Best of Riobamba

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Riobamba

The lively Andean city of Riobamba is a popular base for travelers owing to its proximity to Volcán Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador. The snow-capped mountain tops out at 20,710 feet (6310m), but even if you’re not here to climb to the summit (an undertaking for serious mountaineers only), you can still experience its power while hiking, horseback riding or simply taking in the view from an alpine lodge.

Inside the Chimborazo Natural Reserve, you can look for wildlife, including hundreds of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. For a brief taste of mountain climbing, make the 50-minute ascent between Chimborazo’s first and second refuge, with views (weather cooperating) from an elevation of 16,400 feet (5000m). At Colta Lake, you can experience more Andean wilderness on a walk or boat ride. You can also make a multi-day horseback riding trek past the mountains of Pucará and Mapahuiña, or go sand-boarding at the Palmira Desert.

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Spend a day hiking around the base of Ecuador's highest volcano: Chimborazo

Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcanoes: Quito to Guayaquil - 9 Days

This active adventure covers some of Ecuador's most famous peaks and staggering volcanoes, rising to 20,702 feet (6,310 m). Starting in Quito, one of the world's highest cities, you'll drive south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to hike in national parks, visit archaeology ruins, and explore charming towns and cities dating to the 16th century. Head west to the Pacific Ocean and take a sunset stroll along Guayaquil's boardwalk to finish the adventure.

Explore Ecuador's natural wonders by day and return to your luxury hacienda in the evening (photo courtesy of Luna Volcán)

Luxury Hacienda Hop Around Ecuador's Mountains & Coast - 10 Days

Venture into the wilds of Ecuador on a journey that will take you from highland volcanoes to the Pacific coast, stopping at historic cities and ancient ruins in between. Stay in first-class haciendas as you visit the museums of Quito, followed by horseback rides near Cotopaxi volcano. Then stroll the cobbled streets of historic Cuenca and hike around the pre-Inca ruins of Ingapirca before lapping up ranch-style luxury living in Guayaquil.

Best of the Ecuadorian Highlands - 7 Days

Traverse the very best of the Ecuadorian highlands on this 7-day itinerary. Starting and finishing in the capital, Quito, you will encounter bustling markets, awe-inspiring volcanoes, centuries-old colonial towns and Inca ruins. There's great hiking along the way in terrain ranging from glaciers and high-level plateau through to forests and waterfalls.

Marvel at Chimborazo volcano from Riobamba

Ecuador Cities, Mountains & Jungle - 9 Days

Discover Ecuador's fascinating culture and magnificent wilderness on this nine-day journey that starts in Quito and ends in Guayaquil. Between exploring the monuments and marketplaces of two major cities, you'll go hiking and bird-watching in the Yacuma Natural Reserve, see Inca ruins at Ingapirca, visit waterfalls and volcanoes near Baños, see how the Panama hat is made in colonial Cuenca, and so much more.

Trekking Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcanoes - 8 Days

This eight-day trekking adventure delivers the highlights of the Ecuadorian Andes as you explore stunning landscapes, secluded villages, and the famous peaks along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Hike along narrow mountain trails in the heart of the Andes as you make your way up the Quilotoa and Chimborazo volcanoes. Swim in the icy waters of Lake Quilotoa, then relax in the natural hot springs at Baños.

Volcanoes of Ecuador: Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi, Guayaquil - 7 Days

This weeklong itinerary is perfect for travelers who are interested in seeing the astoundingly beautiful landscapes of Ecuador. Travel along the Andean highlands to see ancient volcanoes, sacred waterfalls, and lagoons before ending your trip in the lush coastal lowlands. At the end of each adventurous day, you will be able to relax at beautifully restored haciendas that will allow you to step back in time.

Best of Ecuador: Quito, Quilotoa, Baños, Cuenca & Guayaquil - 8 Days

Experience the incredible Andes mountain range on this eight-day tour of Ecuador. Ride the Devil's Nose vertiginous train track, hike up volcanoes, kayak on a crater lake, and see Inca ruins. You'll also explore several high-altitude cities, including the capital, Quito, and colonial Cuenca. With plentiful guided activities, private transfers, and four to five-star hotels with breakfasts, this trip is the perfect mix of adventure and comfort.

Coffee & Chocolate: A Taste of Ecuador - 13 Days

This 13-day tour of Ecuador will tap all of your senses, from seeing historical sights to tasting local chocolate and smelling fresh coffee. Start in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, to see the Cathedral and Plaza de San Francisco and participate in a chocolate tour. Outside of the city, learn about the process of how coffee is made at a local farm. Take the Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) train ride to see the scenic countryside, and stay in the colonial-era city of Cuenca known for its nightlife and dining.

On Isla Santa Cruz see iguanas relaxing in the sun

Ecuador Expedition: From Quito to the Galápagos Islands - 13 Days

This 13-day land, air, and sea tour offers the best of Ecuador's cities and natural wonders from Quito to the Galápagos Islands. Learn about Ecuadorian cuisine in Quito, explore the country's second-highest summit at Cotopaxi National Park, walk along Cuenca's cobblestone streets, and swim in Podocarpus National Park's waterfalls. Sail, snorkel, and kayak around the Galápagos Islands while spotting iguanas, sea turtles, and blue-footed boobies.

Cordillera Occidental Andes Central Ecuador

Ecuador: Amazon, Andes, and the Coast - 16 Days

Explore the best of Ecuador in this 16-day tour through the Amazon, Andes, and Coastal regions. You'll visit beautiful colonial towns, indigenous communities, and experience ways of life both ancient and modern in this diverse country.

Outdoor Adventure & Culture From Quito to Guayaquil - 9 Days

Discover Ecuador's breathtaking landscapes and colorful cultural traditions on this thrilling nine-day trip. Start with a tour of Quito, step on the equator at Mitad del Mundo, and dip in the thermal waters of Papallacta before continuing to Otavalo to shop for handicrafts and spend a day at a traditional hacienda. Explore Cotopaxi National Park and the Avenue of Volcanoes, then finish the adventure in the coastal city of Guayaquil.

Ecuador Cities & Volcanoes: Quito to Cotopaxi - 12 Days

Visit the cities and volcanoes of beautiful Ecuador on this 12-day adventure. Start in the nation's capital, exploring its well-preserved colonial center and other cultural highlights. Then, head out on a busy tour through small towns like Cotacachi, enjoying several indigenous markets and villages along the way. You will also check off wondrous volcanoes like Pasachoa and Cotopaxi, as well as the unique paramo ecosystem of Chimborazo. The final leg of the trip takes you to Ecuador's lovely third city, Cuenca, before going full circle and ending in Quito again.

Feel the freedom of the open road as you navigate through Ecuador

Ecuador Road Trip From North to South: Quito, Cotopaxi & Baños - 12 Days

Get ready for adventure as you drive through Ecuador from north to south, making your way from high-altitude Quito to coastal Guayaquil. With the freedom to go at your own pace, start where the world divides in Quito and explore the base of an active 19,347-foot (5,897 m) volcano at Cotopaxi National Park. Swing over the "End of the World" in Baños de Agua Santa, and walk through a city with four rivers in Cuenca, ending your trip in Guayaquil as you return to sea level.

Ecuadorian Andes & the Galápagos Islands - 15 Days

With such a wide range of landscapes, wildlife, and metropolitan areas, it's nearly impossible to see all of Ecuador in one trip, but this 15-day itinerary comes close. Start off in Quito, the nation's capital, before exploring volcanoes, crater lakes, waterfalls, and Cañari and Inca ruins across the highlands. Then, fly offshore to the Galápagos Islands, where you'll spend several days sailing, snorkeling, and hiking among some of the most stunning natural places in the world.

Drive past a sheep farm near Chimborazo volcano

Road Trip Through Ecuador - 13 Days

Hit the road for this exciting self-drive adventure through Ecuador. The 13-day itinerary begins when you pick up your rental car at Quito's airport. Take side trips to Mitad del Mundo and Papallacta before continuing to the famous Otavalo Market to shop for handicrafts. Drive to Cotopaxi National Park and Baños for hikes and outdoor activities, then finish with sightseeing in Cuenca and coastal Guayaquil.

Best of Ecuador: Quito, Amazon, Cotopaxi, & Galapagos - 14 Days

Experience the best of Ecuador while getting to know its three main ecological regions: the Amazon rainforest, volcano highlands, and Galapagos Islands on this 14-day itinerary. Start the trip in Quito to see the UNESCO designated colonial city center, then head to the rainforest for three days at an ecolodge. Hike near volcanic lagoons and browse mountain markets, then catch a flight to Santa Cruz for three days of exploring uninhabited islands and spotting endemic wildlife.

"Chagras" Cowboys in Cotopaxi National Park

Trekking in Ecuador's Highlands: Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, & More - 14 Days

Spend two weeks exploring mountainous landscapes in a country that's equally famous for its volcanoes and rainforest. From Quito's colonial city center to the high-elevation hacienda refuge on Cotopaxi, you'll trek through historic sites and stunning nature. Spot rare Andean condors, haggle for goods at a mountain market, summit volcanoes, and more.

Culture & Nature in Ecuador: Quito, Otavalo, Amazon, Chimborazo, & Cotopaxi - 14 Days

The landscapes of Ecuador's mainland are as varied as the people who live there, and you'll get to experience both nature and culture on this 14-day itinerary. Meet the locals who call these regions home and learn about their history, way of life and relationship to Ecuador's landscapes. From the Otavaleños and Afro-Ecuadorians in the north and the Quichua and Shuar in the rainforest to the Kichwa in the central Andes, you'll dive deep into everyday life and explore Ecuador's nature.

A greeting committee awaits at your historic lodgings in Cotopaxi (photo courtesy of Hacienda San Agustín de Callo)

Luxury Getaway to Ecuador's Peaks, Plains & Rainforests - 14 Days

Spend two weeks in Ecuador walking amid history, hiking national parks, exploring the Amazon, taking cooking classes, and more. Explore Quito's colonial landmarks and snack on decadent Ecuadorian chocolate, followed by a trip to the famous Indigenous market in Otavalo and hikes around the snowcapped cone of Cotopaxi volcano. After the highlands, fly to the Amazon for a few days of rainforest adventures, then conclude with stops in Spanish colonial Cuenca and farm tours near the coast.

Spend your days exploring and evenings relaxing in the luxurious grounds of your hacienda (photo courtesy of Hacienda Zuleta)

Luxury Hacienda Hopping in Ecuador - 14 Days

Ranch-style living doesn't mean roughing it, as you'll see on this two-week Ecuador itinerary that combines scenic natural wonders and luxurious haciendas. You'll stroll the historic streets of Quito, learn to make flaky empanadas, and ride horse-drawn carriages in the highlands. More thrilling adventures are in store as you head toward the coast for horseback riding on the slopes of towering volcanoes and bird-watching in Ecuador's cloud forests

Uncover Ecuador: From the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Coast - 15 Days

Enjoy all that Ecuador offers on this epic 15-day journey from mountains to sea. Start by visiting Quito's key sites, then explore Cotopaxi National Park by bike before enjoying the waterfalls of Baños. Discover the quaint Andean villages of Cuenca, Gualaceo, and Chordeleg, and hike through Podocarpus and Carjas National Parks to witness unspoiled natural beauty and wildlife. Finish on the coast near Machalilla National Park, where you'll snorkel with marine life and catch sea breezes.

Ecuador Adventure Tour: Quito to Yacuma Natural Reserve, Baños & Riobamba - 15 Days

Explore active volcanoes, spot colorful birds, and capture stunning photos on this 15-day Ecuadorian adventure. Begin with a tour of Quito and a challenging hike up Volcán Pichincha, then head into the rainforest for some wildlife watching in Yacuma Natural Reserve. Climb to waterfalls in Baños, and transfer to Riobamba and Latacunga for more volcanic treks. Immerse yourself in nature in Cotopaxi National Park and Antisana Ecological Reserve, then wind down in Papallacta's natural hot springs.

Climb the colorful Santa Anna Hill in Guayaquil

Adventure Through the Andes, Southern Ecuador & the Coast - 16 Days

Some of the deepest history in the Americas can be found in the Andes mountains—particularly in Ecuador. Experience this country's rich heritage and natural beauty over 16 days of adventures, starting on the cobbled streets of historic Quito with cultural excursions and cooking classes. After soaking in Ecuador's famous hot springs, you'll hit the highlands to hike extinct volcanoes and tour pre-Inca ruins before snorkeling and surfing the coast's prime spots.

Other popular travel destinations in Ecuador
Quito · Baños · Cotopaxi · Otavalo · Guayaquil · Cuenca · The Amazon · Yasuni National Park · Papallacta · Archidona · Tena · Mindo · Quilotoa · Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve · Isinliví · Cacha · Lago Agrio

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