- Nearest mountain from center 1.9 km1.2 mi
Riobamba: quick answers
Where is Riobamba?
Riobamba is in Ecuador, about 142 km88 miles in a straight line from Cuenca.
How do you get to Riobamba?
The nearest airport is Ambato (ATF), about 1 hr 30 min away by road.
What's the weather like in Riobamba?
The warmest month is September, averaging 12°C54°F across day and night; the coolest is July, at 11°C51°F. The wettest month is March, with about 236 mm9.3 in of precipitation. (Monthly averages, 1991–2020.)
What's in Riobamba?
OpenStreetMap lists 6 museums, 79 restaurants, 32 cafés and 48 places of worship within 2 km of the centre.
What's near Riobamba?
Other Wandering Well picks within 60 km include Banos de Agua Santa, Ambato and Pelileo.