Ruins of La Asunción Church Guano
Discover the beautiful architectural ruins of a historic monastery and the intriguing Guano Mummy Museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best for exploring ruins & museum
Ruins of La Asunción Church Guano
Best Time
Best for exploring ruins & museum
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the beautiful architectural ruins of a historic monastery and the intriguing Guano Mummy Museum.
"A must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and history lovers, offering unique local flavors."
📸 Photo Opportunities
This spot is a photographer's dream! Capture the unique architectural details.
🍦 Taste Local Delights
Try the famous 'cholas de guano' and ice cream made with traditional methods.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Architectural Ruins
Marvel at the remnants of a beautiful monastery, a testament to its past architectural grandeur.
Guano Mummy Museum
Explore the fascinating Guano Mummy Museum, housing a unique mummy and artifacts from ancestors.
Baltazar Ushca
Potentially meet Baltazar Ushca, the last ice harvester of Chimborazo, and learn about traditional ice cream making.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Local Flavors & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Opportunities
This spot is a photographer's dream! Capture the unique architectural details.
🍦 Taste Local Delights
Try the famous 'cholas de guano' and ice cream made with traditional methods.
🏛️ Museum Visit
Don't skip the museum to learn about the history and see the Guano Mummy.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Wander through the green areas, though some visitors note they could be cleaner.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Opportunities
This spot is a photographer's dream! Capture the unique architectural details.
🍦 Taste Local Delights
Try the famous 'cholas de guano' and ice cream made with traditional methods.
🏛️ Museum Visit
Don't skip the museum to learn about the history and see the Guano Mummy.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Wander through the green areas, though some visitors note they could be cleaner.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the beautiful architectural style of the ruins and the historical significance of the site, particularly the unique Guano Mummy Museum. The opportunity to taste local delicacies like 'cholas de guano' and traditional ice cream is also a highlight. Some reviewers noted that the green areas could benefit from better maintenance.
"A very beautiful structure due to its architectural style. There are ruins of an old monastery that collapsed after an earthquake. The green areas could be cleaner. A good spot for taking photos."
Milton Guamán
"If you're an architecture student, an architect, or simply an architecture enthusiast, I highly recommend visiting this place. If you visit the museum, you can learn about the history of this magical place. Don't forget to grab some ice cream."
Jessica Ortega
"An important historical site in Ecuador, it contains the remains of a monastery destroyed in an earthquake. It also houses the Guano Mummy Museum, which houses a mummy found at the monastery. During my visit, I also met Baltazar Ushca, the last ice harvester of Chimborazo. Previously, ice was brought down from Chimborazo and used to make ice cream. You can also try a delicious bread roll known as "cholas de guano." There's a small cable car."
Paulo Morales
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ruins are located in the Guano canton. You can typically reach Guano by bus from nearby cities like Riobamba. From Guano town, local transport or a short taxi ride will take you to the church ruins.
While specific parking details can vary, there is usually some space available for visitors arriving by car in the vicinity of the ruins and museum.
For convenience, consider a short taxi ride from Guano town. Some visitors also mention a small cable car, which might offer a unique way to access certain areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the ruins themselves is generally free, but there is a fee to enter the Guano Mummy Museum. It's advisable to check current admission prices before your visit.
The ruins are typically accessible during daylight hours. The Guano Mummy Museum will have specific operating hours, which are best confirmed locally or online before your trip.
Advance booking is usually not necessary for the ruins or the museum, as they are typically visited on a walk-in basis. However, for groups, it might be worth inquiring.
Information on discounts for students or seniors is not widely publicized, but it's always a good idea to inquire at the museum ticket counter upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged at the ruins, as it's a beautiful spot for pictures. Some restrictions might apply inside the museum, particularly for flash photography.
The remaining architectural structures offer stunning backdrops. The surrounding green areas also provide scenic views. Capture the intricate details of the stonework.
Photography of the Guano Mummy and other artifacts inside the museum may be restricted to protect the exhibits. Always check for signage or ask museum staff.
🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining
Visitors highly recommend trying 'cholas de guano,' a delicious local bread roll, and ice cream made using traditional methods, sometimes sourced from Chimborazo ice.
While there might not be extensive dining facilities directly at the ruins, you can find local eateries and cafes in the nearby town of Guano that serve these specialties.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to try the 'cholas de guano' and the unique traditional ice cream – a fun way to connect with local culture. While the green areas could be cleaner, they still offer some space for light activity. Consider the cable car for an added element of fun.
🏛️ Architecture & History Buffs
For history buffs, the Guano Mummy Museum is a key attraction, offering insights into local history and the discovery of the mummy. Learning about the monastery's past and its destruction adds depth to the visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Beyond the church ruins, the site is home to the Guano Mummy Museum. This museum houses a remarkable mummy discovered within the monastery, alongside other artifacts that shed light on the region's ancestral heritage. For those interested in history and archaeology, this museum provides a compelling and educational experience.
Historically, this area was also connected to the ice harvesting of Chimborazo. You might even have the chance to meet Baltazar Ushca, the last of his kind, who traditionally brought ice down from the mountain to make ice cream. This tradition underscores the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the local culture throughout history.
Experiencing Guano's Unique Culture
Complementing the 'cholas,' the region is known for its traditional ice cream. Historically, this ice cream was made using ice harvested from the slopes of nearby Chimborazo. If you're lucky, you might encounter Baltazar Ushca, the last ice harvester, who embodies this fascinating tradition. Trying this ice cream offers a taste of history and local ingenuity.
For a different perspective, a small cable car operates in the area, potentially offering scenic views and a novel way to explore the surroundings. This adds an element of adventure to the visit, making it more engaging for a wider range of travelers.
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