Chambo - Chimborazo - Ecuador

Naturally magical and owner of a great cultural and historical richness, Chambo "La Señora Del Agro", is located 8 km from the city of Riobamba, capital of the Province of Chimborazo, at the foothills of the Quilimás and Cubillín Mountains. Eastern Cordillera

Its altitude ranges from 2,400 to 4,730 m.s., covers three climatic floors: sub-Andean temperate, Andean cold and glacial. The climatic, geographical and soil type characteristics, allow a great variety of agricultural production and is the main economic source of the population, and providing food for the country, we can find a variety of crops such as: white onion, red, beet, lettuce, carrot, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cilantro, kidney beans, kidney and tree tomatoes.

Chambo is one of the first settlements of the Puruha nationality and, according to historical data, the Chambas formed their settlements on the slopes of Mount Leonán and Cubillín and on the banks of the mighty Chambo River.

His name descends from his Cacique Chamba or Achamba of warrior roots, and that comes from the jíbaro ashánd = old, old; and from (am) bu = entrails; old entrails. Its name also means "The place of the sacred stone of the sun". Achamba was the most faithful of the curacas of the Kingdom of Quito, a great priest of the sun, and at his indomitable courage, he united his hospitality. Chamba administered his territory in harmony with his gods and his people dedicated to agriculture, herding, exchange of products and manufacture of fabrics.

Tourist Places in Chambo

Mother Church

Declared recently as Cultural Heritage by the relevant Ministries, it was built from 1890 to 1920, has windows, pillars and towers that correspond to the neoclassical style, inside its architectural style includes the Gothic. The church is divided into three naves which have baroque altarpieces finely carved in natural wood, with religious images of saints like Saint John the Evangelist patron of the canton. It has four bells: two large and two medium.

Sanctuary Our Lady of the Fountain of the Carmel of Catequilla

It was built in honor of the Virgin of Carmel, its eclectic architecture has two floors, the first is used as a catacomb, the second is the image of the Virgin impregnated on an imposing rock 2m high by 1.50 wide, with an altar carved in fine wood.

Tourist Complex La Pampa

Neighboring the beautiful Sanctuary of Catequilla, the tourist corner "La Pampa" stands, who takes advantage of the benefits of its geography and a natural environment, with rudimentary infrastructure, has a beautiful natural slide system, artificial lagoon with abundant trout for fishing sports, you can slide in a funicular home system, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, tarabita, rowboats, cable slider, land slide, target practice, camping area, restaurant service, disco, among others .

El Vergel

It is located 5 minutes from Chambo, in the middle of an impressive landscape. He is accompanied by the sound of the river and the wind that rocks in its trees. It has green spaces, sports courts, typical food and drinks, horseback riding, walks among eucalyptus and pine trees, fruit thefts, reception rooms, space for tents and campfires, dance hall, among others.

The Quillimas

They rise in the East of the Canton and is formed by a series of rocky peaks, with an altitude of 4,670 m.s.n.m, the landscape is beautiful, its slope is quite irregular and steep so reaching its summit represents a challenge for the climbers. Its zone of life is the Sub Alpino pluvial Páramo with a temperature of 3 ° C to 6 ° C and an annual precipitation of 1000 to 2000 mm. In the months of July and August, which are the coldest months of the year, it has an icy climate on the summit of the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes and is within the Sangay National Park. Both Los Cubillines and Los Quilimas are part of the summit line or the watershed of the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes.

Hot springs of Aguallanchi or Guayllabamba

They are located 12 km away. from the city, on the border between the communities of Guayllabamba and San Francisco, at an altitude of 3 240 m.s.m. and a temperature of 12 ° C. It is a source of thermal water of volcanic origin rich in sulfur, with healing powers.

Chambo River

The Chambo River falls from the summits of the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes of the Ozogoche lake system, goes from South to Northwest, joins the Patate River that forms the Pastaza River to go to the Amazon. It has 140 km. of travel, of which 17 km. It belongs to Canton Chambo from the influx of the Daldal River to the confluence of the Puchulcahuan stream.

The Cubillines

They rise in the east of the Canton, they are a set of summits full of mysteries and legends with a maximum height of 4,730 m.s.n.m. Its zone of life is of Sub-alpine rainy wasteland with a temperature of 3 ° C to 6 ° C in an annual rainfall of 1,000 to 2,000 mm. The landscape is beautiful, its slope is gentle so it does not represent any risk for lovers of mountain sports, this attraction is part of Sangay National Park.

Leonan de Llucud Primary Forest

It is located northeast of the Canton, in the community of San Pedro de Llucud at a distance of 7.5 km from the city, at an altitude of 3,000 m.s.n.m. It comprises an extension of 67 hec. of primary forest where the tourist can enjoy the fresh air and observe native species of flora and fauna.

Lagunas de Rocón

They are located southeast of the city, at 3,120 m.s. and a distance of 3.5 km. It has a humid temperate climate with a temperature of 12 ° C to 18 ° C, an annual rainfall of 1,000 to 2,000 mm and vegetation belonging to humid Montano Bajo forest. Getting to the lagoons is like knowing paradise, its waters hypnotize visitors and transmits deep peace, reason why they are considered as the center of powers of the shamans. In its waters there are multicolored fish and on its shores migrating birds of the Coast arrive like herons and gulls.

Typical Food in Chambo

A culinary custom rooted in the Andean Altiplano; frying is the typical dish that is tasted in all the restaurants of the canton, other dishes are potatoes with guinea pig, sesina (fillet of dried meat in the sun), the morocho, machica, the sweet girl of jora, toasted, the yanito ( It is eaten in the communities and is a mixture of cooked grains such as beans, mellocos, mote, geese, beans.

Important information for the visitor

When visiting Chambo do not forget to bring your personal documents, very comfortable and warm clothing, swimsuit, comfortable shoes, camera.