Ambato - Land of Fruits and Flowers

The provincial capital of Tungurahua, is most well known for its Carnival celebrations during which bullfights and parades turn the city into the nation’s most festive city towards the end of February. Located just two hours from Quito, Ambato is locally known as the Land of Flowers and Fruit and has traditionally been one of the Andes main trading centers. Ambato is also well known for its abundant production of artisan products, especially leather goods. Places of interest in Ambato are the Juan Montalvo and Colegio Bolívar museums where collections of archeological artifacts and scientific displays await the visitor. Also worth visiting is Montalvo’s house with its impressive ethnographic collection. Noteworthy churches include the Cathedral, San Francisco, Santo Domingo, La Merced, La Medalla Milagrosa, and the Padres Josefinos Temple.