Riobamba sits in the Chambo River Valley of the Andes at 2,754 m, close to the Chimborazo volcano, with a cool climate year-round and a wet and dry season. It is the capital of Chimborazo Province, a regional transport centre on the Pan-American Highway, and the base city for treks and climbs of Carihuairazo, Chimborazo, Sangay, El Altar and the Lost Pyramid of Puñay.
For a visitor, the practical layout is simple: the historic centre holds the well-preserved colonial churches and most of the museums, the railway station anchors the accommodation cluster around Avenida Daniel León Borja and the surrounding streets, and the bus terminal sits away from the centre with its own nearby places to sleep. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Riobamba
1. Around the railway station and Avenida Daniel León Borja
This is the most convenient base for a short stay, especially if you plan to take the scenic Nariz del Diablo train, which leaves Riobamba three times a week for the round trip past the Devil's Nose and Alausí. Accommodation here ranges from basic rooms to a small boutique property in a renovated 19th-century house with a courtyard, and there is an on-site restaurant option for early breakfasts before a train departure.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone whose schedule revolves around the train. Note that rooms at the front of buildings on this strip can be noisy, particularly at weekends, so ask for a room away from the street if you are a light sleeper.
2. The historic centre
The historic centre has a number of well-preserved churches and is where you find the city's museums, including religious art, archaeological and arms collections, along with the Casa de Bolívar and the cultural centre of the Banco Central. Basing yourself here puts the colonial architecture and museum visits within walking distance.
It suits travellers who want to spend their days on foot among the churches and collections rather than moving between transport points. The centre also connects you easily to the city's market life, where indigenous artisans sell handwoven textiles, handicrafts, leather goods, beer and dairy products.
3. Near the bus terminal
The area around the bus terminal has larger accommodation with more than forty bedrooms, a restaurant, a lobby and a conference hall, plus internet, breakfast, cable TV and a bilingual front desk. It is the practical choice if you are arriving or leaving by long-distance bus and want to avoid crossing town with your bags.
It suits budget and transit-focused travellers, and families who want on-site facilities. Be aware that some properties here are somewhat rundown and loud, and the terminal area is away from the historic centre, so you will need transport to reach the churches and museums.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: basic rooms, often with tiny private bathrooms or shared bathrooms, balconies and large windows; hot water can be unreliable and street-facing rooms are noisy. Expect the cheapest decent options in town in this bracket.
- Mid-range: modern rooms with cable TV, reliable hot water, Wi-Fi and comfortable beds, sometimes with an on-site restaurant serving early breakfasts; small boutique rooms in renovated older houses with courtyards also fall here.
- Splurge: the upper end of the local market, with larger rooms and higher rates; some properties host celebrities and athletes. This is a modest upper tier by international standards rather than luxury resort territory.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself around the railway station and Avenida Daniel León Borja. It puts you within a short walk of the train departure point, gives you the widest spread of accommodation from basic to boutique, and keeps you close to the historic centre and its churches and museums. If the train is not part of your plans, the historic centre is an equally sound alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I am taking the Nariz del Diablo train?
Stay around the railway station and Avenida Daniel León Borja. The train leaves Riobamba three times a week for the round trip past the Devil's Nose and Alausí, and some nearby places serve early breakfasts for passengers catching it.
Which area is quietest at night?
Rooms at the front of buildings near the station strip are noisy, especially at weekends, and some properties near the bus terminal are also loud. Ask for a room away from the street, or look at the historic centre, if noise matters to you.
Is it worth staying near the bus terminal?
It is practical if you are arriving or departing by long-distance bus, since you avoid crossing town with luggage. The trade-off is that you are away from the historic centre and its churches and museums, and some accommodation there is somewhat rundown.
What kind of accommodation can I expect in Riobamba?
The range runs from basic rooms with shared or tiny private bathrooms to modern rooms with cable TV, Wi-Fi and hot water, plus a small boutique option in a renovated 19th-century house. Hot water can be slow to warm up in the cheapest places.
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