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Between Fire and Snow
With its temperate, wet, and cool climate, this province, lying to the south
of Cotopaxi, is known for its towering peaks, its Carnival festivities,
and its fruit and flower production. Handmade leather goods are another
one of its riches. The town of Baños is one of the gateways to the
Amazon.
Ambato - The City of Leather
Ambato, 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.
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Ba?os - A Paradise in the Mountains
With its friendly people, well developed tourist infrastructure, lush surroundings,
ideal location, and delicious cuisine, Baños de Agua Santa is one
of the nation’s most popular destinations and gateways to the Amazon.
Located on the eastern slopes of the Andes, Baños is the departure
point for trips to jungle destinations such as Puyo, Misahuallí,
and the waterfalls of Agoyán, Inés María and the famous
Pailón del Diablo, as well as to the Andean peaks of Tungurahua and
El Altar. Offering endless opportunities to the ecotourist, Baños
is a center for various adventure sports such as kayaking, trekking, and
mountain biking. Other attractions include the Virgen de Agua Santa Sanctuary
and the various thermal hot springs in the area.
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Towns and Villages
San Pedro de Pelileo has become a hotspot for the production of artisan
products as well as being an industrial textile center producing denim clothes.
The community of Salasaca, famous for their woolen and sisal rugs and wall
hangings, is also a popular tourist destination . Píllaro, to the
northeast of the province, is the gateway to the mysterious Llanganates
and is famous for its pear, peach, and plum crops. Patate is also a large
agricultural center producing delicious avocados, babacos, tree tomatoes,
mandarins, limes, and grapes. Quero, Mocha ,and Tisaleo are other important
farming communities near Pelileo.
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Mountains
This province is full of spectaculaly beautiful towering peaks and active
volcanoes that are ideal for climbing, some of which include Tungurahua
(5087 m), Carihuairazo (5020 m), Cerro Hermoso (4571 m), and Sagatoa (4153
m).
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Sangay National Park
This park stretches from the Andes to the Amazon, with its 520 thousand
hectares covering much of the provinces of Chimborazo and Morona Santiago.
The reserve's elevation varies between 800-5400 m and the reserve's most
impressive peaks include Sangay, el Altar, and Tungurahua. Many diverse
species of wildlife can be found here such as mountain dantas, spectacled
bears, and ocelots. The temperature varies between 6 and 24 degrees centigrade.
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Llanganates National Park - The Incas' Treasure
This huge reserve (219707 hectares) covers an area larger than that of Cotopaxi,
Napo and Pastaza provinces put together. The park consists mainly of Andean
forests and exuberant Amazonian forests but the main attraction are the
mountainous Llanganates, of which Cerro Hermoso and Pisayambo lake system
form a part. Legend has it that Atahualpa's ransom in gold was hidden here
hundreds of years ago.
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Cuisine
Llapingachos (potato cakes) served with fried eggs and sausages are
typical fare in Ambato. Grilled guinea pig is also popular in Mocha and
Pelileo while Ba?os is famous for its sugar cane candies.
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Map of Tungurahua, Ecuador |
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Province's Capital |
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Road |
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Cities |
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Thermal Waters |
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Hiking |
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Sangay |
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Chimborazo |
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| Tungurahua Intro | Ambato
| Baños | Towns & Villages
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| Mountains | Sangay National
Park | Llanganates National Park |
| Cuisine | Map of Tungurahua, Ecuador
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