Knowing what to do in Riobamba on a weekend is easier than it seems—and more rewarding than many expect. The Sultana of the Andes boasts snow-capped volcanoes, a legendary train, vibrant markets, colonial churches, and a cuisine that has been simmering for centuries. All of this is just three hours from Quito and less than four from Guayaquil.
This guide brings together the ten most complete plans to enjoy a weekend in Riobamba: from the heights of Chimborazo to the cobblestone streets of the historic center, passing through one of the most famous railway routes in Latin America.
Finally, you'll also find the best base for accommodation and getting around without wasting time.
Why Riobamba deserves a full weekend
Riobamba is not a city to pass through. It is a city that rewards those who linger. Founded in 1534, it was the first Spanish city in Ecuadorian territory and preserves a historic center with colonial architecture that still breathes history on every corner.
However, its greatest appeal lies not in the city itself, but in its surroundings. Chimborazo Volcano—the closest point on Earth to the sun due to its location on the equator—is less than an hour away. El Altar Volcano, with its yellow lagoon surrounded by peaks, is two hours away. The Palmyra Desert, one of Ecuador's most striking landscapes, is forty minutes away.
Furthermore, Riobamba has something few cities in the highlands can offer: a human scale. It's not as large as Quito nor as touristy as Cuenca. Therefore, getting around, eating, and exploring are much easier and without the crowds of more popular destinations.
10 plans for a weekend in Riobamba
These are the most comprehensive plans for organizing a weekend getaway, organized by type of experience. They can be combined according to each traveler's pace.
1. Climb the Chimborazo Volcano
Chimborazo is the number one reason to visit Riobamba. At 6,268 meters high, it is the tallest volcano in Ecuador and, due to its location on the equator, the point on Earth farthest from the planet's center—and closest to the sun.
Access to the first refuge, at 4,800 meters above sea level, is open to the public and requires no mountaineering experience. The hike from the reserve entrance to the refuge takes between 45 minutes and an hour. The high-altitude moorland landscape, the viscachas among the rocks, and the views of the snow-capped peaks on clear days make every step worthwhile.
Ideally, you should leave early—before 8:00 a.m.—to take advantage of the visibility before the clouds roll in. Guided excursions to Chimborazo, including transportation, are available from Hacienda Abraspungo.
2. Ride the Devil's Nose Train
The Devil's Nose Train is one of the most famous railway journeys in Latin America. Its most spectacular section descends from Alausí — 45 minutes from Riobamba — along a series of switchbacks cut into the living rock of the mountain, with a gradient of almost 800 meters in just a few kilometers.
This engineering marvel, built in the late 19th century, is considered one of the most audacious on the continent. The journey lasts approximately two hours and combines scenery, history, and the sensory experience of watching the train descend the mountainside. Advance booking is recommended on the official Tren Ecuador website .
3. Explore the historic center of Riobamba
The historic center of Riobamba is one of the best preserved in the Ecuadorian highlands. Its main squares—Plaza Maldonado, Parque Sucre, and Plaza de la Concepción—are surrounded by colonial buildings, stone churches, and historic arcades.
The Cathedral, built with stone from old Riobamba, is the only one in Ecuador with its facade facing south. The Church of La Merced, the Convent of the Conception, and the Central Bank Museum complete a cultural tour that can be easily done on foot in a full morning.
On Saturdays, the Producers' Market sets up near the town center, offering handicrafts, textiles, and agricultural products from all over the province of Chimborazo. It's one of the best markets in the highlands for experiencing local culture.
4. Visit the Church of Balbanera
Located 27 km from Riobamba, on the Colta Lagoon, is the Church of Balbanera: the first church built in Ecuadorian territory, founded on August 15, 1534. The current building retains its original colonial structure and is surrounded by Lake Colta, whose surface reflects the church on clear days, creating a picture-postcard image.
The round trip from Riobamba takes no more than an hour and a half. It's one of those places that surprises you with its silence and historical significance—especially if you visit early, before the tourist groups arrive.
5. Explore the Palmyra Desert
The Palmyra Desert is one of Ecuador's most unexpected landscapes. 40 km from Riobamba, on the road to Guaranda, volcanic sand dunes appear surrounded by Andean mountains. The contrast between the green páramo and the sandy formations creates a scene that's hard to believe until you see it.
The area is ideal for landscape photography and short walks among the dunes. The visit can easily be combined with a trip to Chimborazo in the same morning.
6. Trekking in the Cubillines
The Cubillines are a group of volcanic hills in the south of the province of Chimborazo, less well-known than Chimborazo but equally impressive. Their high-mountain trails cross high-altitude grasslands, volcanic lagoons, and open landscapes with views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
It's an ideal option for experienced hikers looking for something different from the usual tourist routes. Access requires your own vehicle or a local guide.
7. Visit the El Altar Volcano
El Altar is considered by many mountaineers to be the most spectacular high-altitude landscape in Ecuador. Its caldera, formed by the collapse of the volcano centuries ago, is home to Laguna Amarilla—a turquoise lagoon surrounded by peaks over 5,000 meters high.
The drive from Riobamba to the trailhead takes approximately two hours. From there, the hike to the lagoon takes between four and six hours, depending on your pace. This is a great excursion for the second day of a weekend, reserving the first day for Chimborazo or the historic city center.
8. Discover Guano and its handicrafts
Guano is a canton 8 km from Riobamba, known for its handwoven rug workshops and artisanal sausages—especially Guano chorizo, famous throughout the Ecuadorian highlands. A tour of the workshops allows visitors to witness the rug-making process firsthand, a tradition passed down through generations.
Furthermore, the Guano viewpoints offer some of the best views of Chimborazo in the entire region. The visit takes no more than two hours and can easily be combined with the return trip from the hacienda at the end of the weekend.
9. Local gastronomy: the dishes you can't miss
Riobamba has its own unique culinary tradition that deserves to be explored. These are the dishes that define Riobamba's cuisine:
- Hornado: pork roasted in a wood-fired oven for hours, served with hominy, potatoes, and chili pepper. La Merced market is the classic place to eat it on Saturdays.
- Yaguarlocro: potato soup with cooked sheep's blood. A hearty and aromatic dish from the central highlands.
- Cholas de Guano: sweet bread filled with panela (unrefined cane sugar) and spices, typical of the neighboring canton. It can be found fresh in bakeries in Guano and in the markets of Riobamba.
- River trout: raised in the cold waters of the rivers of Chimborazo, it is served fried or steamed in most restaurants in the city.
At Abraspungo Restaurant, the menu blends local flavors with contemporary techniques. It's a way to experience Riobamba's cuisine in an environment that truly does justice to the ingredients.
10. Relax at a colonial hacienda
Riobamba is best enjoyed with a good base. Hacienda Abraspungo is 3.5 km from the historic center, on the Riobamba–Guano road, with direct access to all the attractions mentioned in this guide.
The 45 rooms combine Andean colonial architecture with all modern comforts: complimentary buffet breakfast, Wi-Fi, free parking, and the tranquility of the Andes, perfect for a good night's sleep. From the hacienda, you can arrange excursions to Chimborazo, horseback riding in the surrounding area, and transfers to the historic center.
It's the kind of accommodation that turns a weekend in Riobamba into more than just a trip — into an experience to remember.
How to get to Riobamba
Riobamba is located in the center of the Ecuadorian highlands and has excellent connections with the main cities of the country.
| City of origin | Estimated time | Main 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 |
| Bathrooms | 1 hour | Baños–Riobamba Road |
Ideally, you should arrive Friday afternoon to make the most of Saturday and Sunday. Hacienda Abraspungo offers check-in from 12:00 PM and free parking for your own vehicle.
Who is this weekend for?
Riobamba is one of those destinations that works for almost any type of traveler. However, there are certain types of travelers who particularly enjoy what the city and its surroundings have to offer.
- Nature and trekking lovers: Chimborazo, El Altar and Los Cubillines offer high mountain experiences for all levels.
- Cultural travelers: the historic center, the Balbanera Church and the Devil's Nose Train connect with Ecuador's history in a way that few destinations can match.
- Families: the attractions are accessible, the distances are short, and the hacienda offers ample space for children and adults alike.
- Couples on a getaway: the combination of nature, gastronomy and a colonial hacienda is the ideal setting for a memorable weekend escape.
Frequently asked questions about what to do in Riobamba
What to do in Riobamba in one day?
With just one day, the most comprehensive combination is: a morning at Chimborazo Volcano, an afternoon in the historic center, and dinner at Abraspungo Restaurant. If you prefer a more cultural experience, the Devil's Nose Train from Alausí is another option for a full day.
When is the best time to visit Riobamba?
Between June and September, the highlands experience their dry season, offering the best views of Chimborazo with clear skies. However, Riobamba can be visited year-round. National holidays—Easter, the Battle of Pichincha, and the November festivities—are particularly busy times in the city.
Is it safe to visit Riobamba?
Yes. Riobamba is one of the most peaceful cities in the Ecuadorian highlands. The historic center, markets, and natural attractions are safe for both domestic and international travelers. As with any destination, basic precautions are recommended with valuables in crowded public spaces.
What to do in Riobamba with children?
The Chimborazo Volcano trail up to the first refuge is accessible for children. The Devil's Nose Train is an experience enjoyed by all ages. The Guano canton, with its carpet workshops and viewpoints, is also ideal for families. Hacienda Abraspungo has spacious gardens and plenty of room for children to move around freely.
Where to stay in Riobamba to visit Chimborazo?
Hacienda Abraspungo, located at Km 3.5 on the Riobamba–Guano road, is one of the most comprehensive options: colonial architecture, buffet breakfast included, and coordinated excursions to Chimborazo, just 3.5 km from the historic center. Reservations can be made at haciendaabraspungo.com or by calling +593 997 683 450.