Ambato, Ecuador
San Juan de Ambato is in the center of the Ecuador on the Ambato River. It is capital of Tungurahua Province, at an elevation of 2,600 meters above sea level.
The city is a leading commercial and transportation center on a fertile region near the northern foot of the volcano Chimborazo.
An Earthquake on August 5,1949 destroyed most of the city and as a result few colonial era structures remain.
As a way to recover from the tragic earthquake, Ambato began its tradition of the Fruits and Flowers Celebration. It is now a major tourist attraction held during carnival season.
Landmarks include the mausoleum of Juan Montalvo, the estate of Juan León Mera, and the white Ambato Cathedral.
Ambato is also where, on November 12, 1821, Antonio José de Sucre achieved a major victory over the Spanish during the war for independence.