Over shadowing the whole town 3 Km in the distance is the impressive 5 meter high sculptured statue of the "El Indio Guaranga" in the north west, who sits perched on a main hill opposite. From here a magnificent view of the area may be enjoyed along with the snow crested peaks of Chimborazo Volcano. Take a taxi for around $1 or enjoy a hike, the statue is next to a Cultural center and also has a history museum in addition to the ethnographical history region by region.

The main market days are always colorful with the locals fully clothed in their typical dress and are open on Fridays and Saturdays (the main one) on Plaza 15 de Mayo while the best days for strolling the town and soaking up its atmosphere of old Colonial bygone days is best done around these days when it is less hectic.

© Picture by Isabel de Wuth. 02-2282841.

Parque Simón Bolivar is worth strolling around in and is frequented by many local residents in the evening from 6-9pm. In the center is a statue of Simón Bolivar that the inhabitants have informed us has had nestled under its right armpit a bees nest for many years. The park is surrounded by colonial houses and municipal buildings with panoramic views from the towers and a nice courtyard. On 7 de Mayo and Olmedo, there is an anthropology museum with pre-Inca at the Escuela de Educación de la Cultura Andina.

There are also some interesting paintings by local artists in Salón de la Ciudad. Opposite the park is a Cathedral constructed in stone surrounds and inside has an impressive marble altar complete with stained glass windows and wooden ceiling.
Two kilometers up from the statue Guarango is El Troje on the road to Salinas de Guaranda, a chance to see another set of natures wonders. Here you can walk 2 hours along a canyon to view a splendid 8 m high waterfall called El Infiernillo.

Carnivaltime is teeming with visitors from the whole province as well as neighboring ones also and has a dazzling combination of parades, dancers, strolling poets and masked partiers who roam the streets at random. A group of local musicians also meanders in and out of various houses through the day often receiving alcoholic beverages or the locals drink called Pajaro Azul (Blue Bird) which is a twist on the national drink aguardiente and mixed with local herbs.

The carnival is actually opened by a large landowner who is warmly referred to as Taita Carnaval (Father Carnival) who finances the party himself and officially opens the festival upon entering the town.

Important Notice: If you wish to book in advance any of the below listed hotels, hostels, or bed and breakfasts in Guaranda. By filling in our online Hotel reservation form, a BOE specialized agent will be able to search for the best and most affordable accommodation rates in this city.

Among the best are:

La Colina.- Address: Av. Guayaquil 117. Set on a hill north of the entrance coming from Ambato. Reservations: Tel & Fax: 980666.

Cochabamba.- Address: García Moreno and 7 de Mayo, Tel. 981958, Fax: 982125.

Bolívar.- Address: Sucre 704 and Rocafuerte. Reservations: Tel. 980547.

La Colina.- International food. Located at Hotel La Colina.

Cochabamba.- International food. Located at Hotel Cochabamba.

Amazonas.- Set meals & à la carte. Address: 9 de Abril and García Moreno.

Pizza Buon Giorno.- Pizza and salads. Address: Av. Circunvalación 2 blocks from Plaza Roja.

Bolivar.- Set meals. Address: Sucre 706, at Hotel Bolívar.

Rumipamba.- Grill & set meals. Address: General Enriquez 308, Plaza Roja.

Marisquería El Conchal.- Seafood. Located at Plaza Roja.

Cafeterías

Bar-Café Tacuma.- Address: Garcia Moreno across from Parque Bolívar.

Heladería EI Pinguino.- Address: Sucre across from Parque Bolívar.

Juad's Pastelería.- Address: Convención de 1884 and Azuay.

All of them offer varied music.

Patatús.- Address: Garcia Moreno between Sucre and Pichincha.

No Bar.- Address: Sucre between Manuela Cañizares and Azuay.

Balcones de la Pila Disco Bar.- Address: Pichincha and García Moreno.

Note: Carnival is celebrated with water throwing in the whole country (except in Ambato).

Carnival.- The Carnival in Guaranda is celebrated as in every other part of the country. But, additionally this town celebrates this holiday with festivities; masks, parades, guitars, poetry and dances all over the place. Considered one of the best carnivals of Ecuador.

Taita Carnaval (Father Carnival), is a grand celebration opening in which the sponsor of the party makes his grand entrance into town. After this opening, the party starts. Celebrations last for about 8 days

Salinerito.- Address: General Enríquez, Plaza Roja.

Artesanías de PHD.- Woolens, crafts & decorations. Address: General Enríquez, Plaza Roja.

Bus

The bus station is located towards Riobamba and Babahoyo at Eliza Mariño Carvajal. Bus service to: Guayaquil, 4 1/2 hours, ticket value around US$2.50. To Quito, 3 different cooperatives every few minutes, 4 to 5 hours, ticket value around US$2.50. To Riobamba, 2 hours, ticket value around US$1.60. To Ambato, 2 hours, ticket value around US$1.60

Tourist information.- Address: Garcia Moreno between 7 de Mayo and Convención de 1884.

Tour operators

Delgado Travel.- Address: García Moreno and 9 de Abril. Tel & Fax: 981719.

Cashcaventura.- Tours to several destinations in the region such as: Salinas de Guaranda, Chimborazo, and other nature reserves. Address: Convención de 1884 1112 and García Moreno. Tel & Fax: 980725.

Communications

Andinatel.- Address: Rocafuerte 508 and Sucre, also at the bus station.

Post Office.- Address: Azuay and Pichincha.