GuanoGuano, Ecuador at a Glance
Costs: Budget: $30-60 per day - affordable crafts and local eateries; transport from Riobamba adds cost.
Safety: Generally safe for visitors - low violent crime; watch petty theft in markets.
Best Time: Dry season: June-September - clear views of Chimborazo and comfortable hiking weather.
Why Visit Guano, Ecuador?
Set beneath Chimborazo’s slopes, Guano attracts visitors for its colonial streets, artisan workshops and Andean views. Stone churches, textile and ceramic studios and markets where local weavers sell ponchos and embroidered goods make craft traditions easy to explore, while broad vistas of the volcano provide dramatic context. Travelers who enjoy small‑town culture, traditional mountain cuisine such as hornado, and proximity to highland landscapes find Guano especially appealing.
Best Things to Do in Guano, Ecuador
Volcano
Chimborazo
Inactive stratovolcano and Ecuador's highest point
Volcano
Tungurahua
Active Andean stratovolcano near Ecuador's central highlands
National Park
Sangay National Park
Active volcano park protecting Andean biodiversity and glaciers
Section of Populated Place
Baños
Andean town famous for thermal baths and waterfalls
Volcano
El Altar
Extinct Andean volcano massif with glaciated peaks
Mountain
Carihuairazo
Andean volcano near Cotopaxi with eroded summit
Guano, Ecuador Bucket List
Don't Miss
Parque Central de Guano - Colonial plaza anchored by the town church and artisan stalls selling pottery.
Iglesia Matriz de Guano - Historic church featuring carved wood altars and regular local religious festivals.
Mercado Artesanal de Guano - Browse handmade ceramics, leather goods, and traditional textiles at the market.
Hidden Gems
Nearby weaving workshops - Small family workshops demonstrate traditional weaving techniques and sell handmade textiles.
Mirador Piedra Blanca - Short hike to a viewpoint offering valley panoramas and photographic opportunities.
Local pottery studios - Watch potters shape ceramics and purchase freshly fired traditional pieces.
Day Trips
Riobamba - Colonial city with museums, markets, and access to Chimborazo volcano excursions nearby.
Quilotoa Crater Lake - Drive to the emerald crater lake for hiking, boat rides, and highland villages.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Guano, Ecuador
Guano sits high in the Chimborazo highlands so expect cool days and cold nights year‑round. The dry season (June-November) provides the clearest mountain views and best hiking conditions.
Rainy Season
Frequent afternoon showers, cloudier skies and muddy trails; scenery is green but summit views are often obscured, so carry waterproof layers and plan shorter outings.
Cool Dry Season
Clear, crisp days with freezing nights; best for unobstructed mountain vistas but bring warm layers for frosty mornings and early starts.
Warm Dry Season
Warmer days, drier trails and excellent visibility; ideal for longer hikes and exploring the highland villages with daytime sun but chilly nights - dress in layers.
Guano's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 7°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (529 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 9° - 20° | 15° | 32 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| February | Good | 9° - 20° | 15° | 51 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| March | Good | 9° - 20° | 14° | 66 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 9° - 20° | 14° | 65 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.0h |
| May | Good | 9° - 20° | 14° | 41 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.9h |
| June | Good | 8° - 19° | 14° | 47 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.9h |
| July | Very Good | 7° - 19° | 13° | 26 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.9h |
| August | Very Good | 7° - 20° | 13° | 25 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.0h |
| September | Good | 7° - 20° | 14° | 39 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.0h |
| October | Good | 8° - 21° | 14° | 53 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.6 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.0h |
| November | Good | 8° - 21° | 15° | 47 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.6 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.1h |
| December | Good | 8° - 21° | 15° | 37 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
How to Get to Guano, Ecuador
Guano is best reached by road via Riobamba. Fly into Quito (UIO) for the most frequent international service, then take a bus to Riobamba and a short local bus or taxi to Guano.
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO): Quito’s airport is the main international gateway for Chimborazo Province. From Quito you can catch intercity buses to Riobamba and transfer onward to Guano; the Quito-Riobamba road trip takes about 3-4 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Mariscal Lamar Airport (CUE): Cuenca is another regional airport with domestic connections; from Cuenca you would travel north by bus or car to reach Guano via Riobamba, a considerably longer route than via Quito for most visitors.
Train: The Tren Ecuador tourist services include routes in the Sierra and the famous Devil’s Nose (La Nariz del Diablo) section between Alausí and Sibambe/Riobamba area (seasonal/tourist service). These are scenic but not reliable for regular point‑to‑point transport to Guano.
Bus: Regular intercity buses connect Quito and Riobamba; from Riobamba local buses and taxis run the short distance to Guano (about 10-20 minutes). Bus travel Quito-Riobamba typically takes around 3-4 hours on the Panamericana (E35).
How to Get Around Guano, Ecuador
Road travel via Riobamba is the practical way to reach Guano. Use intercity buses from Quito for the main leg, then local buses or taxis for the short transfer into town; the tourist train is an occasional scenic alternative.
- Intercity bus (Quito-Riobamba) - Frequent buses run between Quito and Riobamba from several Quito terminals. Coaches vary in comfort-express buses are faster and more comfortable, while local services are cheaper and slower. Travel time is around 3-4 hours depending on service and road conditions.
- Local bus / colectivo (Riobamba-Guano) - Short local buses and colectivos link Riobamba with nearby towns including Guano; these are inexpensive and take about 10-20 minutes. They are the standard local connection and run frequently during daytime.
- Tourist train (seasonal) - The tourist train that runs through the Devil’s Nose area operates seasonally and is a scenic option if its timetable aligns with your plans, but it shouldn’t be relied on for daily commuting between towns.
- Taxi / private transfer - Taxis from Riobamba to Guano are quick and convenient, especially if you have luggage or arrive late. Agree the fare before departure or ensure the meter is used where applicable.
- Walking - Guano is a small town; walking is the most convenient way to explore the central areas, local workshops, and viewpoints. Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets.
Where to Stay in Guano, Ecuador
Budget
Guano town - $10-30/night
Guano is a small Andean town with a few family-run hosterías and inns. Many accept only cash; book by phone where possible.
Mid-Range
Guano & Ambato region - $30-80/night
Mid-range options are limited to locally run hotels and renovated colonial guesthouses; Quito or Ambato offer more variety nearby.
Luxury
Ambato / Quito - $90+/night
No luxury resorts inside Guano. For upscale hotels and international booking, stay in Ambato or Quito and day-trip to Guano.
Where to Eat in Guano, Ecuador
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Guano, Ecuador’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Guano, Ecuador
Evenings in Guano are quiet and informal. A few cafés and small bars serve locals and visitors, but you won’t find a nightclub or extensive live‑music program. Most visitors enjoy relaxed dinners and early nights, or return to nearby Riobamba for more evening options.
Shopping in Guano, Ecuador
Guano is known regionally for traditional crafts and artisan goods-textiles, embroidered items, leatherwork and small ceramics are common. Local markets and family workshops are the best places to buy directly from makers. Market days and small shop fronts are where you’ll find authentic handicrafts; larger department stores are in Riobamba if you want mainstream shopping.