Ambato
Introduction
Ambato sits in a central Andean valley on the banks of the Ambato River, beneath several tall mountains. As the capital of Tungurahua Province, it occupies a high elevation that shapes both its climate and its character. Its nicknames — "City of Flowers and Fruits," "Land of the Three Juans," and "Garden of Ecuador" — hint at the fertility and cultural pride that define it. Residents are known as Ambateños or Guaytambos.
Use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding highlands, and expect a setting where mountain views and riverbanks frame daily life.
Before you go
Ambato is an industrial hub, and for many travellers it amounts to little more than a stopover — most people see the bus terminal and nothing else on their way to Baños. Plan your visit with that in mind: this is a working city rather than a purpose-built tourist destination, so set your expectations around its industrial character instead of a sightseeing checklist.
Getting there
Ambato sits in the centre of the country, so it is well connected to destinations in every direction. Buses are the main way in, with services from Quito taking around two and a half hours, from Baños and Riobamba about an hour each, and from Cuenca roughly six hours. Many other towns and cities also have connections to Ambato.
Getting around
Ambato has no metro, tram, or urban rail network, so getting around relies on road-based transport and your own two feet. For most visits, walking is the simplest approach: the city center is compact and walkable, with parks, churches, and markets, along with cafes and shops, all within walking distance of one another. If your plans are concentrated downtown, you may not need any other form of transport at all.
- Buses: Public transport is based mainly on privately operated buses with extensive coverage, but the network developed without centralized planning, so service can be inefficient and inconsistent. Navigating it may take patience and local knowledge, so ask at your accommodation which routes serve your destination. Buses are serviceable for crossing the city but may not meet every traveler's expectations for comfort and reliability.
- Taxis and ride-hailing: Taxis are a straightforward way to cover distances too long to walk, and a useful fallback when the bus network feels hard to decipher. Ride-hailing apps are another option, though availability can vary, so have a backup plan.
- Cycling: Cycling is uncommon for commuting or errands. The city's rugged topography makes it difficult, and while bicycle microcircuits exist, they are not widespread or interconnected.
- From the airport: Ambato is served by its own airport, and the practical options for reaching the center are taxis or a pre-arranged transfer. With no rail or metro link, plan on a road journey, and ask your accommodation to organize a pickup in advance if you would rather not arrange a taxi on arrival.
For longer journeys, Ambato's central location makes it well connected to the rest of the country by intercity bus, with services from Quito, Baños, Cuenca, Riobamba, and many other destinations, so the city works well as a base or a stopover. Allow extra time when using city buses, keep taxi fare in cash, and confirm the fare or use the meter before setting off.
Where to stay
Where you sleep in Ambato comes down to a simple trade-off between setting and economy. Hotel Emperador sits right by Parque Cevallos, so you are on a lively, central doorstep, and it sweetens the deal with a complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool; there is also a bar downstairs if you fancy a nightcap before turning in.
- Hotel Emperador — Av Cevallos, beside Parque Cevallos; modern, with breakfast, indoor pool and a bar.
- Hotel Imperial Ambato — Av. Doce de Noviembre; the surrounding area is not the most invigorating, but breakfast is included and rates can be very economical.
Food & drink
Ambato is known for its bread, and the local bakeries are where you'll find it at its best. Stop by a pastelería for breakfast or a coffee break, and pair your bread with pastries from the cafeteria counter. The source offers no further detail on the city's drinking scene, so plan to ask locally about where to go.What to see and do
In the city center, set your expectations accordingly: earthquakes have devastated Ambato repeatedly, most recently in 1949, so much of the architecture is modern rather than historic. The cathedral from 1954, next to Parque Juan Montalvo, is considered the city's landmark, though locals and visitors alike tend to be unenthusiastic about its modern design. A more rewarding stop is the set of seven large murals painted onto the walls of public buildings in early 2017. For a change of pace, head to the Jardín Botánico Atocha-La Liria, Ambato's botanical gardens. Across the street stands the Quinta de Juan León Mera, a hacienda-style museum in the home of a writer, with the similar Casa Museo Martínez-Holguín adjacent in the park.Three days in Ambato
Day one: Start in the centre of Ambato, a city in Tungurahua Province in the Andean highlands of Ecuador. Take a walk along the Ambato River, then head for Parque Cevallos and Av Cevallos, where you can get a feel for the city's character. Ambateños are known for their love of flowers and fruits, so look out for guaytambos as you go. In the evening, settle in near Parque Cevallos, where you can stay at Hotel Emperador or Hotel Imperial Ambato.
Day two: Use the city as your base for a day trip to Baños. Buses run from Ambato to Baños, and you can also reach Quito, Riobamba and Cuenca by bus if you plan to continue your journey. If you prefer to stay closer, spend the day cycling or walking through the city's gardens and green land. Navigating Ambato is straightforward, and taxis are easy to ride when you want to cover more ground.
Day three: Allow time for the city's parks and gardens, which reflect its reputation for flowers and fruits. From Ambato you can plan onward travel to Baños, Quito, Riobamba or Cuenca, or simply enjoy another day among the Ambateños. Public transport and taxis make it easy to get around, so you can see more of the city before you leave.