Guaranda

Understand

Located in the heart of the country, quaint Guaranda is the smallest provincial capital in the highlands. Its pleasant climate (22 to 25 degrees Celsius in the tropical regions) make it very popular with visitors, who are also attracted the area’s cool paramo. The Carnaval festivities of the area have gained fame throughout Ecuador.

Surrounded by the peaks of San Jacinto, Loma de Guaranda, San Bartolo, Cruzloma, Tililac, Talalac, and el Mirador, Guaranda is known as the City of the Seven Hills. At 2650m, this highland city is the smallest provincial capital in Ecuador. The Carnival festivities are very traditional and last for several days. Visitors are offered chicha (a local, maize-based alcoholic drink) and the popular firewater known as Pájaro Azul (Blue bird) which help them get into the spirit of the festivities.

Get in

By Bus: The bus station is located towards Riobamba and Babahoyo at Eliza Mariño Carvajal. Bus service to: Guayaquil, 4 1/2 hours, ticket value around US$2.50. To Quito, 3 different cooperatives every few minutes, 4 to 5 hours, ticket value around US$2.50. To Riobamba, 2 hours, ticket value around US$1.60. To Ambato, 2 hours, ticket value around US$1.60. There are also daily buses from San Luis de Pambil.

See

Over shadowing the whole town 3 km in the distance is the impressive 5 meter high sculptured statue of the El Indio Guaranga in the northwest, who sits perched on a main hill opposite. From here a magnificent view of the area may be enjoyed along with the snow crested peaks of Chimborazo Volcano. Take a taxi for around $1 or enjoy a hike, the statue is next to a Cultural center and also has a history museum in addition to the ethnographic history region by region.

The main market days are always colorful with the locals fully clothed in their typical dress and are open on Fridays and Saturdays (the main one) on Plaza 15 de Mayo while the best days for strolling the town and soaking up its atmosphere of old Colonial bygone days is best done around these days when it is less hectic.

Parque El Libertador is worth strolling around in and is frequented by many local residents in the evening from 6-9pm. In the center is a statue of Simón Bolivar that the inhabitants have informed us has had nestled under its right armpit a bees nest for many years. The park is surrounded by colonial houses and municipal buildings with panoramic views from the towers and a nice courtyard. On 7 de Mayo and Olmedo, there is an anthropology museum with pre-Inca at the Escuela de Educación de la Cultura Andina. Then there is Plaza Roja Guaranda, the other main city venue surrounded by restaurants and shops.

There are also some interesting paintings by local artists in Salón de la Ciudad. Opposite the…

Do

Carnaval: The Carnival in Guaranda is celebrated as in every other part of the country. But, additionally this town celebrates this holiday with festivities; masks, parades, guitars, poetry and dances all over the place. Considered one of the best carnivals of Ecuador.

Taita Carnaval (Father Carnival), is a grand celebration opening in which the sponsor of the party makes his grand entrance into town. After this opening, the party starts. Celebrations last for about 8 days.

Note: Carnaval is celebrated with water throwing in the whole country (except in Ambato).

Buy

Salinerito: Address: General Enríquez, Plaza Roja. Artesanías de PHD: Woolens, crafts & decorations. Address: General Enríquez, Plaza Roja.

Eat

Fritada (fried pork), mashed plaintains (known as bollos), Salty hornado (roasted pork), and empanadas (pastries filled with meat and cheese) are traditional fare in Guaranda.

Connect

Post Office: Address: Azuay and Pichincha.

Go next

Nearby Villages San José de Chimbo (20 km from Guaranda) is famous for its skilled craftsmen who handcraft guitars as well as fireworks. Chimbo has a museum dedicated to the story of Christ's shroud and the locals worship the El Guayco Virgin. Zumbi Hill A few kilometers from Chimbo stands the pyramid-shaped Cerro Zumbi. It’s considered to have been an ancient place of worship to the Gods Cuiche and Katekil. Catequilla Hill These hot springs are a few minutes from Chimbo and their medicinal properties attract visitors from all over. Near Chillanes (67 km from Guaranda) you can visit the archaeological remains of the Chillanes tribe. Salinas de Guaranda self sufficient village