Ventanas, city of Los Ríos Province, Ecuador
Ventanas is a city in Los Rios province in Ecuador, situated in a flat, fertile area with several rivers and waterfalls nearby. The urban area spans both sides of the Zapotal River and features a downtown with shops and town hall, green spaces like the Parque Lineal with walking paths, and various residential neighborhoods including El Mirador and Las Palmeras in the northern districts.
The city was founded on November 10, 1952, growing from a trade route where merchants transported goods through the area. The Sagrado Corazón de Jesús church, built in the 1950s, reflects its early development and continues to serve as a central gathering place for worship and community events.
The name Ventanas comes from a trader's house with distinctive windows where people once bought and sold goods. The city honors the Montuvio tradition through local stories and sculptures, celebrating the coastal figure skilled in horsemanship and land work.
The city is easiest to explore on foot, with wide paths in the Parque Lineal and paved streets in downtown connecting all main attractions. The flat terrain makes walking pleasant, and the proximity to the Zapotal River offers a refreshing alternative on warm days.
The city is known as Ecuador's Corn Capital and is marked by the Monumento al Maíz at its entrance, highlighting the central role of corn farming in the local economy. In summer, the Zapotal River transforms into a sandy beach that attracts swimmers and turns the river into a surprising recreational destination.
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