Guaranda

Guaranda is a market town located in a valle – a deep valley in the high Andes, serving a vast hinterland of agricultural settlements ("comunidades") peopled by Quechua Indians. Its climate is subtropical, with a long dry season ("estio"). Its population is mainly mestizo, but includes many people of different ethnicities. This nucleus has been intermarrying for almost five centuries, forming a compact population linked by family connections. Since the 1990s, the indigenous majority has seized political power and most of the local elected officers are of Quechua origin.

The city has a population of 30,755 (2022 census) and is growing. It has severe electrical and water supply problems. Water is drawn from high surface sources, mostly from the Chimborazo glacier, and is of good drinking quality. The city is also known for its week-long carnival and for its "Pajaro Azul" alcoholic drink.