Ibarra, Ecuador is a charming city located in the northern part of the country. It is the capital of Imbabura Province and is known for its colonial architecture, its friendly people, and its stunning mountain scenery. The city is also home to a variety of attractions that will keep any traveler busy for days. From its beautiful churches to its vibrant markets and from its stunning natural scenery to its cultural attractions, Ibarra has something for everyone. Here are the top 20 places to see in Ibarra, Ecuador.
1. Plaza de los Ponchos: This colorful market is a great place to find unique souvenirs and handmade items. It is held every Thursday and Sunday and is one of the most popular spots in Ibarra.
2. Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús: This stunning church was built in the 17th century and is one of the most beautiful churches in the city. It is a great place to admire the colonial architecture and the intricate carvings on the walls.
3. Parque Central: This is the main square in Ibarra and it is a great place to relax and people watch. It is also home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
4. Mirador de los Volcanes: This viewpoint offers spectacular views of the nearby volcanoes, including Cotacachi, Imbabura, and Cayambe.
5. Museo del Banco Central: This museum houses a variety of artifacts from the region, including pre-Columbian pottery and textiles.
6. Iglesia San Francisco: This beautiful church was built in the 16th century and is one of the oldest churches in the city. It is a great place to admire the colonial architecture and the intricate carvings on the walls.
7. El Cajas National Park: This stunning national park is home to a variety of wildlife, including puma, deer, and Andean condors. It is also home to a variety of stunning mountain scenery.
8. El Chota Valley: This stunning valley is home to a variety of traditional villages, as well as some of the most beautiful scenery in the region.
9. El Mirador de San Francisco: This viewpoint offers spectacular views of the nearby volcanoes, including Cotacachi, Imbabura, and Cayambe.
10. Laguna de Yahuarcocha: This stunning lake is a great place to relax and admire the stunning mountain scenery.
11. El Cenaculo de San Francisco: This is a great place to learn about the history of the region. It is also home to a variety of cultural attractions, including traditional dances and music.
12. El Centro Historico: This is the historic center of Ibarra and is home to a variety of colonial buildings and churches.
13. El Mirador de la Virgen: This viewpoint offers spectacular views of the nearby volcanoes, including Cotacachi, Imbabura, and Cayambe.
14. El Centro Cultural de Ibarra: This cultural center is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including traditional dances and music.
15. El Parque de la Libertad: This park is a great place to relax and admire the stunning mountain scenery.
16. El Mercado de San Francisco: This is a great place to find unique souvenirs and handmade items. It is also home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
17. El Mirador de San Antonio: This viewpoint offers spectacular views of the nearby volcanoes, including Cotacachi, Imbabura, and Cayambe.
18. El Mirador de la Virgen de la Capilla: This viewpoint offers spectacular views of the nearby volcanoes, including Cotacachi, Imbabura, and Cayambe.
19. El Mirador de San Antonio: This viewpoint offers spectacular views of the nearby volcanoes, including Cotacachi, Imbabura, and Cayambe.
20. El Mirador de San Miguel: This viewpoint offers spectacular views of the nearby volcanoes, including Cotacachi, Imbabura, and Cayambe.