Ibarra 
Imbabura
User rating
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2 User reviews
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Destination details
City

Ibarra photoIbarra is the capital of Imbabura and the largest city of the province.

Ibarra has earned the nickname Ciudad Blanca (White City) during the 18th century. The city was the victim of a large epidemic and people were forced to paint their houses white to make sure the decease wouldn't spread.

The city is still white and has been able to maintain the colonial vibe for the past centuries.

Ibarra is a nice place to relax and enjoy local customs and the great sweets the city is famous for. Make sure to buy some of the tastiest blackberry sirop you will ever find.

Ibarra is also a great base for checking out the beautiful and diverse province. Check out the Chota Valley with the black communities or go hiking in the stunning surrounding of La Esperanza. Both make for great daytrips from Ibarra.

The most recent attraction is the trainride from Ibarra to nearby Salinas. It will take you through beautiful landscapes and tiny little villages. You can organise the trainride with the people from the local tourist agency.

Places to stay and eat

Ibarra has several places to stay in all different price ranges. Many of the hotels are located in the old city center. Their rooms are setup around the private little plazas in the old buildings.

Ibarra has several great places to eat. Most of the food is local, but there are also several places serving Chinese and a funky jazzbar serves up tasty Mexican food.

How to get there

Regular direct busses go from Quito to Ibarra (3 hrs.). You can also catch a bus to Otavalo and changes busses there. Busses to Tulcan go through Ibarra as well.

Otavalo is about 35 minutes away from Ibarra.

Events

Current Events in Imbabura
Mon, Sep 1st
Fiesta del Yamor
Sat, Sep 6th
Festivity of the Jora
Mon, Sep 29th
Ibarra Fiesta
Tue, Oct 7th
Caceria del Zorro
Sun, Oct 12th
Columbus Day

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User reviews

Average user rating from: 2 user(s)

Overall rating
4.0
Accommodation
4.5
Easy to get to
5.0
Off-the-beaten-track
2.0
Culture
4.0
Nature
4.5
 

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Lots to see, Tuesday, 03 June 2008

Written by Me

Overall rating
3.8
Accommodation
4.0
Easy to get to
5.0
Off-the-beaten-track
2.0
Culture
4.0
Nature
4.0
There's lots to do in Ibarra, but also lots to do outside of it. San Antonio de Ibarra is known for their wood carvings and is located a couple kilometers south of Ibarra on the east of the Pan AM. You need to walk into the town and enjoy the little park and all the stores showing their wood carvings. There's also a lot of Fritada (fried pork) stores between Otovalo and Ibarra. There's one that has a little park for the kids and is very popular with the locals. Great Fritada but be ready to eat it local style - no silverware and a big bowl for everyone to stick their hands in. Much better than in Quito.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

I love it!, Monday, 21 April 2008

Written by 

Overall rating
4.2
Accommodation
5.0
Easy to get to
5.0
Off-the-beaten-track
2.0
Culture
4.0
Nature
5.0
Ibarra is a great place to visit. I truly enjoyed the city and especially the old city center. Besides this accommodation is cheap and nice and hiking is excellent in the surrounding area. What else do you need?
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