Weather in Riobamba

Riobamba sits in the shadow of Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest peak, and is best known as the starting point for the Devil's Nose train, a dramatic switchback railway that zigzags down a near-vertical cliff. The city's colonial centre and surrounding Andean landscapes, including access to Chimborazo's high-altitude reserve, make it a worthwhile stop on the way through the central highlands.

Best areas to stay in Riobamba

Riobamba centre

The colonial core with a central plaza, cathedral, and access to the train station for the Devil's Nose route.

Alausí

A town about 1.5 hours away and the main departure point for the Devil's Nose train.

Chimborazo Fauna Reserve

A high-altitude reserve around Ecuador's tallest peak, with a refuge and trails amid vicuña herds.

Guano and Santa Teresita

Smaller towns near Riobamba known for textile crafts and local markets.

Getting to Riobamba

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Flights

Fly into Quito (UIO), then travel by road around 3-4 hours to Riobamba.

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From London

~14-16 hours from London via a US or Bogotá connection plus onward road travel.

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Getting around

Buses connect Riobamba with Quito and Alausí; a rental car or tour is useful for reaching Chimborazo Fauna Reserve.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Riobamba?

June to September offers clearer mountain views of Chimborazo, though weather at this altitude can change quickly year-round.

How do I get to Riobamba?

Riobamba is around 3-4 hours by road from Quito, with regular bus services available.

What is the Devil's Nose train?

A historic railway from Alausí (near Riobamba) that descends a steep switchback cut into a cliff face, originally built to connect the highlands with the coast.

Can you visit Chimborazo from Riobamba?

Yes — Chimborazo Fauna Reserve is around an hour away, with a refuge accessible by road for those wanting to experience the high-altitude landscape and vicuñas.

Is altitude sickness a concern in Riobamba?

Riobamba itself sits around 2,750 metres, and visitors heading up Chimborazo should acclimatise and ascend gradually to avoid altitude sickness.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The Devil's Nose train ride was thrilling, the switchbacks down the cliff face are hard to believe until you see them. Riobamba itself was a pleasant, low-key base.

Patricio A. · July 2024

★★★★☆

Drove up to Chimborazo and saw wild vicuñas against the snow-capped peak, breathtaking but the altitude hit us hard, take it slow.

Megan S. · August 2023

★★★★☆

Riobamba's market and colonial centre were worth a wander before heading out to Alausí for the train the next day.

Julian H. · June 2024