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Before you go
Your trip to Ambato.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Ambato – Tungurahua Destination Baños and the Avenue of the Volcanoes Capital
How to get there
Ambato lies on the Pan-American Highway, between Latacunga and Riobamba, and is linked by bus to Quito, Latacunga, Baños de Agua Santa and Guayaquil. The city airport does not have commercial flights. To get there by plane, use Quito airport (UIO) in Tababela and continue by road. Confirm connections before traveling.
How many days
One day covers the center, with the Casa de Montalvo, the cathedral and the Central Market, and the Atocha-La Liria Botanical Garden, north of the center. It can be done as a one-day stop between Latacunga and Baños de Agua Santa.
When to go
The climate is mild year-round, with averages around 15 °C. From May to September there is less rain. The Fiesta de la Fruta y de las Flores takes place at Carnival, in February or March, and the city is busier on those days.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The center is walkable, and the Atocha-La Liria Botanical Garden is a short taxi ride or urban bus away. There are frequent buses to Baños de Agua Santa and Latacunga.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Ambato
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Morning
Juan Montalvo Park and Casa de Montalvo
Start at Juan Montalvo Park, the central square. Visit the Casa de Montalvo, the writer’s museum and mausoleum, on the corner of the square, then go into the cathedral across the way.
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Afternoon
Central Market and llapingachos
Have lunch at the Central Market, where stalls serve llapingachos, potato tortillas with chorizo and egg. Afterwards, walk the streets of the rebuilt center.
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Late afternoon
Atocha-La Liria Botanical Garden
Head to the Atocha neighborhood and explore the botanical garden, with Juan León Mera’s quinta and the Martínez-Holguín house museum. Confirm closing times before you go.
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Evening
Dinner in the center
Return to the center for dinner and a walk around Juan Montalvo Park, lit up at night.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth stopping in Ambato between Latacunga and Baños?
Yes, for those who enjoy history and market food. In one day you can see the Casa de Montalvo, the cathedral, the Atocha-La Liria Botanical Garden and have llapingachos at the Central Market, then continue to Baños de Agua Santa, about an hour by bus.
What is the Fiesta de la Fruta y de las Flores?
It is Ambato’s main festival, born after the 1949 earthquake to rebuild the city. It takes place at Carnival, with parades of floats decorated with fruits and flowers.
Why is Ambato called the city of the three Juanes?
Because of three writers born there: Juan Montalvo, Juan León Mera, author of the lyrics of Ecuador’s national anthem, and Juan Benigno Vela.
Where to eat llapingachos in Ambato?
The Central Market is the traditional place: several stalls serve the dish, with potato tortillas, chorizo, fried egg and avocado.
Does Ambato have an airport?
Ambato’s airport does not operate commercial flights. To arrive by plane, use Quito airport (UIO) in Tababela and continue by road.