Riobamba Carnival 2023

Riobamba, Ecuador

Riobamba Carnival 2023: Taking Carnival to Heart

Riobamba Carnival is one of many Carnival celebrations that take place in Ecuador each year. The carnival celebrates with parades, floats, games, banquets, dances and more. Starting the weekend before lent and continuing on until ‘Fat Tuesday’, the annual celebration combines the traditional Catholic celebrations with wild street parties, fiestas and more. 

The city of Riobamba takes Carnival to heart each year, with new programs, thousands of participants and national and international bands.

Locals and visitors alike dress up and dance alongside festive floats throughout parades. Celebrating carnival also means water fights! Prepared to get messy because locals will also often throw colored powder and water balloons! 

“Riobamba light’s up when it comes to the holidays!”

Best views of Riobamba Carnival

Riobamba Carnival takes place in the Ecuadorian city of Riobamba, one of ten cantons located in the Chimborazo province. 

How to get around Riobamba

The nearest major airport is Aeropuerto International Mariscal Sucre, located in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito. The city and airport are located three and a half hours north of Riobamba.

Car rental options are available throughout the airport, with affordable and flexible rental options for visitors.

You can also travel to Riobamba via bus, with regular buses leaving from Quito Terminal. Upon arrival, local buses can be found throughout the downtown area; with fares starting at around $0.25. Taxis are readily available and you can travel almost anywhere in town for around $1.25. 

Where to stay in Riobamba

Riobamba offers a number of accommodation options in the heart of the city and surrounding areas. Popular hotels include Hotel Montecarlo, Hotel Hacienda Abraspungo, Hotel Spa Casa Real and Mansion Santa Isabella.

You can also find a number of affordable  apartments and rental options throughout the city. You can explore all the nearby accommodation options below. 

Things to do in Riobamba 

The heart of Ecuador, Riobamba, offers a range of stunning attractions and adventurous activities. You can find countless mountains and inactive volcanos, offering running and hiking trails and panoramic views over Ecuador. Popular locations include Chimborazo, Pro Vici and Yaruquíes.

You can also find a range of popular parks throughout the area, including Parque Guayaquil, Parque 21 De Abril and Parque Llneal Chibunga.

Riobamba also offers a number of historical attractions and landmarks, including Parque Sucre, Loma de Quito and La Vasija.

There are also some great museums including the Cordoba Roman Historical Museum, the Museum of the City and the Museum of Natural Sciences.

Located in the heart of the Andes, you can also find a number of guided tours to the Andes and surrounding volcanos. 

Riobamba Carnival 2023 Dates

Riobamba Carnival will take place from February 18-21, 2023.