Tourist attractions, shopping and gastronomy of Tungurahua

The towns of Ecuador are authentic and fascinating. A circuit begins in Baños, in the direction of Patate; this beautiful valley has farms that produce grapes, mandarins and avocados. The arepas, wine and fruits are exquisite; visit the beautiful Hacienda Manteles.

We continue to Píllaro, an authentic town where the rhythm of life does not seem to belong to this world. On the way we can admire the volcanoes: Tungurahua, Carihuayrazo, Los Altares and Chimborazo; emerging from potato and corn plantations. Yahuarlogro, picante (a spicy sauce), guinea pigs and fritadas are thier specialty.

Every Thursday a very picturesque animal fair takes place, where the farmers bring their pigs, cows, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc. to be exchanged or sold.

In Pinllo enjoy the famous “Pinllo chicken” and the purple colada morada made with black corn flour and fruits; accompanied with the delicious house bread made in a wood oven.

In Ambato visit the Casa del Portal in front of the Montalvo Park, the House and Mausoleum of Juan Montalvo diagonal to the Cathedral, the Quinta de Montalvo in the Las Palmas sector, the Juan León Mera House Museum and the Martínez Holguín Historical Museum, both opposite to the cultural center La Liria; roasted cuy asado and rabbits in Ficoa, llapingachos in the Mercado Modelo, chocolate of Ambato, central market and corn tortillas in Ingahurco.

Salasaca offers a great variety of beautiful handmade tapestries. Pelileo produces jeans of excellent quality and price. In Pelileo- Valle Hermoso visit the Bonsai Museum where the oldest collection of Bonsai in Ecuador is exhibited, which can be admired while walking through the enchanted Forest; El Columpio del Valle and the Café Mirador de Luna Bonsai, with spectacular views of Valle Hermoso, the Tungurahua Volcano and the Patate Valley.

In Baños visit the Basilica and museum of the Virgin of Agua Santa, tagua shop and Art Gallery "El Refugio del Viento" on Maldonado street; San Martín zoo, aquarium and serpentarium; delicious marshmallows and handicrafts on Ambato street. The best views are on the road to Runtun, you can see the Ulba and Chamana waterfalls, the imposing Tungurahua volcano from the Tree House, The Flight of the Condor with its spectacular swing and enjoy the sunset at Café del Cielo. Via Puyo, enjoy the Agoyán waterfalls, cross the Manto de la Novia tarabita and be surprised by the Pailón del Diablo, take a natural bath in Machay and have lunch at the Finca de la Vaca Swiss Bistro Cumandá.