Ibarra

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Introducing Ibarra

Ibarra, with its choked streets and colonial charm weathered to a weary gray, is neither the provincial backwater it once was, nor a thriving draw for tourism. With commerce picking up, it’s unclear whether it will embrace its cobbled foundations or pave over them. The fast-growing capital of Imababura province lies just 22km northeast of Otavalo. To properly enjoy the architectural beauty of la ciudad blanca (the white city), take an evening walk or ride through its peaceful well-lit streets in order to admire the narrow wooden balconies, sculpted facades and palm-lined parks. In the daytime it is far too hectic and gritty to get the same effect.

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Ibarra offers diversity atypical of a highland town, with students, mestizos, indigenous groups and Afro-Ecuadorians. The mild climate is ideal for hoofing it around the ice-cream shops and green plazas. Ibarra occupies a crossroads pointing to the coast, Otavalo, the tropical valley of Chota and the páramo villages to the northeast.

Hotels fill up quickly during the last week of September for Ibarra’s annual fiesta, but it is a fun time with lots of live music and activities.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009

Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. tina95 avatar
    Re: Three weeks travel, what not to miss. Seasoned travelers please help.

    by tina95 03 September 2011

    I am currently in Ibarra and staying with a family who runs an ecofriendly travel agency. They have recommended that I go to Atacames,…
  2. jgcp avatar
    RE: Ecuador retirement

    by jgcp 19 August 2011

    Yes esra and while your at it stay in Uruguay.... BTW Guayaquil is not my favourite city - ok to visit sometimes but wouldn't want to…
  3. bokito avatar
    Re: Flying into Guayaquil BUT headed to Peru

    by bokito 10 August 2011

    Well i just mentioned Machala,because you said you are not likely staying long in Ecuador and was heading for Peru.You also want to travel…

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