Climbing of Chimborazo

Daily Tour

{:fr}Andes{:}{:es}Andes{:}{:gb}Andes{:} Tour Guide: Guide anglophone

Mini stay / Speaking English Guide
Visited Area : Andes

Chimborazo Volcano is the highest summit in Ecuador and is also the point on Earth closest to the Sun, at 6,268 meters above sea level.

Activities in this trip:
Climbing of a volcano (6268 m) – Acclimatization required

Nivel Advanced * From 400 $

Itinerary

Chimborazo Volcano is the highest summit in Ecuador and also the point on Earth closest to the Sun due to its location near the equatorial line. It is located about 4.5 hours by road south of Quito, in the Western Cordillera, 35 minutes from the city of Riobamba, and is part of the Chimborazo Wildlife Production Reserve. It is a unique site in Ecuador where vicuñas can be observed in their natural habitat.

Depending on the time of ascent, Chimborazo can become technical and challenging, with hard ice instead of snow, so a minimum level of experience is required to climb it. You should allow between 10 and 12 hours of hiking round trip.

A great and beautiful challenge!

Included meals are indicated as follows:
B : Breakfast L : Lunch D : Dinner

Itinerary :

Day 1:

Departure from Quito by private vehicle to the Chimborazo Wildlife Production Reserve, then to the Hermanos Carrel Refuge at 4,800 m. Ascent to the second refuge, Edward Whymper Refuge, located at 5,000 m. Picnic at the refuge.

In the afternoon, gear check. The guide will explain how to use the technical equipment and how to move on the glacier using this gear (helmet, harness, rope, crampons, and ice axe). Safety and rescue techniques will be explained according to high mountain safety standards. Dinner and rest in the designated dormitory.

Overnight at the refuge at 5,000 m.
L – D

Terrain type: sandy trails, rocky paths, and occasional snow
Elevation gain: 200 meters
Walking time: 45 minutes

Day 2:

Wake-up during the night to eat and put on personal and technical equipment. The ascent will begin around midnight. Roping up will take place on the glacier, 200 meters higher.

The ascent will take between 7 and 8 hours, and the descent approximately 3 to 4 hours. Return to the refuge to collect extra gear and drive back to Quito late in the morning.

Walking time: approximately 10 to 12 hours
Terrain type: sandy trails, rocky paths, occasional snow, and glacier
Elevation gain: 1,268 meters

Customize this trip :

Let us know your desire changes and suggestions and we´ll send you a proposal

Rates

1 People	600 $
2 People and more	400 $

The price includes :

1 guide for a maximum of two participants.
High-mountain grading scale – ASEGUIM / Chamonix standards.
Technical equipment: ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, ropes, and carabiners.
Meals: included, except breakfast (Day 1) and lunch and dinner (Day 2).
Transport: Quito / Chimborazo Refuge / Quito.
Overnight in refuge.

The price doesn't include :

Entrance to the Chimborazo Reserve – currently free.
Sleeping bag and high-altitude mountaineering boots rental.

Supplement for accommodation at base camp at 5,400 m: USD 120 per rope team.

Offers

Departures every day

Departures are confirmed with 1 participant

Advices

Note :

Depending on the season, Chimborazo Volcano can become technical and demanding, with hard ice instead of snow; therefore, prior experience is required to climb it.

Personal gear list:

Beanie
Gloves and waterproof over-gloves
Technical jacket and over-pants
Headlamp
Glacier sunglasses (protection level 3 or 4)
Rigid mountaineering boots with thermal inner liner, suitable for temperatures below -10°C to -20°C, compatible with semi-automatic crampons or plastic shell boots (older models)
Sleeping bag
70 L backpack (to carry gear to the refuge)
Small 20 L backpack for the ascent, trekking poles (optional)
Gaiters