9 Top Things To Do in Ambato, Ecuador

What Is The Miraflores Neighborhood In Ambato, Ecuador?

Miraflores is one of Ambato's oldest and most charming neighborhoods. It began to flourish with the railway that once connected Ambato to Quito around the early 1900s. Although the railway has long been out of service, the area kept its character. Orchards and gardens highlight the city's natural beauty, and each street is named after a different flower.

Miraflores is one of Ambato’s most charming and unique neighborhoods, and walking through it felt like stepping back in time. This area, among the oldest in the city, began to flourish with the railway that once connected Ambato to Quito around the early 1900s. Although the railway has long been out of service, it left behind a neighborhood that’s full of character and history.

As we wandered through Miraflores, we loved seeing the beautiful orchards and gardens that really highlight Ambato’s natural beauty. One detail that made us smile was discovering that each street is named after a different flower—it added such a quaint touch to this already picturesque place.

What Is Ambato, Ecuador Known For?

Ambato and its surrounding areas are known throughout Ecuador for their fruit cultivation, especially peaches, and for flowers. The city celebrates the Carnival of Flowers and Fruits, usually between mid-February and early March, before Ash Wednesday. For two weeks there are parades, outdoor performances, beauty pageants, bullfights, and street fairs with pop-up amusement rides.

The festival dates vary slightly each year, usually falling between mid-February and early March, right before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, in line with the typical Latin American Carnaval season. We’d love to return someday to experience this vibrant celebration firsthand—it sounds like an incredible way to see Ambato at its liveliest!

Why Visit Juan Montalvo's Mausoleum In Ambato, Ecuador?

The mausoleum is one of Ambato's earliest and most remarkable structures. Its façade shows unique architectural details, and traditional local materials reflect the craftsmanship of Ecuador's early architects. The stone building marks a significant turning point in the city's rapid urbanization. It stands at the center of the historic district and offers a glimpse into Ambato's history and development.

This mausoleum stands as one of Ambato’s earliest and most remarkable structures. We admired the unique architectural details of its façade, which, along with the use of traditional local materials, really showcases the craftsmanship of Ecuador’s early architects. It’s an impressive reminder of the skill and artistry present in Ambato’s history.

The structure marks a significant turning point in the city’s rapid urbanization. Ambato has been the site of many important administrative and political events, and this imposing stone building stands proudly at the center of the historic district. It’s definitely a must-see while exploring the city, offering a glimpse into Ambato’s rich history and development.

What Is The Casa Del Portal In Ambato, Ecuador?

Casa del Portal is a renowned and historic structure that has become a defining feature of Ambato's landscape. Its colonial design is emblematic of South American growth in the 19th century, reflected in its structure. Today the building is regarded as an important piece of Ambato's history, adding to the city's charm and cultural significance.

The renowned Casa del Portal is another remarkable and historic structure that has become a defining feature of Ambato’s landscape.

We were truly impressed by the architecture of this building. Its colonial design is emblematic of South American growth in the 19th century, beautifully reflected in its structure. Today, Casa del Portal is regarded as an important piece of Ambato’s rich history, adding to the city’s charm and cultural significance.

What Is Cevallos Park In Ambato, Ecuador?

Cevallos Park, formerly known as Plaza de San Bartolomé, was the town's second square and serves as a vital gathering spot for locals. It was named in honor of the scholar Pedro Fermin Cevallos. The park offers benches where visitors can take a break, unwind, soak in the surroundings, and enjoy a moment of tranquility after exploring Ambato.

Cevallos Park, formerly known as Plaza de San Bartolomé, was the town’s second square and serves as a vital gathering spot for locals. It was named in honor of the esteemed scholar Pedro Fermin Cevallos.

After a long day of exploring Ambato, we decided to take a break and relax on the benches in this lovely park. It was the perfect place to unwind, soak in the surroundings, and enjoy a moment of tranquility amid our adventures.

What Are The Markets In Ambato, Ecuador?

Ambato's markets are traditional hubs where locals and people from the highlands trade goods, known especially for fruits and flowers. Mercado Central sits a block northeast of Parque 12 de Noviembre on Avenida 12 de Noviembre, while Mercado Modelo is about two blocks northeast of Parque Cevallos. Monday is busiest, then Wednesday and Friday.

Ambato’s markets are famous for their vibrancy and activity, serving as traditional hubs where locals and people from the highlands come together to trade goods. The city is particularly known for its fruits and flowers. Monday is the busiest trading day, followed closely by Wednesday and Friday.

Each day of the week, Ambato’s bustling Mercados Central and Modelo offer a diverse array of products. You can find Mercado Central just a block northeast of Parque 12 de Noviembre on Avenida 12 de Noviembre, while Mercado Modelo is located about two blocks northeast of Parque Cevallos, on the southeast side of Avenida Cevallos.

On market days, vendors fill the downtown streets surrounding these two marketplaces, creating a lively atmosphere that’s a joy to experience.

Why Try Empanadas In Atocha, Ambato, Ecuador?

Atocha is one of Ambato's earliest established parishes, historically situated along the railway that connected to Quito. It has been home to prominent Ecuadorian families and is believed to have shaped much of Ecuador's modern culture, including literature, artwork, and the national hymn. The empanadas here offer flavors considered unique compared to those found in other cities.

Ambato’s Atocha parish is one of the city’s earliest established areas, historically situated along the railway that connected to Quito. Its rich cultural history is fascinating, as it has been home to some of Ecuador’s most prominent and respected families.

This region is believed to have significantly shaped much of Ecuador’s modern culture, contributing to exceptional literature, artwork, and even the country’s national hymn!

If you’re a fan of empanadas, Atocha is the place to be, offering some of the best in Ecuador! The flavors here are truly unique compared to those I’ve tried in other cities, making it a must-try for any food lover.

What Is The Museum Of The Bolivar Higher Technical Institute In Ambato?

The museum began with a focus on the natural sciences but has evolved into a multidisciplinary institution. It serves as a window into Ecuador's history and the scientific principles behind its diverse flora and fauna. The exhibits provide insights into Ecuador's past and natural heritage, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in history and culture.

This museum began with a focus on the natural sciences but has evolved into a boldly multidisciplinary institution. It serves as a window into Ecuador’s rich history as well as the scientific principles behind its diverse flora and fauna.

Initially, I was hesitant to visit, as I’m not particularly fond of antiques and historical artifacts. However, if you have an interest in history and culture—like my travel companion—it’s definitely worth a stop. The exhibits provide valuable insights into Ecuador’s past and its natural heritage.

Where Can You Buy Leather Goods And Handicrafts In Ambato, Ecuador?

Quisapincha is the place for handcrafted, artisan goods in Ambato. It offers a wide variety of leather products, from coats and shoes to jeans and caps. Prices are much lower than in major shopping districts like Quito, and there is real opportunity for bargain hunting. Along with leather, Ambato is known for its flowers, fruit, and empanadas.

If you’re looking for handcrafted, artisan goods, Quisapincha is an absolute gem in Ambato. I was really impressed by the variety of leather products available—everything from coats and shoes to jeans and caps.

What I loved most about Quisapincha was the opportunity for bargain hunting. The prices are so much lower than in major shopping districts like Quito. I even scored a fantastic pair of leather shoes for half the usual price! It felt like a real victory, and I couldn’t help but share my excitement about finding such great deals.

Is Ambato, Ecuador Worth Visiting?

Yes. Ambato is a charming town in Ecuador known for its beautiful flowers and delicious fruits, especially peaches. The city has remained somewhat off the beaten path, with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Highlights include the Miraflores neighborhood, the Carnival of Flowers and Fruits, local markets, and Quisapincha's leather goods. Consider adding it to your Ecuador itinerary.

Ambato is a charming town in Ecuador, renowned for its beautiful flowers and delicious fruits. Although it has remained somewhat “off the beaten path” for tourists, it’s now attracting more international travelers than ever as word spreads about its welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

If you’re planning a trip to Ecuador and want to explore somewhere unique, definitely consider adding Ambato to your itinerary. It offers a delightful experience that captures the essence of Ecuadorian culture.