Things to see and do Sierra

A beautiful traditional plot for strolling.

Private collection (of the Cordóva Román family) of everyday objects, furniture, documents and photographs of the old Riobamba, the whole of the th century. To make a journey over time.

The ascent of this very active volcano requires a hike of about one week. It is done mainly from Riobamba.

The volcano rise takes place in 3 days. There's no refuge, so we're going to the crater. Same recommendations as for the previous one.

The rise of this active volcano is impossible until further notice. However, excursions are possible on the slopes of the volcano. This adventure should not be undertaken without the help of a guide, which you will find in one of the specialist agencies in Baños.

No doubt our favorite excursion. Take the road to Puyo for 20 km (you can do it by bus). In the village of Río Verde, reported by houses and explicit signs, a steep trail goes down about minutes to the Pastaza River in the middle of lush vegetation. A perfectly equipped path allows you to approach the fall of El Paílon del Diablo very closely. It's very sensation and you feel very small at this impressive flow. On the site, a very spectacular suspension bridge spans the stormy waters of the river, in the inferno of hell of nearby falls. After the bridge, the path leads you directly to the Otro Lado, the other side, a totally unexpected stop. You can stop there after the walk and take a drink or lunch before the lift to the village.

A good address if you intend to venture on the slopes of the Sangay and Chimborazo volcanoes. The agency organizes experienced guides from trekkings and raids, and leases equipment.

a Community tourism project was initiated by a French priest, Pierrick Van Dorpe, who was in Calpí for four years. The first idea was to help the economic development of these Quechua rural communities, in order to avoid mass emigration abroad and the loss of their cultural elements. Tourism plays a major role in this framework, inviting the new generations to rediscover their roots and become aware of their cultural identity by meeting abroad. Agriculture is no longer sufficient for the survival of the rural populations of San Francisco (and more generally Andean). The creation of community micro-enterprises (manufacturing of jams, cheese, felt hats, etc.) has also resulted in additional resources, even though they are still too meagre.

In the canton of Calpí. Today, tourists wishing to know rural rural life in the Andean region can stay in the «Quilla Pacari» (Casa del turismo). Two dormitories for up to 6 people have been arranged in the highest comfort, with a shared bathroom (hot water) and a collective lounge to meet. During the day, you can either visit the village with a member of the village or opt for an excursion in the beautiful environment: mirador de las crestas for a view of the volcanoes Chimborazo, Tungurahua and el Altar, ascent to the second refuge of the Chimborazo, excursion to the ice mine at the foot of the Chimborazo, or rent a bicycle to roam its will around San Francisco. Young members of the community have been trained in tourism training to enable them to act as a guide. Moreover, they know perfectly the region that saw them born.

The Ahuana project is a unique opportunity to come into contact with Indian families and create an exchange with them, while making a small gesture for their future.

Served by local bus (Ficoa). This is probably the need for your visit to Ambato. The property of the illustrious poet stands on the shores of the river Ambato, which it dominates from its imposing buildings. A large botanical garden stretches to the edge of the turbulent rivers where children come to bathe. You can discover beautiful flowers and rare essences.

The three traditional wings of the beautifully restored house are decorated with palm trees. Thread rooms are furnished with antique furniture. Objects (letters, etchings, documents, weapons…) identify the life of the author of the national anthem. A visit not to be missed.

La Petite Auberge is a charming hotel located in Baños. Surrounded by tropical gardens, it offers spacious, comfortable rooms with private bathroom, hot water, fireplace, balcony, cable TV and wifi. The hotel also features a children's play area, billiards room, hammock area and free parking. Le Petit Restaurant offers refined French cuisine as well as dishes from around the world. Since 1988, this establishment has been renowned for its specialties of meats in sauce, traditional fondue cheese, nutritious vegetarian dishes and homemade desserts. La Petite Auberge is ideally located, just a short walk from the center of Baños, making it easy for travelers to enjoy the town's attractions, such as the Church of the Virgin of Holy Water and the Virgin's pools.

You will notice its beautiful facade typical of the colonial past of the city.

We pass through the bridge of San Martín, which spans a spectacular gorge. The zoo makes good use of the topography of the terrain and deserves a visit, both for the mammalian varieties of the region (tapir, wolf, glasses of glasses, monkeys, puma…) than for the birds of the Andes and the jungle (condor, parrot, toucan). Its views on the river and valleys are also worth a visit. However, we deplore the conditions of detention of certain animals against which local associations are mobilized.

Located on the 1 ^st floor of the convent, this museum consists of a suite of rooms setting up a gallery. The walk is pleasant because it is surrounded by the surrounding mountains. The hétéroclite exhibition, touching of naivety, presents random animaux animals, holy pictures and objects of worship, virgin robes and thanks for the miracles accomplished. A numismatics collection and some naturalized butterflies complete the list of curiosities.

An unusual experience, accessible to everyone as the route is not very difficult, although it is long, the visit to the ice mines is a must for lovers of hiking and horse riding. Starting from "cuatro esquinas" at the foot of Chimborazo, Jorge will accompany you to the famous mine from which ice was extracted for the burghers of Riobamba, before the invention of the freezer. The ice was transported down from 4,800 m above sea level on human backs. Fortunately, with Jorge, a horse is yours up to 4,000 m!