Between history, culture, and exceptional landscapes, Guamote is an attractive region for ecological, historical, cultural, and community tourism. A visit here promises countless activities—both significant and genuinely captivating.

History

In 1613, Guamote was part of the city of Riobamba, serving as one of its ecclesiastical parishes. In 1643, it became a civil parish. In 1824, it was incorporated into the Riobamba canton when Gran Colombia was established. Under the administration of Dr. José María Velasco Ibarra, Guamote officially became a canton in Chimborazo province on August 1, 1944.

Guamote Today

Guamote lies approximately 46 kilometers from Riobamba, the capital of Chimborazo province. The town sits at the province's heart, bordered by Colta canton to the north, Alausi to the south, Morona Santiago province to the east, and Pallatanga canton to the west.

With an area of 1,216 square kilometers, Guamote is divided into three parishes—one rural and two urban—each represented by parochial administration to the municipal government, as with all Ecuadorian localities. Guamote town itself is the urban parish, while Palmira and Cebadas form the rural parishes. In Ecuador, the term parish designates municipal administrative divisions.

Guamote's population numbered approximately 45,153 inhabitants in 2010. According to the tourism office, nearly 95% of villagers are indigenous. It ranks among Ecuador's most conservative and traditional regions, despite urban development. Its population represents the country's oldest inhabitants, existing long before Spanish conquest. Quichua is the primary language, though the majority of indigenous people are bilingual, speaking both Quichua and Spanish.

The region's economy depends mainly on agriculture—particularly potato and barley cultivation—and the sale of farm animals.

What to Do in Guamote?

Typically, the town is tranquil except on Thursdays, market day. On this day, the scenic train from Quito passes through Guamote and stops at the city center, at Guayaquil station. The ideal approach is to arrive the evening before and stay overnight, allowing you to fully experience the market. Travelers who appreciate venturing off the beaten path will find stunning views of the region's numerous volcanoes, including @Chimborazo, @Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Sangay, and Carihuairazo.

Guamote hosts one of Ecuador's finest and largest markets. It's a genuine draw for foreign visitors, offering insight into local culture and regional products—both agricultural and artisanal. Steeped in colonial history, Guamote features narrow cobbled streets. Walking them reveals the beauty of age-old architecture from the railway era (20th century). The town nestles amid rivers and mountains, forming a verdant basin. The landscape comprises natural lakes, lagoons, rivers, Andean plateaus, volcanoes, and páramo peaks. This scenery opens countless outdoor activities: hiking, camping, horseback riding, cycling, and more.

Climate

Guamote enjoys a warm oceanic climate with no dry season and considerable wind. Average annual precipitation reaches 553.1 millimeters. The region records a mean temperature of 16.3°C, with a maximum of 17.1°C in December and a minimum of 14.9°C in July.

Guamote is located 244 kilometers from Quito (197 kilometers as the crow flies), with journey times of 3 hours 28 minutes by car, 2.8 hours by train, or just 20 minutes by air.

Train

Guamote lies 1 hour by train from Riobamba. The scenic "Nariz del Diablo" (Devil's Nose) tourist train traverses downtown every Thursday.

By Car

Guamote is accessible via the Guamote–Orge southern Pan-American highway. The road crosses the town along the railway line connecting Riobamba and Alausi. Following this route, inter-provincial buses stop at a point just a 5-minute walk from town. Local buses depart Riobamba every 20 minutes, making a 45-minute journey to Guamote.