JULIO VERNE is settled in Riobamba, the geographical centre of Ecuador. This pleasant town, capital of the Chimborazo province, is located at a 3 ½-hour drive from Quito and a 5-hour drive from Guayaquil and Cuenca.

Riobamba is surrounded by the magnificent snow-capped peaks of Chimborazo, Carihuairazo, El Altar, Tungurahua and Sangay. The Cotopaxi and Iliniza are within a couple of hours drive from Riobamba. Its central location and the high altitude (2754 m. / 9036 ft.) make Riobamba the perfect place to acclimatize and prepare for trekking and climbing tours in the Andes.

Riobamba has an attractive historical centre with many plazas, parks, museums and colonial buildings. You will experience here the typical Ecuadorian highland culture. On Saturdays there is an important and colourful market, where indigenous people from the countryside buy and sell all kind of products.

From Riobamba you can make day trips to beautiful lagoons, thermal springs and rural villages. Three times a week you can take the famous train to the Devil's Nose, a trip you may combine with the Inca Trail to the Inca ruins. There are also many good mountain bike routes in the Chimborazo province.

If you want to go on a jungle tour or a Galapagos cruise, you don't necessarily have to come first to our office in Riobamba. You can make your reservations by e-mail or by phone, and meet our guide on the day and place of departure.

Our jungle tours to Cuyabeno start from Lago Agrio; the Tepapare Expedition starts in Tena; and the Kiwaro Expedition and Pastaza Trek leave from Puyo.

You can start the Galapagos tours either in Quito or in Guayaquil.