'''Bolivar''' is a province in the Andean highlands of Ecuador.

Stats

Bolivar is in the highlands of Ecuador, and has a varied climate of cold paramo as well as warm subtropical zones.

  • '''Climate:''' a varied climate of cold ''páramo'' as well as warm subtropical zones.
  • '''Average temperature:''' 13°C.
  • '''Population:''' 178,000 inhabitants.
  • Cities

  • Guaranda - (City of the Seven Hills) was founded by the Spanish in 1571. The quiet colonial town is the capital of Bolivar Province called also "the Rome of Ecuador" because it was built on seven hills. It also claims the gold as the smallest provincial capital in Ecuador.
  • Salinas de Guaranda - 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.
  • '''Chimbo''' 25km from Guaranda which as well as producing guitars and various firework models it posses a Vatican type 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.
  • Santiago de Bolivar It self is a very interesting small colonial town that straddles in the Andes, this placid town offers relaxation, great walks around the area trough ancient old paths used by natives before the conquistadors arrived and history. Comunitary projects for developing sustainable tourist activities are being organized by a group of enthusiast now days. The main square houses and surroundings gives this town a special and unique atmosphere.
  • Other destinations

    If you continue on by San Miguel 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'''.

    A 2-day hike down from Salinas takes you to the tiny village of Piedra Blanca and the little town of San Luis de Pambil in the warm, sub-tropical part of the province.

    Understand

    Talk

    Quichua and Spanish are both spoken in this region.

    Get in

    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.

    Get around

    See

    Itineraries

    Do

    Eat

    All local dishes are delicious:

  • ''sancocho'' is a soup made with sheep or pork meat;
  • ''guaguatanda'' is the bread of All Souls Day,
  • potato cakes and ''empanadas''
  • and the famous "Salinas cheese" in Salinas de Guaranda.
  • Drink

    Stay safe

    Get out