Ambato, Ecuador lies in northwestern South America. Ambato (San Juan de Ambato) is a city in the centre of Ecuador, lying on the banks of the Ambato River. It is the capital of the province of Tungurahua, at an elevation of 2,600 meters above sea level. The population is about 155,000.
Ambato Ecuador Shield
The city is a leading commercial and transportation center on a fertile region near the northern foot of the volcano Tungurahua, which is still active with a major eruption way back in August 2006. Look at the below pictures of this monster as taken from an Ambato home. It is towering over the city, ready to crush it. On Mondays the city hosts one of the largest fruits, vegetables, and assorted meats markets in the country. In addition, Ambato casts the famous “Fiesta de las Flores y de las Frutas” (Flowers and Fruits Festival) in February. As a way to recover from the tragic earthquake of August 5, 1949, Ambato began its tradition of the Fruits and Flowers Festival. It is now a major tourist attraction held in the city. During this time, schools and businesses close for different varieties of parades and shows, and a “Queen of Ambato” is also chosen from representatives of each high school, some government offices, and the police force.
The earthquake of August 5, 1949 destroyed most of the city, leaving few buildings of the colonial era. Landmarks include the mausoleum of Juan Montalvo, the estate of Juan León Mera, and the white Ambato Cathedral. Ambato is also where, on November 12, 1821, Antonio José de Sucre achieved a major victory over the Spanish Royalist Army during the war Ambato Shield/Escudofor independence. This date is now an official holiday in the city. Famous people from Ambato include master painter Aníbal Villacís and professional poker player Carlos Mortensen. The name Ambato comes from the name of several species of toad (jambato). These toads are either endangered or extinct. A new mall with a movie theater has recently been built called “El Mall de Los Andes”. Photos of the mall and the again active volcano are below.
(Text and map of Ecuador adapted from: Ambato. From Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia)
Welcome to Ambato, Ecuador – Bienvenidos a Ciudad de Ambato
How many riders can YOU get on a motorcycle – in Ambato, Ecuador
Busy intersections get busier as official and impromptu bus stops crowd in, but a great place to get some food, whether walking or on the bus – in Ambato, Ecuador.
Had your medicine today? – at a bus stop in Ambato, Ecuador
Busy intersection get busier as official and impromptu bus stops crowd in, but a great place to get some food, whether walking or on the bus – in Ambato, Ecuador.
Snow capped mountains and live volcanoes surround Ambato, Ecuador
The Iglesia Capilla de la Medalla Milagrosa (Chapel of Miracle medal) is one of many churches in Ambato, Ecuador. One wonders if they attract the earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that periodically destroy the city.
The Iglesia Providentia is one of many churches in Ambato, Ecuador. One wonders if they attract the earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that periodically destroy the city.
A quite typical neighborhood in Ambato, Ecuador
A religious procession prepares to strike up the band and get underway in a neighborhood in Ambato, Ecuador
Bacardi rum and Sprite packaged together gives a clue as to a popular drink in Ambato, Ecuador
A quite typical neighborhood in Ambato, Ecuador
There is plenty of traffic, even with heavy use of private buses and public transit in Ambato, Ecuador. Traffic signals are obeyed more than many other places.
A nicer than typical neighborhood in Ambato, Ecuador
Upscale rotisserie chicken restaurants make it difficult for American fast food restarants to compete
A quite typical neighborhood in Ambato, Ecuador
A quite typical neighborhood in Ambato, Ecuador
The sports stadium in Ambato, Ecuador
There is plenty of traffic, even with heavy use of private buses and public transit in Ambato, Ecuador
Tires and rims for sale in Ambato, Ecuador
Auto lenses and other plastic repairs are marketed by this shop in Ambato, Ecuador
There is no apparent shortage of money at the banks – in Ambato, Ecuador
Busy intersections get busier as official and impromptu bus stops crowd in, but a great place to get some food, whether walking or on the bus – in Ambato, Ecuador.
Ice cream vendor just rolling down the street… – in Ambato, Ecuador
The new world class Mall of the Andes in Ambato, Ecuador
Bridge across the Ambato River in Ambato, Ecuador
Bridge over the Ambato River in Ambato, Ecuador
Motorcyclist seeming as an apparition of a bygone era rounds the statue of Luis Martinez in Ambato, Ecuador
A pedestrian bridge in Ambato, Ecuador
There is an eye to beauty with flowers in many areas of Ambato, Ecuador
Auto driving school car in Ambato. There is plenty of traffic, even with heavy use of private buses and public transit in Ambato, Ecuador. This person is lucky to learn in an area with little traffic congestion.
There is an eye to beauty with flowers in many areas of Ambato, Ecuador
A quite typical neighborhood in Ambato, Ecuador
A quite typical neighborhood in Ambato, Ecuador
Snow capped mountains and live volcanoes surround Ambato, Ecuador. Here Tungurahua shows its power with a (without phot0 magnification) from a Ambato home’s deck.
Snow capped mountains and live volcanoes surround Ambato, Ecuador. Here Tungurahua shows its power with a slight phot magnification from a Ambato home’s deck.
Street scene near the beautiful modern cathedral of Ambato, Ecuador
The beautiful modern cathedral of Ambato, Ecuador
The beautiful modern cathedral of Ambato, Ecuador as seen at night.
A quite typical neighborhood in Ambato, Ecuador
A sports complex is strategically placed in residential neighborhood in Ambato, Ecuador
A firehouse with modern equipment protects an upscale neighborhood in Ambato, Ecuador
Large, colorful statues at traffic circles greet visitors to Ambato, Ecuador.
Large, colorful statues at traffic circles greet visitors to Ambato, Ecuador.
%20is%20one%20of%20many%20churches%20in%20Ambato,%20Ecuador.%20One%20wonders%20if%20they%20attract%20the%20earthquakes%20and%20volcanic%20eruptions%20that%20periodically%20destroy%20the%20city.&from=ambato-ecuador)
%20from%20a%20Ambato%20home’s%20deck.&from=ambato-ecuador)
