Best time to visit Riobamba, Chimborazo

• Ride the Nariz del Diablo train — the famous Devil's Nose route now departs from Alausí, a two-hour bus trip from Riobamba, and descends a dramatic series of switchbacks.
• Explore Sangay National Park — the park holds several major volcanoes including Tungurahua, Sangay, and El Altar, with trekking and mountaineering options available from the Riobamba area.
• Wander the daily markets — seven markets operate each day; San Alfonso, San Francisco, and La Merced sit in the main tourist area, offering fresh produce, meat, and dairy in an authentic local setting.
• Visit the Saturday artisan market — a small, locally focused crafts market that feels more genuine than larger tourist markets elsewhere in the country.
• Relax in the city parks — at least six parks dot the city, several with sculptures or notable surrounding architecture; most offer free Wi-Fi on the RiobambaDigital network.
• Consider the Inca trail trek — a 2–3 day hike is sometimes mentioned as an option for adventurous visitors looking to extend their stay beyond the city.

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• Parque 21 de Abril — the best city viewpoint for the surrounding mountains; close to the train station and the glass-doored Iglesia San Antonio.
• La Catedral — the cathedral along Parque Maldonado features glass doors that let you glimpse the interior even when the main sanctuary is closed for services.
• Museo de la Ciudad — a free museum with an eclectic collection of paintings, sculpture, photography, and furniture.
• Teatro León — notable architecture directly across from Parque Sucre.
• Iglesia San Antonio — next to Parque 21 de Abril, this church is usually viewable through its glass doors even when not open for tourism.

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• June through mid-October — the most comfortable weather of the year, with mild average temperatures and very low rainfall.
• Clear mornings — on any visit, the best mountain views often come early in the day before clouds build up.
• April independence celebrations — Riobamba's Fiestas del Abril bring parades and activities all week, making it a lively time for those who enjoy festivals.

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• Getting around — buses cost 30 cents; taxis are plentiful, with most in-town rides around $1.50 (minimum $1.20 before 19:00, $1.30 after). The main tourist zone is very walkable.
• Bus connections — direct buses link Riobamba with Quito (3 hours), Guayaquil (4 hours), and Baños (1½ hours).
• Train travel — regular scheduled passenger trains no longer serve Riobamba, but Tren Ecuador runs occasional excursion services from Quito and Guayaquil.
• Eating well — Calle 10 de Agosto and Calle Daniel León Borja concentrate most dining options; lunch runs about $2–5 and dinner $3–6. Hornado (roasted pork) is a local specialty.
• Market rhythms — besides the seven daily markets, the Saturday market at Plaza Roja and a small artisan market offer additional shopping.

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