Overshadowing
the whole
town is the
impressive
5 metre-high
sculptured
statue of
the El
Indio Guaranga,
who sits perched
on a main
hill near
the town.
From here
a magnificent
view of the
area may be
enjoyed, including
the snow crested
peaks of Chimborazo
Volcano. Take
a taxi for
around $1*
or hike your
way up the
hill. The
statue is
next to a
cultural
centre that
contains a
history museum
in addition
to the ethnographical
history region
by region.
The main market
days are always
colourful
with the locals
fully clothed
in their typical
dress. Fridays
and Saturdays
are the busiest
market days
on Plaza 15
de Mayo. During
the rest of
the week it's
a lot quieter...perfect
for strolling
around the
town and soaking
up the atmosphere
of old colonial
bygone days.
Parque
Simon Bolivar
is worth strolling
around and
is frequented
by many local
residents
in the evening
from 6-9pm.
In the centre
there's a
statue of
Simon Bolivar.
The park is
surrounded
by colonial
houses and
municipal
buildings.
On 7 de Mayo
and Olmedo,
there's an
anthropology
museum
with featuring
the pre-Incas
at the Escuela
de Educacion
de la Cultura
Andina.
There are
also some
interesting
paintings
by local artists
in Salon
de la Ciudad.
Opposite the
park is a
stone cathedral
with an impressive
marble altar,
stained glass
windows and
a wooden ceiling.
Two kilometres
further out
of town from
the statue
Guarango is
El
Troje
on the road
to Salinas
de Guaranda.
A 2 hour walk
along a canyon
takes you
to a splendid
8m high waterfall
called El
Infiernillo.
| Museums |
Museo Cultural Indio Guaranga
Cruz Loma-Guaranda
Telf: 980-757
Museo Santuario Nuestra Senora Natividad del Huayco
Carretera Guaranda-Babahoyo
Telf: 981-813 |
Festivals
Carnival
time is teeming
with visitors
from the whole
province and
showcases
a dazzling
combination
of parades,
dancers, strolling
poets all
roaming the
streets. A
group of local
musicians
also meanders
in and out
of various
houses through
the day, stocking
up on alcoholic
beverages
including
the infamously
strong 'Pajaro
Azul' - aguardiente
mixed with
local herbs.
The carnival
is officially
opened by
a large landowner
who is warmly
referred to
as Taita
Carnaval.
'Father Carnival'
finances the
party himself
and officially
opens the
festival upon
entering the
town.
Cruz
Loma Hill
Cruz Loma
offers a panoramic
view of the
entire town.
The town is
also home
to a monument
to the Indio
Guaranga as
well as a
small museum
containing
the independence
arms, historical
documents,
archaeological
remains, and
centuries-old
artwork.
Cochas
Lake
Lake Cochas
is an artificial
lake located
10km from
Guaranda.
It's a popular
destinaiton
where visitors
can go for
a boat ride,
admire the
beautiful
gardens and
try some local
delicacies.
Flora
and fauna
Local
birdlife species
including
blackbirds
and turtledoves
live in the
houses around
the lake.
The lake itself
is located
in a natural
depression
of the land.
At the wharf
there's a
small collection
of dingys
you can rent
for a boat
trip around
the lake.
Laguna
de Patococha
is home to
hundreds of
wild ducks.
*Prices
are approximate
Last
updated 14th
July 2006
