Ambato - Tungurahua - Ecuador

Ambato, also known as San Juan Bautista de Ambato, is an Ecuadorian city; cantonal head of Canton Ambato and capital of the Province of Tungurahua, is called "City of Flowers and Fruits", or also "Cradle of the Three Juanes".
The city is the nucleus of the metropolitan area of Ambato, which is also constituted by cities and nearby rural parishes.

The city was destroyed several times by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The last of these earthquakes occurred on August 5, 1949, an earthquake with epicenter in the city of Pelileo, in the sector known as Chacauco; affected Ambato almost entirely, but thanks to the tenacity of its inhabitants, managed to get up again in less than two years.

It is one of the most important administrative, economic, financial and commercial centers of Ecuador. The main activities of the city are commerce, industry and agriculture.

What to visit in Ambato?

Cathedral of Ambato

The original chapel was built in 1698 when, after the earthquake, the city settled in that place, it was a large thatch covered with straw and that little by little was growing with the contributions of priostes and festivals, until it was replaced by another church At the same place.

It was a large building with three naves, with daring arches and aurora dome. As a result of a terrible earthquake in 1797 the church was completely destroyed. Immediately, the construction of a new church began, the same one that was structured with stone and with a beautiful design, receiving the name of Matriz church, which was destroyed on August 5, 2023 by a strong earthquake. In 1954 the majestic building that today constitutes the Cathedral of Ambato with a totally modern cut was inaugurated.

House of Montalvo

It is the most representative institution of the city located in the northern corner of the main square and built on a plot that belonged to Mrs. María López Naranjo, which was sold to Don Marcos Montalvo Oviedo, a progressive merchant married to Doña Josefa Fiallos, parents of Don Juan Montalvo.

The house that was built is the existing one at the corner of Bolívar and Montalvo streets, where the library of National Authors worked from 1927 to 1984 and from 1988 until today the Montalvino Museum works, in which valuable museum pieces are exhibited that they give faith of the life and work of the illustrious writer ambateño.

The Casa de Montalvo contains the Mausoleum of the most outstanding writer that the city has had, which was built in 1932 by the architect Jorge Mideros, who used the Greek monumental style for the Mausoleum. The body of Don Juan Montalvo rests inside and can be observed by the public. On April 13 of each year he is honored for the educational work of this Ildefonso Ambateño.

Quinta de Juan Montalvo

With an extension of one hectare and more than 200 years old, this villa was one of the most loved places by Don Juan Montalvo, where he was inspired to write some of his great works.
 
Inside this site is the house that belonged to this illustrious writer. In its interior three rooms have been adapted that exhibit the furniture of the time, as well as the important objects, between which a piano, the bed and pictures stand out.

Quinta of Juan León Mera

This building has a typical Spanish style, the construction dates from 1874, with an extension of five hectares was declared a National Historical Heritage.
 
It has as attractive not only the architectural structure, but also the wonderful botanical environment with 200 plant species between native and introduced and other endemics, unique in Latin America. Among the thick walls of adobe and bahareque are preserved the memories, manuscripts, paintings and photographs of the famous novelist Juan León Mera, who speak of his great love for art and country by bequeathing for posterity the symbol of Ecuadorian nationality, the National Anthem .

Botanical Garden La Liria

This area includes the properties that belonged to the families of Luis A Martínez (La Liria) and Juan León Mera (Atocha). It has an area of 14 hectares, in which 200 species of vascular plants and eight species of endemic flora of Tungurahua and the country.

These areas have a historical content, in addition to being the formation of a large ecosystem, thus becoming the lung of the city.

Juan Benigno Vela Park

This is another of the tourist attractions that Ambato has. Here you can perform different sports, also has several attractions for children, as well as you can admire the monument that was made in honor of Juan Benigno Vela, built in bronze on a stone pedestal.

The park is located on Quis Quis Avenue in Pacha and Molletambo streets in the Celiano Monge parish in the south of the city.

Park of the family

This is the largest park in the city and the one with the most visits during the year. It is built on the basis of ecological recreation.
Here you can see gardens, fruit orchards, ecological trails, among many other things. In addition, it has a picnic area, exclusive parking for 150 vehicles, playgrounds, a cycling area, ponds.

The park is located in the sector of Palama, on the Via Ambato -Quisapincha in the parish of Ambatillo.

Gastronomy in Ambato

Mote: One of the gastronomic wonders is the mottos of the Central and Modelo market, which are liked by locals and foreigners alike.

Pinllo Hens: Pinllo hens, which are visited especially by tourists from different cities of Ecuador, the area contains a story full of charms and customs.

"The sauce, the potatoes and the preparation of the Creole hen in a wood oven are the special flavor that give this dish very much desired by all."

Llapingacho ambateño: Without a doubt, many of the tourists who visit the province of Tungurahua, come to enjoy the traditional and special llapingachos, which are made from a dense mass of potatoes, cheese and a rehash of onions, which are essential in its preparation.

Also the few but tasty chorizos that are the attraction of this dish along with the salad and the avocado.

These are usually found in any restaurant or market in the city.

Flavors and colors: The juice of blackberry, strawberry, guava, coconut, banana, avocado, malt, naranjilla, guanábana, celery, among others are the most savored by ambateños and tourists.
According to expressions of those who usually go to the Modelo market to enjoy these shakes, they mention that one of the preferred mixtures are those that contain celery, avocado, malt, quail eggs and a coconut juice, which give phenomenal muscular strength.

The Feast of Flowers and Fruits

The Feast of Flowers and Fruits is named as one of the most beautiful celebrations around the country. This great celebration was born in response to the situation in which the city and its inhabitants were left after the earthquake of August 5, 1949.

The Festival was then a manifestation of the will of the Ambateños, who accepted the price proposed by nature to the beauty and fecundity granted to these lands, arose with fervor and enthusiasm in search of tangible answers to the damage suffered. The members of the Cantonal Agricultural Center were the main axis of the organization of the first party that took place on February 17, 1951.

The FFF is celebrated 40 days before Holy Week. The Fiesta consists of the Christmas Proclamation where hundreds of children from different schools participate in a colorful parade.
The Election of the Queen of Ambato, The Election of the Interparroquial Queen.
The Blessing of Bread and Fruits, the Parade of Fruit and Flowers
The Festival of Folklore, Gastronomic Festivals
Music Festivals, Concerts, and finally the nocturnal Ronda. It owes the name of the party to the great local fruit and bread production that coincides with the first months of the year.