Most people travelling to the south of Ecuador go directly via Ambato to Riobamba. But those who like to travel far from the beaten track have an interesting option: to take the picturesque mountain road climbing to 4000 m from Ambato to Guaranda and to proceed by Guaranda – Riobamba route.
I just did it and now I know why they write in the guide book that it is not the road for faint-hearted people. The driver was driving like crazy man, approeching the serpentines with the speed of 60 km per hour and more… Local people in the bus did not react – for them it is normal… Through the window I saw lamas and vicunias and picturesque villages on the slopes of the mountains.
In Guaranda I find accommodation in Hotel Bolivar (10 USD per room with bath) There was nice view from my window – Guaranda is surrounded by seven hills – sometimes they call it Rome of the Andes.
Food is inexpensive in Ecuador: in the market they charge 4 cents for banana, 40 for papaya, the rolls cost 6 cents pp. The bottle of San Miguel rhum cost just 2,50 USD. But take care ‘ you are in the high mountains!
