17km
west of Riobamba
lies the previous
site of Cajabamba.
In 1797 the
town was destroyed
by earthquakes
that provoked
landslides,
killing thousands.
The whole
area is relatively
poor as a
result of
the catastrophe,
although the
Colta Indian
market on
Sundays is
worth visiting.
Getting
there
By bus
the journey
takes 25 minutes
from Riobamba.
Places
to visit
Laguna
Colta
is also worth
a trip. It
is home to
the country's
oldest remaining
church built
around the
shoreline
in 1534, restored
since the
earthquakes.
You can find
the lake by
taking the
Pallatanga,
Bucay,
Milagro
and Guayaquil
route that
runs alongside
a railway
track.
Last
updated 10th
July 2006
