Stand on the edge of Parque 21 de Abril on a clear morning and the mountains around Riobamba come into view all at once, with the train station just behind you. It is a working Andean city rather than a polished tourist town, and that is precisely its appeal.
Riobamba suits travellers who want a base for high country rather than a checklist of sights. It is the nearest city to Chimborazo, and it is the trekking and mountain climbing capital of Ecuador, so climbers, hikers and cyclists will find plenty to fill their days. If you prefer markets, colonial churches and a slow afternoon in a park, the city works on that level too.
This guide covers the sights and experiences worth your time in and around the city, followed by a one-day plan and answers to the questions visitors ask most.
Top things to do in Riobamba
1. Climb or hike Chimborazo
Riobamba is the nearest city to Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest mountain at just about 6,263 m (20,548 ft), and the climb is the reason many visitors come here at all. Organised climbs are available and cost in the region of $5–600 depending on what you arrange.
Treat this as a serious altitude undertaking rather than a casual walk, and build in time to acclimatise in the city first. If a full summit attempt is more than you want, the mountain is still the anchor of any stay in Riobamba.
2. Ride the Nariz del Diablo train
The scenic train ride known as the Nariz del Diablo leaves Riobamba three times a week, passing the Devil's Nose and Alausí round trip, with zig-zags. Riobamba used to be the terminus for this route, which remains the most famous train journey in Ecuador.
Note that the service now operates from Alausí, a two-hour bus trip from Riobamba, to Sibambe, so plan the connection rather than expecting to board in the city. Passengers were once allowed to sit on the roof, but that practice has been prohibited for safety reasons since 2009.
3. Explore the parks
There are at least six parks scattered through town: Parque 21 de Abril, Parque Guayaquil, Parque Sucre, Parque Maldonado, Parque La Libertad and Parque La Madre. Some are known for their sculptures, others for the architecture of the buildings around them.
As of January 2023, most if not all of them have free WiFi, so you can connect to the RiobambaDigital network while you sit. Use them as rest stops between the churches and markets rather than as destinations in themselves.
4. Take in the view from Parque 21 de Abril
On a clear day the view of the surrounding mountains is the thing not to miss, and the best views in the city are from Parque 21 de Abril, close to the train station. It is also the park next to Iglesia San Antonio.
Go early or late in the day when the peaks are most likely to be out of cloud, and combine it with a look at the church next door.
5. Stroll through the markets
Riobamba has seven daily markets, three of which — San Alfonso, San Francisco and La Merced — are in the main tourist area. All are authentic local markets with some mix of vegetables, fruit, meat, dairy and more.
There is also a weekly market on Saturdays in Plaza Roja if your visit lines up with it. Come hungry and come early, when the stalls are at their busiest.
6. Museo de la Ciudad
Museo de la Ciudad is free and holds an eclectic mix of art styles and content, including paintings, sculpture, photography and furniture. It is an easy, low-commitment stop that suits a mixed group.
Pair it with a walk through the surrounding streets of the historic centre, which retains a number of well-preserved churches.
7. La Catedral
La Catedral sits along one side of Parque Maldonado. It appears to open only for services, but it has glass doors, so you can see inside without entering.
A side chapel to the left of the main door seems to be open more frequently, so check there first. Combine the visit with time in Parque Maldonado itself.
8. Iglesia San Antonio
Iglesia San Antonio is next to Parque 21 de Abril. Like many of Riobamba's churches, it seems to open only for services and not for tourism.
Its glass doors mean you can at least see the inside of the church even though you cannot enter. Visit it on the same trip as the park and the mountain view.
9. Teatro Leon
Teatro Leon stands across from Parque Sucre and is notable for its architecture. It is a quick stop rather than a long visit.
Fold it into a walk that takes in Parque Sucre and the surrounding streets of the centre.
10. Sangay National Park
Riobamba is close to Sangay National Park, which contains several mountains and volcanoes including Tungurahua, Sangay and El Altar. It is a natural extension of the city's role as a base for the high country.
Given the scale of the park, plan it as a day or more rather than an afternoon add-on, and sort out transport before you commit.
11. Mountain biking
Mountain biking is another common sport here, alongside trekking and climbing, and the surrounding terrain gives it plenty of scope. It is a good option if you want a full day out without committing to a summit.
Arrange it through local operators in the city, and treat the altitude as the main thing to respect.
12. The Inca trail trek
The official Riobamba tourism website lists the Inca trail trek as a two-to-three-day option from the city. It suits travellers who want a multi-day walk rather than a single outing.
Check the tourism website for current details before you build it into your itinerary.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Parque 21 de Abril for the view of the surrounding mountains on a clear day, then look at Iglesia San Antonio next door through its glass doors. Walk from there into the historic centre and take in Museo de la Ciudad, which is free.
Afternoon: Stroll the markets in the main tourist area — San Alfonso, San Francisco and La Merced — for lunch and a look at local produce and goods. Afterwards, walk to Parque Maldonado to see La Catedral from the outside and check whether the side chapel to the left of the main door is open.
Evening: Head to Parque Sucre to see Teatro Leon across the street, then finish back in one of the parks, where you can connect to the RiobambaDigital network while the light goes.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the mountains?
On a clear day the surrounding mountains are visible from Parque 21 de Abril, close to the train station, and this is described as the best view in the city. Cloud cover varies, so keep the park in your plans for more than one slot if you can.
Can I visit Riobamba's churches?
Several of them, including Iglesia San Antonio and La Catedral, appear to open only for services rather than for tourism. Both have glass doors, so you can see inside without entering. At La Catedral, a side chapel to the left of the main door seems to be open more frequently.
Where does the Nariz del Diablo train leave from?
The service now operates from Alausí, a two-hour bus trip from Riobamba, to Sibambe. Riobamba used to be the terminus, so plan the connection rather than expecting to board in the city.
Is there a market on a specific day?
Riobamba has seven daily markets, three of them in the main tourist area: San Alfonso, San Francisco and La Merced. There is also a weekly market on Saturdays in Plaza Roja.
Sort out your acclimatisation days and your train connection first, and the rest of Riobamba falls into place around them.