Mendoza Wine Tours | Mendoza

Information

Landmark: Mendoza Wine Tours
City: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Continent: South America

Mendoza Wine Tours, Mendoza, Argentina, South America

The Mercado de Ambato is a central market located in Ambato, Ecuador. It serves as a primary hub for local commerce and agricultural exchange.

Visual Characteristics

The market structure is a large, multi-level building constructed primarily from concrete and reinforced steel. Its exterior features a functional, utilitarian design with large open entrances and numerous windows. The interior is characterized by a grid layout of stalls, with exposed metal beams and concrete flooring. Colors are generally neutral, dominated by the hues of produce and goods displayed by vendors.

Location & Access Logistics

The Mercado de Ambato is situated in the city center, approximately 0.2km West of the main Plaza de la Independencia. Access is directly from Calle Bolivar and Calle Rocafuerte. Ample public parking is available in adjacent lots and multi-story garages, with rates typically charged hourly. Several local bus routes, including lines 1, 5, and 12, stop directly in front of the market on Calle Bolivar.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The current Mercado de Ambato structure was completed and inaugurated in 1987, replacing an older market that was destroyed in the 1949 Ambato earthquake. Its purpose was to consolidate various smaller market areas into a single, modern facility to better serve the city's growing population and agricultural trade.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can purchase a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products directly from local producers. The market also features sections for artisanal crafts, textiles, and prepared foods. Sampling local produce is common. Bargaining is an accepted practice in most sections.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on each level, maintained by a municipal cleaning service. Shaded areas are abundant throughout the market's interior. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the building. Numerous small food vendors operate within the market, offering prepared meals and snacks.

Best Time to Visit

The market is most active from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. For the widest selection of fresh produce, early morning hours are recommended. Saturday mornings typically see the highest volume of both vendors and shoppers. The market is closed on Mondays.

Facts & Legends

Ambato is known as the "Tierra de las Flores y las Frutas" (Land of Flowers and Fruits), and the Mercado de Ambato is the primary showcase for this agricultural bounty. A specific tip for visitors is to explore the upper levels for less common regional fruits and artisanal cheeses not found in the main ground-floor sections.