Do I need a visa for Ecuador?

Most EU, US, Canadian, Australian, and many other nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.

What currency is used?

The US dollar is the official currency.

Is altitude sickness a problem?

Yes, most of the province is above 2,500m. Acclimatize for 1-2 days, avoid alcohol, and try coca tea.

Do I need a guide to climb Chimborazo?

It is highly recommended; a certified guide is mandatory for the summit and strongly advised for the refuge hike.

How do I book the Devil's Nose train?

Purchase tickets online at www.tren.com.ec or through local tour agencies; book weeks ahead in dry season.

What language is spoken?

Spanish and Kichwa. English is limited outside tourist agencies.

Can I drink tap water?

No, tap water is not safe. Always drink bottled or purified water.

What are the best markets?

Guamote market on Thursday is authentic; Riobamba’s Saturday market is the largest.

When is the main festival in Riobamba?

The Fiesta de la Virgen de las Nieves in August features parades, music, and fireworks.

For accessing Chimborazo’s refuge and remote villages, a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.

Layers, waterproof jacket, sturdy boots, high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and a warm hat for cold nights.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

In Riobamba, many hotels and restaurants accept cards, but rural areas and markets are cash-only.

Varies by nationality; many get 90-day tourist stamp on arrival.

Is English widely spoken?

Limited; Spanish is essential in rural areas.

Can I climb Chimborazo?

Yes, but requires a guide, acclimatization, and proper gear.

What is the altitude of Riobamba?

Approximately 2,754 meters (9,035 feet).

Are credit cards accepted?

In cities, but cash is king in villages.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

No; drink bottled or purified water.

How do I get to Chimborazo from Quito?

Bus to Riobamba (4-5 hours), then taxi or tour.

Yes in Riobamba, but limited in small towns.

What is the Nariz del Diablo train?

A scenic train ride from Riobamba to Alausí with steep switchbacks.

Yes, in the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve.

Chimborazo Province

Ecuador, South America

Chimborazo Province is a STATE in Ecuador, South America.

Chimborazo Province, Ecuador: Nestled in the heart of the Andes, this high-altitude wonderland is crowned by the majestic Chimborazo volcano, Earth’s closest point to the sun. The capital, Riobamba, bustles with indigenous markets, colonial architecture, and the starting point for the famous Devil's Nose train ride through dramatic Andean cliffs. Hikers and mountaineers flock to the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve for challenging ascents and sweeping páramo landscapes dotted with vicuñas. The province is a cultural tapestry of Kichwa communities, best experienced at the colorful Guamote market, where locals in vibrant traditional dress barter for produce and livestock. At over 3,600 meters, even a stroll demands deep breaths, but the reward is crisp air, cobalt skies, and views of Tungurahua and Altar peaks. Warm, earthy cuisine like locro de papa and roasted cuy fuel the journey. For a gentler encounter, cycle the peaceful shores of Laguna de Colta or explore the ancient Ingapirca ruins nearby. Whether you’re conquering a volcano or swapping stories with weavers in a remote village, Chimborazo delivers raw Andean magic and genuine hospitality.

Best time to visit Chimborazo Province

The best time is during the dry season from June to September, when clear skies offer spectacular volcano views and ideal hiking conditions. Daytime temperatures in Riobamba average 17°C, dropping near freezing at night. June–August is peak season with higher prices and more visitors. The wet season (October–May) brings afternoon rains, but landscapes are lush and markets vibrant. Avoid climbing Chimborazo in the wettest months (March–April) due to poor visibility and hazardous conditions.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Overcast
Temperature: 12°
Feels like: 11°
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 1 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Mild 7-18°C, afternoon rain returns

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Green landscapes return; suitable for cultural visits.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

UIO

Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito)

International

180 km away

GYE

José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (Guayaquil)

International

220 km away

CUE

Mariscal Lamar International Airport (Cuenca)

International

175 km away

LTX

Cotopaxi International Airport

Domestic

120 km away

Getting around

"Buses connect Riobamba with Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil; the terminal is on the city outskirts. Within Riobamba, cheap urban buses and taxis are plentiful—negotiate taxi fares beforehand. For Chimborazo reserve, hire a guide with transport or rent a 4x4; no public transport reaches the refuge. The Devil's Nose train departs from Alausí (1.5 hours south); book tickets in advance, especially in high season. Colectivos (shared taxis) and camionetas serve rural routes. Hiring a private driver for a day offers flexibility to explore remote villages."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

15 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in Riobamba hotels and cafes

Local SIM

Local SIM available at Riobamba shops from $5

Stay safe

Overall

7/10

Altitude illness risk, use reputable guides for mountain treks.

Night safety

6/10

Altitude illness risk, use reputable guides for mountain treks.

Transport

7/10

Scam risk

5/10

"Chimborazo is generally safe, but take common precautions: avoid displaying valuables, especially in crowded markets and bus stations. Petty theft can occur. Use only registered taxis or ride-hailing apps. At night, stick to well-lit areas in Riobamba. For mountain treks, always go with a certified guide; unguided attempts on Chimborazo are dangerous due to crevasses and altitude. Check weather forecasts—afternoon fog and storms are common. Emergency services: 911. Road travel: winding mountain roads require defensive driving; consider a 4x4 for remote areas. Protests or roadblocks can occasionally disrupt travel, so check local news."

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Entry and health

Health information

"Altitude sickness is the primary health risk; most of the province lies above 2,500m. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and drink coca tea. Riobamba has hospitals and clinics, but rural areas have limited facilities. Comprehensive travel insurance with high-altitude cover and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended. Bring any prescription medications; pharmacies may not stock all brands. Sunscreen and lip balm essential due to intense UV at altitude. Tap water not safe to drink—bottled or purified water only. Mosquitoes are rare at high elevations, so malaria prophylaxis is usually unnecessary. If trekking, watch for hypothermia signs as weather can shift rapidly."

Culture

Local customs

"Indigenous Kichwa culture is strong; ask permission before photographing local people, especially in traditional dress. Markets are social hubs—a polite 'Buenos días' and friendly bargaining are expected, but never haggle aggressively. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, particularly when visiting churches or rural communities. Avoid public displays of affection. Punctuality is relaxed; 'la hora ecuatoriana' means things start later. Respect sacred natural sites like Chimborazo, considered an Apu (mountain spirit). Offering a small gift to a host if invited into a home is appreciated. Learn a few Kichwa phrases: 'Alli punlla' (good day) earns smiles."

Spanish (official)QuechuaShuarKichwaEnglishSpanish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$3-5 | a set almuerzo costs $3-5

Hotels

$20-60 | budget hotels range $20-60/night

Local transport

$0.30-1 | local bus ride ~$0.30-1

Cost notes

Tours and guide fees extra; hiking Chimborazo with a guide costs $100-200+

Timezone

America/Guayaquil
Local time 19:58

More facts

Population

520,000

ISO code

EC-06

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Cicalpa, Sicalpa, Villa La Union, Villa La Unión, Chimborazo

Major HubMountainHikingCulturalAdventureNatureIndigenous