La Merced square
A two-towered church and big trees.
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The historic centre of Ibarra is the heart of the capital of Imbabura province in northern Ecuador, nicknamed the White City for its pale buildings. It lies at the foot of Imbabura Volcano on the left bank of the Tahuando River, a mid-sized market city that keeps its local feel and is growing in popularity with tourists. Ibarra was founded in 1606 by order of Miguel de Ibarra, President of the Royal Audience of Quito, with public buildings and many churches. The earthquake of 16 August 1868 destroyed most of them, and the city was resettled in 1872, so it is described as the youngest city in Ecuador by that new founding date. The Inca ruler Atahualpa is said to have been born at a nearby Inca settlement. You walk among squares, trees and white or stone churches seen from outside: La Merced with its two towers on its square, the small San Agustín plaza and the grey La Dolorosa basilica. Horse-drawn carts sometimes pass in the streets. The best-known treat here is helados de paila, fruit ices stirred by hand in a bronze pan over ice, an old tradition. Ibarra is 77.2 km in a straight line north-east of Quito and 20.7 km north-east of Otavalo, and many visitors combine them. The churches are places of worship, so dress modestly and keep quiet. The city is high with a mild climate but strong sun, so bring a hat. The Colombian border areas lie further north, so check advice before heading there.
A two-towered church and big trees.
Fruit ices stirred by hand over ice.
A grey stone basilica.
Central Ibarra, Imbabura province
The nickname comes from its white buildings and is how it is known in Ecuador.
Yes, they are 20.7 km apart in a straight line, and many visitors combine them.