Ambato (full form,
San Juan de Ambato) is a city in the centre of
Ecuador, lying on the banks of the
Ambato River. It is the capital of the provice of
Tungurahua, at an elevation of 2,600 meters above sea level. The population is 154,095 (INEC, 2001).
The city is a leading commercial and transportation center on a fertile region near the northern foot of the volcano Tungurahua, which is still active and erupted in August 2006. On Mondays the city hosts one of the largest fruit, vegetable, and meat markets in the country. In addition, Ambato casts the famous "Fiesta de las Flores y de las Frutas" (Flowers and Fruits Festival) in February. As a way to recover from the tragic earthquake of August 5, 1949, Ambato began its tradition of the Fruits and Flowers Festival. It is now a major tourist attraction held in the city. During this time schools and businesses close for different varieties of parades and shows, and a "Queen of Ambato" is also chosen from representatives of each high school, some government offices, and the police force.
The earthquake of August 5, 1949 destroyed most of the city, leaving few buildings of the colonial era.
Landmarks include the mausoleum of Juan Montalvo, the estate of Juan León Mera, and the white Ambato Cathedral.
