Riobamba
1589441
224486123
2008-07-09T01:42:40Z
190.152.35.137
/* Newspapers */
{{Travel guide|date=February 2008}}
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:anilorac81imagen6.jpg|thumb|250px|Church Balbanera]] -->
{{Infobox City |
official_name = San Pedro de Riobamba|
nickname = [[La Sultana de los Andes]] |
|subdivision_type = [[Countries of the world|Country]]
|subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Ecuador|Province]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[Cantons of Ecuador|Canton]]
|subdivision_name = [[Ecuador]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Chimborazo Province|Chimborazo]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Riobamba]] |
leader_title = [[Mayor]] |
leader_name = [[Ángel Ignacio Yánez Cabrera]] ([[Movimiento de Unidad Plurinacional Pachakutic Nuevo País(Ecuador)|MUPP-NP]])|
area_note = |
area_total_km2 = 2900 |
population_as_of = 2004 |
population_total = 170000 |
timezone = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|EST]] |
utc_offset = -5 |
timezone_DST = [[Eastern Daylight Time|EDT]] |
utc_offset_DST = -4 |
latitude = 1°65' S |
longitude = 78°66' W |
footnotes = |
}}
'''Riobamba''' is the capital of [[Chimborazo Province]] in central [[Ecuador]], which is located at the Chambo River Valley of the [[Andes]]. <ref>[http://www.galenfrysinger.com/riobamba_ecuador.htm Riobamba, Ecuador - Travel Photos by Galen R Frysinger, Sheboygan, Wisconsin<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> It is 200 km (125 miles) south of Ecuador's capital [[Quito]] and located at {{convert|9000|ft|m|-2}} on the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The city is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, and while sitting at the foot of the volcano [[Chimborazo]], one gets the world’s highest view from the center of the [[Earth]].<ref>http://www.usfq.edu.ec/isq/alrededor.html</ref>
==History==
Riobamba is an important historic and cultural landmark of Ecuador. The region was a Puruhá Indian territory before it was conquered by the Incas during the late [[15th century]]. It was the first city founded by the Spaniards in what is now Ecuador, founded in [[1530]]. In [[1563]] the city became part of the [[Spanish Empire|Spanish Empire's]] newly-formed [[Royal Audience of Quito]].
Known as the “Sultan of the Andes”, Riobamba was completely destroyed by earthquake in [[1797]], but rebuilt a few years later 14 km (9 miles) away from its original location, near a village named Cajabamba. The city still retains a great architecture from the Spanish period. In the [[Ecuadorian War of Independence|struggle against Spanish rule]] Riobamba first declared independence on November 11, [[1820]] but was soon retaken. The city finally became part of an independent [[Gran Colombia]] in [[1822]], and then a separate Republic of Ecuador in [[1830]].
The old city was the birthplace of [[Isabela Godin des Odonais]] (b. 1728).
==Geography==
Lying at the center of the country, Riobamba is conveniently located at the crossroads between the highlands, the coast and the jungle.
===Volcanoes===
====Chimborazo====
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:anilorac81imagen.jpg|thumb|250px|Chimborazo]] -->
Chimborazo is located in the Inter-Andean Cord, a north-northeast trend structural depression that separates the Western and Eastern Mountain Chain of the Andes. It is a quaternary volcano that has never erupted. Its peak is 6,310 m (20,700 ft) above sea level.<ref>[http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/img_chimbarozo.html Chimborazo, Ecuador<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. It has a colossal shape which immediately makes altitude problems to the mountaineers. The first refuge is accessible via car but only experienced climbers should attempt climbing the northwest or the southwest face.<ref>[http://www.thebestofecuador.com/riobamex.htm#chimbo Riobamba Ecuador - Climbing & Trekking<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
====Sangay====
At 5,350 m, [[Sangay]] is one of the most active volcanos in the Andes, the mountain lies inside [[Sangay National Park]].<ref>[http://www.thebestofecuador.com/riobamex.htm#sangay Riobamba Ecuador - Climbing & Trekking<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The first documented eruption of Sangay was in 1628. Sangay has erupted almost continuously since 1934. In 1976, an explosion dropped blocks up to 35 cm (14 inches) in diameter that killed two people and also injured many. <ref>[http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/south_america/ecuador/sangay2.html Sangay, Ecuador<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
====El Altar====
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:anilorac81imagen8.jpg|thumb|250px|Altar]] -->
Standing at 5405 m (17,730 ft), [[El Altar]] is the fifth highest volcano in Ecuador.<ref>[http://www.thebestofecuador.com/riobamex.htm#altar Riobamba Ecuador - Climbing & Trekking<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> It is an extinct, snowcapped volcano close to the geographical center of Ecuador. It contains many different colored lakes and a great diversity of valleys. Altar contains a lake that sends a small flow of water from its boiler, which is full of caves. Its abundant peaks resemble the shape of a colonial church’s altar. Seeing the mountain as a huge cathedral, Spaniards named it El Altar. The highest peak is Bishop, also called “Capac Urcu,” which means "Almighty Mountain."<ref>[http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/south_america/ecuador/altar.html Altar, Ecuador<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
==Demography==
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:anilorac81imagen4.JPG|thumb|200px|Indian Community - Shanaicun]] -->
Beyond its historical dimension, Chimborazo is considered the most indigenous province in Ecuador and retains a unique cultural mélange. More than five hundred indigenous communities contribute to Chimborazo’s ethnic diversity, and have successfully led a national indigenous movement. Riobamba’s colorful and picturesque markets, its street life and cultural traditions are testimony to this strong and diverse indigenous presence.<ref>http://www.usfq.edu.ec/isq/alrededor.html</ref>
==Economy==
The economy of the city mainly focuses on the agricultural production of the surrounding local populations. Besides this, Riobamba has an open-air market where indigenous artisans display their wares, where people can find manufactured products as textiles, handicrafts, leather goods, beer, and dairy products. Riobamba is also an important trade center of cattle-ranching.
==Education==
===Schools===
[[Image:Ecuador Riobamba ParqueMaldonada.JPG|thumb|250px|Maldonado College in Riobamba]]
* Colegio Maria Auxiliadora
* Colegio Amelia Gallegos Díaz
* Colegio Angel Polibio Chaves
* Colegio Camilo Gallegos Toledo
* Colegio Carlos Cisneros
* Unidad Educativa Cristiana "VERBO"
* Colegio de las Madres Franciscanas
* Colegio 10 de Noviembre
* Colegio La Salle
* Colegio Nacional de Señoritas Riobamba
* Colegio Nacional Pedro Carbo
* Colegio Ruffo Di Donato Chiriboga
* Colegio Salesiano Santo Tomás Apóstol
* Colegio San Felipe Neri
* Colegio San Pedro de Guanujo
* Colegio Técnico Nacional Guaranda
* Colegio Verbo Divino
* Instituto ABC
* Instituto John F. Kennedy
* Maldonado
* Marianas
* Unidad Educativa Jefferson
* Unidad Educativa Riverside
*Colegio Cap Edmundo Chiriboga
===Universities===
*[http://www.unach.edu.ec/ Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo]
* Escuela Superior Politecnica de Chimborazo
*[http://www.ups.edu.ec/ Universidad Politécnica Salesiana]
*[http://www.usfq.edu.ec/isq Universidad San Francisco de Quito]
* Instituto Tecnologico superior Isabel de godin
==Newspapers==
*[http://www.laprensa.com.ec La prensa]
*[http://www.radio-mundial.com www.radio-mundial.com]
==Services==
===Hotels===
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:anilorac81imagen3.JPG|thumb|Hostería Abraspungu]] -->
* Hostería La Andaluza
It is a nice ranch with excellent views of the Altar and Tungurahua volcanos. Located 15 km along the Panamericana.
* Hostería Abraspungu
A relaxing country house with restaurants, swimming pools, bars, and horse riding. Located along the road to Guano on km 3 1/2.
* EI Cisne
* Hotel Galpón
* Hotel Zeus
* Hotel Chimborazo
* Segovia
* Tren Dorado
* Whymper<ref>[http://www.thebestofecuador.com/riobamba.htm Riobamba - Ecuador<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
===Restaurants===
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* GUS
* El Chacarero
* [http://www.bonnyrestaurante.com Bonny Restaurant]
* Lentejitas "El Sabor"
* El Mesón
* El Pénjamo
* El Fogón
* Tambo de Oro
* Monacco
* Chifa Macau
* Pollo Ejecutivo
===Shopping===
* El Buho: Regional crafts.
* Cacha: Wool sweaters, bags and other handicrafts.
* Alta Montaña: Wood carvings and tagua amongst others.<ref>[http://www.thebestofecuador.com/riobamba.htm Riobamba - Ecuador<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
===Bars Music ===
* Gens-Chop Bar: Varied music and videos.
* Grin Livs: Disco-bar.
* Milenium: International music.
* Unicornio: Salsa and Piano-bar.
* Vieja Guardia: Disco-bar.<ref>[http://www.thebestofecuador.com/riobamba.htm Riobamba - Ecuador<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
* El Tentadero.
* Romeo.
*[http://www.quepleno.com/guia/paginas/bares/Viejoteka.htm Viejoteka]
===Festivals===
The main celebration in Riobamba is Fiesta del Niño Rey de Reyes, which starts in December and ends on January 6. It has many colorful parades and music during the festivities. Another celebration is Riobamba's Independence Day on 21st of April. During those days people enjoy many concerts, drinking and lively parades. As most of the population does not work during these festivals, it is very difficult to find accommodation or any other service. The last festivity in Riobamba is its Foundation, which takes place at the 11th of November.<ref>[http://www.thebestofecuador.com/riobamba.htm Riobamba - Ecuador<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
==Tourism==
===Places to visit===
====Museums====
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* Ateno de Chimborazo
It is a privately run museum with sculptures, furniture, photographic materials, and documented memorabilia, located on Velasco 24-25 and Velóz.
* Armas
It proudly exhibits a wide selection of uniforms, arms as well as religious materials which depict various epochs of Ecuador's history, located on Ave. Héroes de Tapi.
* Arte Relegioso de la Concepción
It is a prestigious museum boasting a priceless gem-encrusted gold monstrance. The art encased in this religious collection is comes from the 18th century. entry.<ref>[http://www.thebestofecuador.com/riobamba.htm#museums Riobamba - Ecuador<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
* Ciecias Naturales del Colegio Maldonado
* Casa de Bolivar
* Córdova-Román
* Antropológico del Banco Central
* Etnográfico de la Casa de la Cultura
====Churches====
* Catedral
* Basílica del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús
* Concepción
* La Merced
* San Antonio
* San Alfonso
* Casa Madre
* Capilla del Colegio San Felipe Neri
====Parks====
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:anilorac81imagen2.jpg|thumb|250px|Park Infantil]] -->
* Parque de Guayaquil a.k.a. Parque Infantil
* Parque Barriga
* Parque Loma de Quito a.k.a. Parque de los Enamorados
* Parque Maldonado
* Parque Sucre
* Parque 21 de Abril
* Parque La Libertad
* Parque Ecologico
===Sports===
* Climbing and trekking
Riobamba is a good base to climb Carihuairazo, Chimborazo, Sangay and Altar.
* Ball games
There is a ball game in Riobamba called "the mamona", which is played with a leather ball. It is usually played by the locals all afternoons at the Plaza Roja.
* Mountain biking
* Swimming
This sport can be practiced in CENAEST, where temperate swimming pools and Spa attract many tourists.
* Cockfights
Cockfights are usually seen during Riobamba's festivities and on weekends at the Gallera San Francisco.<ref>[http://www.thebestofecuador.com/riobamba.htm#sports Riobamba - Ecuador<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
===Agencies===
* Metropolitan Touring
* Julio Verne
* Alta Montaña
===Transport===
====Bus====
In the main bus terminal as well as in the Oriente bus Terminal tickets are available to: Quito, Ambato, Baños, Puyo, Guayaquil, Guaranda, Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Machala, and Cuenca.
==See also==
*[[Ecuador]]
*[[Chimborazo Province]]
*[[Chimborazo]]
*[[Sangay]]
*[[Quito]]
*[[Llapingachos]]
*[[Humita]]
*[[Chambo River]]
*[[Pedro Vicente Maldonado]]
*[[French Geodesic Mission]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[http://www.radio-mundial.com Radio Mundial Riobamba]
*[http://www.radioanidnafm.com Radio Andina Riobamba]
*[http://www.go-today.com/site_gtweb/travel/riobamba-travel.asp Riobamba City Guide]
*[http://www.world66.com/southamerica/ecuador/riobamba/ Riobamba Travel Guide]
*[http://www.travelpost.com/SA/Ecuador/Chimborazo/Riobamba/map/5923039/ Interactive Chimborazo Map]
*[http://www.usfq.edu.ec/isq University of San Francisco de Quito - Riobamba]
*[http://www.bonnyrestaurante.com Bonny Restaurant]
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{{Province capitals in Ecuador}}
[[Category:Cities, towns and villages in Ecuador ]]
[[Category:canton seats in Chimborazo]]
[[Category:province capitals in Ecuador]]
[[Category:Settlements established in 1534]]
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