Service Learning Trip 2023:
Riobamba, Ecuador
As the first country in the world to recognize the rights of nature, Ecuador has a lot of dense forests and beautiful beaches to explore.
Riobamba is one of Ecuador's fascinating cities and it is known as the mountain climbing capital of the country.
​
Riobamba definitely deserves a spot on your travel bucket list! You can join McMaster MEDLIFE on an adventurous journey to this gorgeous city.
Interesting Facts About Riobamba
Riobamba sits at the foot of Chimborazo.
Chimborazo is the highest peak of Edcuador. As a currently inactive valcano, this mountain is the furthest point on earth, and exceeds with two meters to Everest.
Riobamba is the first city in Ecuador founded by the Spaniards
This city was founded all the way back in 1534. Riobamba is often referred to as “where Ecuador was born,” since it is indeed the first city in what has become modern-day Ecuador.
the most famous dish is called hornado
Hornado is pork meat. It is seasoned with salt, paprika and cumin and is baked entirely in the oven (in Spanish, an oven is un horno, thus the name hornado: baked in the oven).
Riobamba Carnival is one of many Carnival celebrations that take place in Ecuador
The city of Riobamba takes Carnival to heart each year, with new programs, thousands of participants and national and international bands.Locals and visitors alike dress up and dance alongside festive floats throughout parades.
Why Riobamba needs our help?
Riobamba is the original MEDLIFE home, where Dr. Ellis first was inspired to start the movement!
Although the area is rich in natural beauty, it is one of the poorest provinces in Ecuador.
In the last decade, the Ecuadorian government has attempted to improve the healthcare infrastructure by building more hospitals. However, it still falls short to meet the healthcare needs of the population and remains far away from providing equal access to healthcare services.
The city of Riobamba is surrounded by many smaller Indigenous villages where realities of everyday life can include malnutrition, lack of healthcare, and no sanitation infrastructure.
We believe healthcare is every human's right!
We need your help to make this a reality.
McMaster Riobamba's SLT takes place from May 27th - June 4th, 2023. Mobile clinics will be a part of our chapter's SLT.
Click below to register for the upcoming McMaster SLT.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions! You can also click here for a step-by-step tutorial video.