Ambato is a city in the central highlands of Ecuador, in the province of Tungurahua. Known in the country for its flowers and fruit, it is a place where the rhythm of the surrounding farmland shapes much of daily life. The city is also recorded under the name San Juan de Ambato.
What a visit offers
- Flowers and fruit: the city's reputation rests on its growers, so markets and the fields around the city are a natural draw for anyone interested in local produce.
- The annual carnival: Ambato holds a yearly carnival celebration, a good reason to plan a trip around the festive season.
- Highland setting: its altitude gives the city a cooler climate than the Ecuadorian coast, which many visitors find pleasant to walk in.
Planning your trip
Ambato suits travelers who enjoy an unhurried city with a strong agricultural identity rather than a checklist of landmarks. Its character is best understood by spending time in its streets and markets, and by considering the carnival if your dates allow it. Because the facts available here are limited, check current details on local events, transport and opening times before you go.