Famous for its brand of '''cheeses''' called ''Salinerito'' (considered the country's premium range) as well as '''wool spinning''' and '''dye mills''' Salinas de Guaranda is just 90 minutes by car from Guaranda. The area is surrounded by interesting '''salt formations''' left over from salt mining, in addition, it is also home to a major '''sweets industry''' and has beautiful walks and fishing areas along with horse riding facilities. The entry cost into Salinas is US$2.00 and US$5.00 for the various '''community cooperative''' based projects accompanied with guides.
The province of Bolivar is around 70% Subtropical covered by western cloud forest while the lower section is more agricultural producing citrus and sugar cane.
Although not too frequented by tourists the bus ride from Guayaquil into Babahoyo is most scenic and you will often see agricultural workers hard at work tilling the fields.
There is a frequent bus service to Salinas de Guaranda with Transportes Candido Rada leaving from Plaza Roja in Guaranda. Or, take a bus from Cuatro Esquinas, located on the road to Ambato (10 km north of Guaranda). From there, take a truck to Salinas (20 km). A taxi costs around US$15. To go back to Guaranda take any bus from Salinas' main plaza (all of them go to Guaranda).
Salinas de Guaranda style of projects acted as a catalyst and spread to other areas during the 1980s through a group from the town who transplanted their ideas to other towns. For example near La Palma in an easterly direction a native cloud forest reserve called '''Bosque Pena Blanca''' was procured along with a 300m waterfall, which has a lodge facility with 16 bunk beds, baths and cooking facilities just an hour's walk away in '''Echeandia''' (Tel. 03-970307), along with hotels and restaurants.
Also, of interest is Chimbo 25km from Guaranda which as well as producing '''guitars''' and various '''firework models''' it posses a Vatican-style square built around a church called, Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Natividad which houses interesting '''pre-Spanish antiquities'''.
San Miguel further up the road is also worth a visit as is the old colonial town of Santiago which houses some interesting local art paintings in its church. If you continue on you'll pass San Jose de las Palmas to Bilovan there are a set of worthwhile caves to explore called Las Guardias (west) which then leads on to a waterfall and river type beach in Balsapamba. The road then loops back to the aforementioned Babahoyo.