This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Riobamba.
Riobamba is a happening city in Ecuador, which international tourists use mainly as base to take the "Nariz del Diablo" (Devil's Nose) train ride around the mountains. Although this train doesn't depart anymore from Riobamba's train station (it's being remodeled now for the past several years), it's still a great city to set off for Alausi, from where this famous devilish train ride currently departs.
This is your typical Ecuadorian city, surrounded by hills and mountains; the magnificent volcano Chimborazo stands out, with its snow-covered peak. As it's the highest mountain in Ecuador and the point on Earth closer to the sun, there are plenty of mountain expeditions trying to reach the top, but these are only suitable for experienced mountain climbers, due to the harsh conditions.
On Fridays and Saturdays the city's streets fill with young people heading to the many bars and clubs, concentrated especially around the central 10 de Agosto street, right next to the train station.
There are plenty of options for hostels in Riobamba -- accommodations in Rio, as locals call it, tends to have a lot of availability and more affordable prices than in previous years, since the train doesn't depart from this city anymore. Meals are also affordable, for Ecuadorian standards. As in most cities in the country, you will easily find restaurants serving lunch deals, called "almuerzos" that offer a combination of soup, main dish, and fresh fruit juice for a few dollars. If you're in the mood for something "a la carte," give the local favorites a shot!
Written by local enthusiast for Riobamba hostels
zararock
