Ambato, Ecuador

Ambato
City
San Juan de Ambato
Flag
Nickname(s):  Tierra de Frutas y Floras (Land of Fruits and Flowers)
Country	Ecuador
Province	Tunguruhua
Canton	Ambato Canton
Government
• Mayor	Fernando Callejas Barona
Elevation	2,577 m (8,455 ft)
Population  (2000)INEC decadal national census
• Total	354,095
Time zone	UTC-5 (ECT)

Monument of Juan Montalvo in Ambato, Ecuador

Ambato (full form, San Juan de Ambato) is a city in located in the central Andean valley of Ecuador. Lying on the banks of the Ambato River, the city also stands beneath several tall mountains. It is the capital of the province of Tungurahua, at an elevation of 2,577 meters above sea level. The population is 354,095 (INEC, 2007), making it the ninth most populous city in the country. It is variously nicknamed "City of Flowers and Fruit", "Cradle of the Three Juans", and "Garden of Ecuador." Inhabitants of Ambato are called Ambateños. The current mayor of Ambato is Fernando Callejas Barona.

The city has been fully or partially destroyed by earthquakes several times in its history, most recently on 5 August 1949 when the city and its cathedral were almost completely levelled. The city was rebuilt in the two years following. In honour of the tenacity of the resident Ambateños, the city celebrates the Festival of Fruits and Flowers during Carnival in February. Today, the Festival of Fruits and Flowers is one of the most important in Ecuador.

The city is referred to as "Cradle of the Three Juans" as it was the birthplace of three notable Ecuadorians: Juan Montalvo, a noted essayist of the 19th century, Juan León Mera, the author of the country's national anthem, and Juan Benigno Vela, a key figure in the Ecuadorean independence movement. The city is well-known for its production of fruit, tanneries, food products and textiles. It also serves as a main transportation hub, especially for travelers moving south on the Pan-American Highway.

History

The city of Ambato was founded in its present location on 6 December 1698 as the Seat of Ambato, on the request of Ambateños to the Royal Audience of Quito. For the next century, Ambato grew slowly into an important mountain center. The city was to play a pivitol role in the Ecuadorian War of Independence. On October 9, 1820, the citizens of Guayaquil, along with help from a number of Venezualans and Colombians, declared independence from the Spanish monarchy. The group raised an army (known as the Junta de Guayaquil), and began to move against Spanish forces in Quito. On their way to Quito, Ambato was one of the first cities liberated. The city formally declared its separation from Spain on 12 November 1820.

After liberating Ambato, the Junta de Guayaquil then turned their attention to Quito. Under the command of Colonel Luis Urdaneta, the army had liberated most of the central highland region, but Quito and the northern highland region were still under the authority of the Royal Audience. Field-Marshall Melchor Aymerich, acting President and commander of the Royalist army took swift action and ordered forces to march on the Urdaneta's army stationed in Ambato. Urdaneta's army met the Royalists, lead by Colonel Francisco Gonzaelz at the First Battle of Huachi just outside of Ambato on 22 November, 1820 and were soundly defeated. Urdeneta retreated and Gonzalez entered Ambato

A year later, the reformed patriots, under Antonio José de Sucre, left their position in Babahoyo to retake the highlands. In September 1821, the forces left the city, marching to reconquer Guaranda. On 12 September 1821, Sucre met the same fate as Urdeneta in the Second Battle of Huachi. Aymerich's forces defeated Sucre in the same plains that now form the neighborhood of Huachi, just southeast of downtown Ambato.

The Great Earthquake of 1949

Ambato was completely destroyed by a large earthquake on the afternoon of 5 August 1949. Tragically, the entire city and surrounding villages were reduced to rubble; in total 50 towns and villages were destroyed. Six thousand people died, and thousands more were left homeless and destitute by the disaster. The city, previously held to be one of the jewels of Ecuador, began the hard and painful process of rescuing those trapped in the fallen buildings. Aid arrived not only from Ecuador, but other countries of the world as well.

Among the dead were a group of children preparing to receive their first communion in the main church, and in the central Montalvo Park, the trees and flowers had disappeared into a rift in the earth. So many dead were found that there was not enough room in the city's central cemetery for them all; these people were buried in remains of the park. More than half of the buildings of the city were ruined, and from the terrifying experience the survivors sought refuge in the city's plazas. Earthquake-proofing the city became a main concern of the inhabitants, and they threw themselves into the endeavour with great fervor - the disaster had united them as nothing else could, and the city moved forward. The towers of the main church, which were the only part that remained standing, were pulled down, and the entire city was rebuilt from the ground up.

Ambato was rebuilt in just under two years. Although the planning of the city may leave something to be desired, it is certainly one of the most earthquake-resistant places on earth, and has since grown into one of the most important cities in Ecuador. As the historic colonial buildings of Ambato were nearly all destroyed, the city has a more modern look than most Ecuadorian capitals; detractors lament the loss of ornament, and pragmatists point out that Ambato is now a major commercial center, and looks like it.

Geography

Ambato lies in the main valley of the Central Cordillera, the highest of the Andean mountain ranges. The city itself is carved into the side of Cerro Casigana, the mountain that dominates the north end of the city. From Ambato, it is possible to see many snow-capped volcanoes including Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Carihuairazo, and the largest mountain in Ecuador, Chimborazo. Tungurahua lies about 40 kilometers to the southeast. The threat of eruption from the touchy volcano is constant. On May 16, 2006, Tungurahua erupted, covering the city is thick layer of ash.

The Ambato River cuts through the north end of the city. It is not a very wide or deep river, but can cause significant flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Throughout the years, the river has a cut a deep basin into the land, creating the need for better bridges. In October 2008, the City of Ambato finished the long-awaited Juan Leon Mera bridge, connecting downtown Ambato to the neighborhoods of Ficoa and Atocha. The span of the Ambato River cost the city $5.5 million.

Climate

Despite being located very high in the Andes, Ambato enjoys a mostly warm and sunny climate. Similar to that of Quito or Cuenca, Ambato is normally warm and dry for the months of October through February. The average temperature during most of the year stays between 13 - 15 degrees Celsius, with November and December providing some of the warmest temperatures.

Though rain showers can fall at any time in the year, the period of March through May is typically considered the rainy season, though showers usually last only an hour or two. At night, Ambato can get quite chilly, though Ambateños swear that neighboring Riobamba possesses a much colder climate.

Economy

Given its central location, Ambato is an important industrial hub for Ecuador. Vehicle bodywork, especially for large transport vehicles is one of the largest employers in the city. In 2010, it was announced that Venezuela will overhaul the metal frames of almost 65% of their transportations and much of that work is to be done in Ambato . Leather tanning also makes up a significant portion of Ambato's economic output. Many of the leather goods are sold in nearby Quisapincha or exported. Other areas of economic development include textiles, glass fabrication, foodstuffs, and shoes.

As a transportation hub, Ambato also depends on small tourist sector. Though not charming or cosmopolitan as larger cities like Quito or Guayaquil, or as physically beautiful as smaller cities like Baños or Otavalo, Ambato possesses real attractions, including the modern cathedral and the Mera house. Tourists often use Ambato as a base for visiting nearby towns like Quisapincha or Píllaro. Many consider Ambato to be a quintessential 21st century Ecuadorian city: proud of its history, but eager to emerge as a leader in industry and technology.

The Festival of Fruits and Flowers

The Festival of Fruits and Flowers is held every year in Ambato to commemorate the anniversary of the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1949. The festival was created on 29 June 1950 . Although the earthquake was in August, the festival is celebrated in February to fall closer to Carnival. The purpose of the festival is also to celebrate the region's capacity for growing flowers and fruit. The rich volcanic soil of the area are home to a large amount of farms and a great diversity of agricultural products. Ambatenos refer to the city as the "Cradle of the Sun," an ample distinction due to its high elevation and geographic location. Ambateños are commonly referred to as Guaytambos - a type of peach for which Ambato famously grows - by people around Ecuador.

Points of interest

Parque Juan Montalvo

In the center of the city is the emblematic Montalvo Park. Named after the famous Ambato-born writer, Juan Montalvo, the park was built in 1905 and has served as a social gathering spot for the people of Ambato since. The park was designed by local architect Pedro Durini. It lies at the meeting point of four important streets in Ambato: Montalvo, Sucre, Bolivar, and Castillo. It also sits in the shadow of the modern cathedral which has served as a symbol of the new Ambato. The statue of Juan Montalvo at the center of the park was built in Italy by Pietro Capurro. It was inaugurated in 1911. The mausoleum where Juan Montalvo is buried is just down the street. The park is currently undergoing a $450,000 renovation to restore the gates and walkways that surround the park.

Ambato's main cathedral, located across the street from Montalvo Park

Quinta Juan León Mera

Home to one of Ambato's most famous residents, the Quinta Juan León Mera was the villa-style house of writer Juan León Mera. Located on the north bank of the Ambato River in the neighborhood of Atocha, the house was built in 1874. It is now open to the public. Famous for its gardens, which are supposed to contain over 257 species of flowers, the house also posts well-maintained colonial furniture and paintings.

La Catedral

The very modern, white cathedral is downtown Ambato is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the city. The cathedral is built on the site of the original chapel that was constructed in 1689. This was destroyed in an earthquake later and much a larger church was built only to be destroyed again in 1797 by another earthquake. A new church was built of the same design but again, an earthquake claimed the structure in the Great Earthquake of 1949. The new cathedral was inaugurated in 1954 and sits across the street from Parque Juan Montalvo.

Central Library

Located right next to the Casa de Portal is the city's newest and largest library. The three-story library is part of the city's plan to rejuvenate the downtown area around Parque Montalvo . The library contains over 70,000 titles and has many computer stations for users . The official name is the "Library of the City and Province," as it serves both the city of Ambato and the larger province of Tungurahua.

Parque Cevallos

Within walking distance of Parque Montavlo, Parque Pedro Fermín Cevallos is a leafy space located on one of downtown Ambato's main thoroughfares, Calle Cevallos. Two of Ambato's most well-known schools are located on the edges of the park: a high school, Colegio Bolivar, and an elementary school, Escuela de la Providencia. In the last few years, concerns about security in the park have led city leaders to re-think the space. In July 2010, plans were made to replace many of the trees and lawns with an open plaza. The plans also called for the building of an underground parking lot beneath the square to alleviate some of Ambato's downtown parking woes. In August 2010, Mayor Barona announced that those plans had not been met with sufficient enough public support and appeared to be dead.

Parque de la Familia

Parque Provincial de la Familia, or "Provincial Park of the Family," is a large gathering spot located about 7 miles above Ambato. Though the park itself is not within city limits, Ambateños pack the park on weekends. Maintained by the provincial government of Tungurahua, the park is actually just outside the community of Quisapincha. In addition to walking paths, there are open fields, basketball and volley courts, as well as a large garden features an impressive amount of native species . On clear days, the park also affords the visitor excellent views of the city of Ambato and the constantly smoking Tungurahua volcano.

Neighborhoods

Ficoa

The Casa de Portal, across from Parque Montalvo has a great collection of historical art and artifacts from the city's most well-known residents

One of the most affluent sections in the city, the neighborhood of Ficoa lines the north bank of the Ambato River across from Miraflores. The trees of Ficoa are famous for their production of succulent fruits, including peaches, pears, and a local variety of citrus. Ficoa is also home to many small restaurants which serve typical Ambateño dishes, such as llapingachos, and fritada.

Miraflores

Traditionally considered the most influential neighborhood, Miraflores abuts the downtown on the west side. Miraflores used to be the location of the train depot, connecting it with the city of Quito and giving it a very important position in the city. Without a passenger train through Ambato, Miraflores is now a residential neighborhood, so named because of its beautiful flowers.

Atocha

Perhaps the oldest of Ambato's neighborhoods, Atocha is famous for being the home to the Quinta Juan León Mera and thus, being an important part of Ambateño and Ecuadorian culture. Together with Ficoa, Atocha makes up the north end of the city. Atocha is also famous for the production of colada morada, a purple, spiced drink that is traditionally consumed with bread. Around Carnival, Ambateños flock to Atocha for the drink.

Transportation

As an important transportation hub, Ambato is connected with other cities through Ecuador's widely used bus system. Although there used to be train service running through Ambato from Quito to Riobamba, this service has long since closed. Ambato has an airport, the Chachoan Airport in the Izamba neighborhood, but it is not used for commercial flights. The city's main bus terminal is located in the Ingahurco neighborhood, which lies on the north side of downtown. This main terminal, or Terminal Terrestre (as it is known in Spanish), serves some of the country numerous bus operators. There are plans to renovate the aging bus terminal, making it the main terminal in a network of terminals around the city . As it stands, travelers can also catch buses traveling to the south from unlabeled yet popular stops along the Pan-American Highway.

Education

Universidad Técnica de Ambato

The main public university in Ambato, "la Técnica" or "la U" was created on April 18, 1969 in accordance with Ecuadorian law. A technical university, la Técnica offers courses in the many fields of the sciences and humanities. There are three campuses located in Ambato: the main campus is located across from the main bus terminal in the Ingahurco neighborhood, another campus lies to the west in the Huachi neighborhood, and finally a third location is further afield in the Querocacha located in the Cevallos Canton. .

Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador (PUCE) - Sede Ambato

"La Catolica" is a branch of the Quito's Catholic University. The Ambato campus was begun on 13 January 1982, by the bishop of Ambato, Monseñor Vicente Cisneros. The university wasn't completed until 1994 when classes first begun. The university offers courses in both undergraduate and graduates levels as well as open courses of English and French.

High schools

Ambato contains a wide selection of public and private high schools. In Ambato, all high school students must wear uniforms. Formerly, many of the high schools in Ambato were either all-girls or all-boys schools, but most schools have begun to accept members of the opposite sex. Some of the most well-known high schools in Ambato include:

The city's main gathering point, Montalvo Park

• Colegio Instituto Tecnológico Superior Bolivar
• Colegio de La Inmaculada
• Colegio Técnico Rumiñahui
• Colegio Menor Indoamerica
• Colegio Santo Domingo de Guzmán
• Colegio Nacional Experimental Ambato
• Colegio Técnico Atahualpa
• Colegio Universitario Juan Montalvo
• Colegio Técnico Guayaquil
• Centro Educativo Atenas
• Centro Educativo Bilingue Internacional CEBI

Sports

Ambateños enjoy a variety of sports, but none so much as soccer. Ambato plays host to two teams professional teams, playing in Ecuador's highest leagues: Macará plays in the top division, Serie A and Técnico plays in Serie B. Both teams play in the centrally located Estadio Bellavista. Neither team has been wildly successful in Ecuador or beyond, however both maintain a loyal following of spectators. Matches between Macará and Técnico U. are known as El Clásico Ambateño (English: The Ambato Derby). In 2007 both teams briefly played in Serie A for the first time in over ten years.

There are many other sports popular among Ambateños including basketball, tennis, swimming, and Ecuavolley. Ecuavolley is a variation of volleyball, played specifically in Ecuador. It features three players per team on a small court with a high net. Players normally use a soccer ball in place of a volley ball. Ecuavolley is extremely popular in Ambato and the surrounding regions.

Basketball is also gaining popularity in Ambato. There is a very fierce rivalry in basketball between two of Ambato's largest high schools, Colegio Nacional Bolívar and Colegio Técnico Rumiñahui. These games are usually hosted in the Coliseo Cerrado de Deportes, the large coliseum across the street from Estadio Bellavista. The Coliseo Cerrado is also the venue for the beauty pageant portion of the Festival of Fruits and Flowers.

External links

• Ambato municipality
• Ambato's visitor site (in Spanish)
• Official page of the annual fruits and flower festival
• El Heraldo, Ambato based daily newspaper
• Instituto Tecnologico Superior Bolivar, High School (in Spanish)