| Ecuador HIGHLIGHTS |  |
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| South of Riobamba: |  Cajabamba | Guamote
| Osogoche | Alausí | Chunchi | Book a Tour |  Cajabamba | | 17km west of Riobamba lies the previous site of the town that was destroyed by earth quakes in 1797 killing thousands in landslides where to the north side traces of the hill side are still visible due to collapsing. This area known as Cajabamba and as a result of the previously catastrophe has remained a poor area although the Colta Indian market on Sundays is worth visiting by bus in 25 minutes from Riobamba.
Laguna
Colta is also worth visiting and houses the country's oldest remaining church built around the shoreline in 1534 also restored since previous earthquakes. You will find the lake by taking the Pallatanga, Bucay, Milagro and Guayaquil route paralleled by railway track via bus, enjoy the scenery around here which is serenely spectacular. |  | | Guamote | | | Up from Cajabamba approximately 28 km is Guamote which is worth visiting on Thursdays due to a very colorful market including various animals, the walks are also beautiful in the surrounding
areas. Buses run frequently on this market day while Hostal Turista (By the railway station) and the Ramada Inn (Tel. 916242, on Vela and Riobamba) offer good accommodation and food if you wish to stay overnight, nearby in a southerly direction is Tixán home to sulfur mine workers which has many old style houses in the area and is worth a detour, especially during the town's festivities the 24th of June. | | | Osogoche | | | Up from Tixán towards Guamote is a sign to Osogoche
32km away with good trails for hiking across the paramo and although quite blustery has gorgeous views of the Sangay volcano, best viewed November till March. A separate treat is to see the lifestyle and homes of the Indians who live in grass made huts called "Chozas" along with their colorful costumes although you'll need camping gear and your own food. | | | Alausí | | Located some 45km south of Guamote. This area has a train station connecting point for many tourists who travel down the huge drops that resemble a roller coaster ride and is out of this world traversing down to Sibambe through a loop and into Nariz del Diablo, the Devil's nose route which begins around 83km from Riobamba. If driving you will also hit the north Pacific lowlands with rustic lodgings and restaurants dotted along this horizon. The climate is temperate and the village celebrates its festivities "San Pedro de Alausí" by the end of June.
 Accommodation
Important Notice: If
you wish to book in advance any of the below listed lodgings, visit our online Hotel reservation form. A BOE specialized agent will be able to process your inquiry immediately for the best and most affordable accommodation rates!.
Gampala.- With a restaurant. Address: 5 de Junio 122. Reservations: Tel. 930138.
Americano.- Modern with private bath. Address: García Moreno 159. Reservations: Tel. 930159.
Panamericano.- Good service. Located on 5 de Junio. Reservations: Tel. 930156.
Residencial Alausi.- Comfortable rooms. Address: Orozco and 5 de Junio. Reservations: Tel. 930361.
Short budget?
Residencial Guayaquil.- Basic. Address: Eloy Alfaro 149 (behind the station).
Restaurants
Gampala.- Vegetarian and set meals. Located at the hotel.
San Juan.- Breakfasts and set meals. Located on the main street.
Transport
There is a frequent bus service to and from Riobamba (2 hours, US$2). Most buses stop near the Panamericano Hotel. To Cuenca (5 1/2 hours, US$4). It is almost a kilometer walk from the Panamericana highway and most buses between Cuenca and Riobamba do not enter Alausí. Other local buses in Alausí running to nearby destinations, such as Achupallas and Chunchi, leave from 5 de Junio street. To Ambato (3 1/2 hours, US$2). To Guayaquil, Riobamba or Cuenca with Cooperative Patria.
Train
The route Riobamba Sibambe-Alausí or Alausí-Sibambe-Riobamba costs around US$20. Tickets are available for sale at 10:00 at the station (Tel. 930126). The train leaves Riobamba at 07:00, arrives to Alausí at 11:30 and onto Sibambe 45 minutes later, stops at Sibambe for some 10 minutes and then goes back to Alausí at 13:45, stops here for
another 10 minutes and returns to Riobamba at 17:30. | | | Chunchi | | A small village located at some 35 km south from Alausí, at 2,280m, along the Panamericana with a colorful Sunday market. It has a magnificent countryside from where you can hike to the Chanchán river in a pleasant atmosphere. Most restaurants are set on the main highway and all Buses leave from the plaza mainly to Riobamba.
Accommodation
Residencial
Villa Esther.- Basic. On Av. Chimborazo 733. Reservations: Tel. 936125.
Residencial Carmita.- Basic. Close to the station.
Residencial Patricia.- Basic. Located by the main plaza. | | | Book a Tour | | | The Best of Ecuador.com (BOE) has lately teamed up with the most recognized, respected Travel Agencies and Tour operators in the country. By filling in our online Travel Agencies and Tour operators network reservation form,
visitors may ask for a quote and book in advance as well for professional guided tours to Riobamba and surrounding areas, such as: Cajabamba, Guamote, Osogoche, Alausi, Chunchi and more. | | | South of Riobamba: | | Cajabamba | Guamote | Osogoche | Alausí | Chunchi | Book a Tour | | In Riobamba: | | Overview | Sightseeing | Markets
| Museums | Accommodation | Restaurants | Bars | Festivals | Shopping | Activities | Tour operators | Transport | General information | Excursions | Climbing and trekking | | Climbing and Trekking around Riobamba: | | Chimborazo | The eastern slopes | El
Altar | Sangay | | More about Ecuador Highlands: | | Carchi | Imbabura | Pichincha | Cotopaxi | Tungurahua | Bolivar | Chimborazo | Cañar | Azuay | Loja |
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