Riobamba

Riobamba has a strong indigenous presence, which grows to wonderfully colorful proportions during the Saturday market, but the city’s layout, large arcaded plazas and architecture are imposing reminders of Spanish colonization. The colonial center is a nice maze of churches and narrow streets, but it also feels a bit urban and diesel-choked. The 'Americanization' of the center, with KFC and other copy-cat fast-food joints, is a bit disconcerting.