begins Summer vacation in the Ecuadorian highlands in June and lasts until August—and is the busiest time of year in the Andean region. The highland sun, clear skies over Chimborazo, and cool temperatures create perfect conditions for families to explore volcanoes, high-altitude grasslands, and colonial haciendas without the heat of the coast.
Riobamba is the epicenter of summer vacations in the Ecuadorian highlands for those seeking true adventure: Ecuador's highest volcano is less than an hour away, horseback riding through Andean highlands, hiking among vicuñas, and the silence of the Andes as your soundtrack. All of this is based at Hacienda Abraspungo—just 3.5 km from the historic center, with everything coordinated from the property itself.
This guide has the best plans for summer vacations in the Ecuadorian highlands, with everything you need to organize your family trip.
Why summer vacations in the Ecuadorian highlands are different
Summer vacations in the Ecuadorian highlands follow a climatic logic opposite to that of the coast. While June, July, and August are months of high humidity and frequent rain on the coast, in the highlands they are precisely the driest and sunniest months of the year. The coastal winter is the highland summer—and that makes Riobamba the perfect destination for families looking to escape the coastal climate.
In Riobamba, summer vacations in the Ecuadorian highlands are characterized by clear mornings, daytime temperatures between 12°C and 20°C, and direct visibility of Chimborazo on the clearest days. It's the time of year when the volcano is at its best—without the clouds of the rainy season—and when excursions to the páramo offer the best conditions.
The best plans for summer vacation in the Ecuadorian highlands
These are the most complete plans for summer vacations in the Ecuadorian highlands from Hacienda Abraspungo, organized by type of experience and level of activity.
Climbing the Chimborazo Volcano as a family
Chimborazo is the main attraction for summer vacations in the Ecuadorian highlands. Access to the first refuge, at 4,800 meters above sea level, is open to the public and requires no technical experience. Children over 8 years old can easily reach the summit with appropriate warm clothing and at a leisurely pace.
Along the way, vicuñas grazing among the rocks of the páramo are one of those unexpected encounters that children never forget. Being 4,800 meters above sea level, at the point on Earth closest to the sun, is a fact any curious child will want to share when they return to school. Hacienda Abraspungo coordinates excursions to Chimborazo with transportation included.
Horseback riding through the Cubillines
Guided horseback riding tours in the Cubillines area are one of the most popular summer vacation experiences in the Ecuadorian highlands. The four-hour ride through Andean highland trails, with Chimborazo volcano as a backdrop, includes transportation from the hacienda and snacks along the way. The price is $58 plus tax per person, with a minimum of two participants.
For the little ones, the ranch also offers children's horses on the property for $10 plus tax — a perfect introduction before the full horseback ride.
Hiking in the Andean moorland
Guided hikes around the hacienda are the least physically demanding option for summer vacations in the Ecuadorian highlands. The 2- to 4-hour tours traverse rural trails with views of Chimborazo and the surrounding hills. Transportation and snacks are included, and the guide adjusts the pace to the group.
Visit the El Altar Volcano and the Yellow Lagoon
For families with more free time during summer vacation in the Ecuadorian highlands, El Altar Volcano—two hours from Riobamba—offers one of the country's most breathtaking high-altitude landscapes. Its caldera is home to Laguna Amarilla (Yellow Lagoon), surrounded by peaks over 5,000 meters high. The hike to the lagoon takes between four and six hours from the trailhead—recommended for children over 10 years old in good physical condition.
Explore the Palmyra Desert and the Guano canton
Located 40 km from Riobamba, the Palmyra Desert surprises visitors with volcanic sand dunes surrounded by Andean páramo—one of Ecuador's most unexpected landscapes and perfect for family photos. On the way back, Guano offers craft workshops where children can watch live demonstrations of handwoven rug making.
Activities at the hacienda for summer vacation in the Ecuadorian highlands
Hacienda Abraspungo has spaces and activities for children to enjoy even during the time between excursions:
| Activity | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Horses for children | Within the property, supervised | $10 + tax per person |
| Table tennis and foosball | Available in the gardens | No additional cost |
| Giant Jenga and giant dominoes | Outdoor games in the gardens | No additional cost |
| Garden exploration | Extensive gardens with Andean plants | No additional cost |
The hacienda's expansive gardens are safe and well-defined—children can roam freely while the adults relax. It's the kind of setting that allows summer vacations in the Ecuadorian highlands to be enjoyed at two different paces: the children's and the parents'.
Where to stay for summer vacation in the Ecuadorian highlands
Hacienda Abraspungo is the ideal base for summer vacations in the Ecuadorian highlands. Its 45 rooms feature Andean colonial architecture, a complimentary buffet breakfast with products from Chimborazo, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.
Abraspungo Restaurant is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, serving Ecuadorian, Andean, and international cuisine. For families with children, the hacienda offers cribs available upon request and rollaway beds for $30 per night for toddlers.
The hacienda is located at Km 3.5 on the Riobamba–Guano road, 3.5 km from the historic center. All the activities in this guide can be coordinated from there without changing your base. For reservations, please write to +593 997 683 450.
How to get to Riobamba for summer vacation in the Ecuadorian highlands
| City of origin | Estimated time | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Quito | 3 hours | Pan-American Highway South |
| Guayaquil | 3.5 hours | Riobamba–Guayaquil Road |
| Ambato | 45 minutes | Pan-American Highway South |
| Basin | 3 hours | Pan-American Highway North |
For families with children, arriving Friday afternoon is ideal to make the most of the entire weekend. The hacienda offers check-in from 12:00 PM and free parking for private vehicles.
Who are the summer holidays in the Ecuadorian highlands in Riobamba for?
Summer vacations in the Ecuadorian highlands in Riobamba work especially well for certain types of families.
- Families from the coast: June to August in the mountains is the perfect counterpoint to the coastal winter — sun, clean cold and Andean nature.
- School-age children: Chimborazo, vicuñas, horseback riding, and Guano craft workshops are educational experiences that no classroom can replicate.
- Adventurous families: the concentration of outdoor activities in Riobamba is unmatched in any other city in the highlands.
- For those seeking real rest: the surroundings of the hacienda, the Andean silence and the gardens of Abraspungo are a genuine rest for adults and children alike.
Frequently asked questions about summer vacations in the Ecuadorian highlands
When are the summer holidays in the Ecuadorian highlands?
Summer vacation in the Ecuadorian highlands begins in June and extends through August. In 2026, the official start date is June 1st—coinciding with Children's Day. This is the dry season in the highlands and the best time of year for outdoor activities in Riobamba and on Chimborazo.
What's the weather like in Riobamba during the summer holidays?
June through August is the dry season in the Ecuadorian highlands. Daytime temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C, with clear mornings and a high probability of seeing Chimborazo without clouds. It's the best time of year to visit the volcano and hike in the páramo.
Can children climb Chimborazo during summer vacation?
Yes. Access to the first refuge, at 4,800 meters above sea level, is suitable for children over 8 years old with appropriate warm clothing. The hike from the parking lot takes between 45 minutes and an hour at a leisurely pace. No technical equipment or prior experience is required.
Are there activities for young children at Hacienda Abraspungo during the summer?
Yes. Horses for children are available on the property, as well as games in the gardens, ping pong, foosball, and giant Jenga. For younger children, the hacienda has cribs available upon request and rollaway beds for $30 per night.
How to book for summer vacation in the Ecuadorian highlands in Abraspungo?
Contact us via WhatsApp at +593 997 683 450 or by email at [email protected]. Summer holidays are peak season — we recommend booking at least three weeks in advance to guarantee availability.