Ambato is a city in the centre of Ecuador, lying on the banks of the Ambato River. It is the capital of the province of Tungurahua. The city is a leading commercial and transportation centre, in a fertile region, near the northern foot of the volcano Tungurahua, which is still active and last erupted in August 2006.

Tourist Offices
There is a tourist information office on Rocafuerte and Guayaquil that's open from 8am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, closing for lunch between 2 and 3pm.

Sightseeing
On Mondays the city hosts one of the largest fruits, vegetables, and assorted meats markets in the country. In addition, Ambato casts the famous "Fiesta de las Flores y de las Frutas" (Flowers and Fruits Festival) in February. As a way to recover from the tragic earthquake of August 5, 1949, Ambato began its tradition of the Fruits and Flowers Festival. It is now a major tourist attraction held in the city. During this time schools and businesses close for different varieties of parades and shows, and a "Queen of Ambato" is also chosen from representatives of each high school, some government offices, and the police force. The earthquake of August 5, 1949 destroyed most of the city, leaving few buildings of the colonial era. Landmarks left include the mausoleum of Juan Montalvo, the estate of Juan León Mera, and the white Ambato Cathedral. A new mall with a cinema has recently been built called "El Mall de Los Andes".

Getting there
There are regular buses from Quito, to come from elsewhere just go to Quito and get a connecting bus from there.