Ambato: Ecuador's Festival Capital

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Lo siento
  [dees-kool-pe/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh/dah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/dah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwes-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (dheez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ....)]

Ambato is nestled in the central highlands of Ecuador and its history dates back to pre-Columbian times. The area was originally inhabited by the indigenous Panzaleo people, who were known for their advanced agricultural techniques and intricate pottery. Evidence of their presence can still be found in archaeological sites around the city.

In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors arrived in the region, leading to significant changes in the local culture and society. Ambato was officially founded on December 6, 1698, by Spanish settlers. The influence of Spanish architecture and Catholicism is still evident in the city’s historic buildings and churches.

The city of Ambato has been shaped by several devastating earthquakes throughout its history. One of the most significant was the earthquake of 1698, which occurred shortly after the city’s founding. This disaster led to the reconstruction of many buildings and had a lasting impact on the city’s development.

Ambato played a crucial role in Ecuador's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. During the early 19th century, the city became a center for revolutionary activity. Notable figures such as Juan Montalvo, a prominent writer and political thinker, emerged from Ambato and contributed to the intellectual and political discourse of the time.

On August 5, 1949, Ambato was struck by one of the most catastrophic earthquakes in Ecuador’s history. The earthquake caused extensive damage to the city’s infrastructure and resulted in a significant loss of life. The city was subsequently rebuilt with modern architectural styles, and the event is commemorated annually with a memorial service.

One of the most vibrant cultural events in Ambato is the Festival of Fruits and Flowers, which takes place every February during Carnival. This festival originated in the 1950s as a way to celebrate the city’s recovery from the 1949 earthquake. It features parades, music, dance, and elaborate displays of fruits and flowers, showcasing the region’s agricultural bounty and cultural heritage.

Juan Montalvo, born in Ambato in 1832, is one of Ecuador’s most celebrated writers and intellectuals. His essays and books criticized the political and social issues of his time, advocating for democratic reforms. Montalvo’s legacy is honored in Ambato with a museum dedicated to his life and works, as well as several statues and public spaces named after him.

Today, Ambato is a bustling city known for its commerce, especially in agriculture and floriculture. The city’s markets are filled with a variety of local produce, including the famous Ambato pears. Modern Ambato blends its rich historical heritage with contemporary developments, making it a unique destination for travelers interested in both history and modern culture.

Ambato is located in the central region of Ecuador. The nearest major airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, approximately 150 kilometers away. From Quito, you can take a bus or a private car to Ambato. The bus journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours and is a cost-effective option. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or use a ridesharing service for a more comfortable and faster journey.

Ambato has a well-organized public transportation system, including buses and taxis. Buses are the most economical way to get around the city, with routes covering most areas. Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, but be aware that traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Walking is a great way to explore the city center and its main attractions.

The official currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in Ambato. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in rural areas where card payments may not be available. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, so you can withdraw cash as needed.

Ambato is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, such as the neighborhoods of La Merced and El Socavón, which have higher crime rates. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places like markets and bus stations. Use registered taxis or ridesharing services for safer transportation.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Ambato has several hospitals and clinics, including Hospital Docente Ambato and Hospital Municipal Nuestra Señora de La Merced, which provide medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and expensive accessories that might attract unwanted attention. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do keep your belongings close and be mindful of pickpockets. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes.' A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods like 'llapingachos' and 'cuy.' Don't refuse food offerings as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Ambato like a local, visit the Mercado Central to enjoy fresh produce and local dishes. Engage with locals, especially during the annual Festival of Fruits and Flowers, which showcases the city's culture and traditions. Don't miss the Parque de la Familia, a beautiful park offering panoramic views of the city. For a unique experience, visit the Casa del Portal, an iconic cultural center in Ambato.