Riobamba is a city in the Andean highlands of Ecuador. Lying at the centre of the country, Riobamba is conveniently located at the crossroads between the highlands, the coast and the jungle. The city is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, and if you sit on the edge of the Chimborazo volcano, you will get the world’s highest view from the centre of the Earth. It's the starting point of the train ride to Nariz del Diablo. Most tourists flock in the evening before the train departure.

Around and closeby
Riobamba is the nearest city to Mount Chimborazo. Even if you're not a mountain climber, it could still be worth a visit: take a coach to the Whymper Lodge, stretch your legs, and boast that you've been further from the Earth's centre than the summit of Everest.

Sightseeing
Riobamba is the terminus for the only train route running in the whole of Ecuador, and that route is almost exclusively a tourist attraction. The passengers ride on the roof of the train from Riobamba to the Nariz del Diablo (Devil's nose). The scenery along the way is amazing; the best views are supposed to be at the right side. Some people have complained of the soot from the engine and so perhaps the best carriage to be on is the one in the middle, as the engine is moved from the front to the rear for the return journey. As the passengers are almost entirely tourists, expect children begging for sweets along the track, and correspondingly a sweet seller on the train. The train will make a stop in Alausi before heading down the switchbacks to Sibambe. There will be a small break to take some photos before heading back to Alausi and Riobamba. Most people choose to get off at Alausi and take a bus to Cuenca or back to Riobamba.

Getting there
There are bus connections with most major destinations in Ecuador, including Quito, Ambato, Baños, Puyo, Guayaquil, Guaranda, Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Machala, and Cuenca.