Trip to Riobamba (Tungurahua Volcano)

Do you want to feel one with nature? Get rid of the stress of the city?

See unimaginable landscapes?

Spending little budget?

Do you want to feel free and safe? This place is the right one for you.

On my last vacation I went on a trip to the city of Riobamba to a community called El Manzano, I stayed at the "Rancho la Clementina", there they provide accommodation, camping, hiking and more, for the experience and the modest price I decided to use the camping option and it was a very pleasant experience, the nature that surrounds the place is incredible, you can see all kinds of animals, plants of all kinds, from the camping area where I was I had an excellent view of the Tungurahua Volcano, You see it in In all its splendor, the place completely isolates you from the city and surrounds you with nature and relaxation, the trails are wide, very well maintained, the different viewpoints help us visualize many angles and fully appreciate nature.

As for the food, there are dishes of all kinds, the food is impeccable, everything they use to prepare is fresh and cooked at that moment, and you can even cook it yourself, it is part of the experience.

If you decide to stay in one of their rooms it is also a good option, they are very beautiful rooms with equally incredible views and absolute privacy.

The activities that the stay offers us are several:

- Hike local trails.

- Photography areas at the viewpoints.

- Visit to the waterfall area.

- Guide to the hot springs, waterfalls, Tayos cave.

- Safe ascent to the Thungurahua volcano crater, and more.

There are several ways to get there.

If you go by private vehicle you arrive faster.

If you go by public transport you have to go to the Baños terminal and take a bus called Bayushig, this transport leaves you quite close to the Ranch, from the stop where you are staying you have to walk approximately 10 minutes and that's it.

My experience was interesting, we are going from the city of Quito, the approximate arrival time is 4 hours, upon arrival I registered at the ranch, paid my entrance fee and they gave me a space to camp, the space has everything I need to do bonfires, and there are even grills to prepare food, once the tent was set up we went out to do the activities they offer, first we walked along the trails seeing the great variety of plants and animals in the area, they also took me to see the waterfalls, that's why we went by car to the climb and from there we started walking, the journey is difficult because of how humid the floor is but when we arrive there are completely natural hot springs, the name of that place is "The Eye of the Ghost". For me, the most difficult thing was the return since it was very tiring. When I got to my tent, I enjoyed the view of the stars and the volcano, which was clear. The next day I made my food and prepared to return.

It was one of the best experiences I have had and I completely recommend it.

If you want to go, you won't regret it and I'm sure you'll enjoy it just like me. It's a very economical and high-quality plan. They have plans to implement more things and thus have more activities. Personally, I plan to return since The place is very cozy, good to get out of the routine and return refreshed.

By Carlos Garzón, 2024