arrival at the summit of the chimborazo volcano with crampons and harness
panoramic view of the chimborazo volcano ecuador
llama in front of the chimborazo volcano in ecuador
basecamp on the valley of the chimborazo
views of the chimborazo peak
equipment on the top of the chimborazo volcano
1 / 6

Ascent to the summit of Chimborazo

Guided ascent to the summit of the Chimborazo volcano in two days from Carrel lodge

(6 reviews)
Riobamba
2 days
Spanish and English
Starts: From the Riobamba office at 10:00 a.m.
Ends: To Riobamba office at 12:00 noon
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The Chimborazo Climb is a private tour where the guided ascent is done in 2 days. With this trek you will reach the closest point to the sun from the center of the earth. Our goal will be to reach the Veintimilla Summit (6,227 m.a.s.l.) and the Whymper Summit (6,263 m.a.s.l.), always accompanied by a professional guide and all the proper equipment to climb the summits of the Chimborazo volcano. 

The tour includes all the required high-mountain technical gear: boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, headlamp, glacier glasses, sleeping bag and more, so you can focus entirely on the adventure.

Do you want to achieve this personal goal? 🙂 The highest peak in Ecuador is waiting for you! Read on and discover all the details of this great challenge:

Tour details

Included

  • ASEGUIM mountain guide (1 guide for every 2 climbers)
  • Private transportation
  • Lodging in basecamp
  • Meals
  • Coffee, tea and water
  • Mountain equipment
  • Entrance fee to the Chimborazo Reserve

Not included

  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Trekking poles (available for rent 5 USD/day)
  • Waterproof jacket (available for rent for 5 USD/day)
  • Backpack (available for rent Large: 5 USD/day - Small: 3 USD/day)

Important information

Prior acclimatization is mandatory

To complete the ascent safely, avoid altitude sickness and the associated risks, it is essential to acclimatize well before starting the ascent. If you have not acclimatized properly and the guide does not consider the activity safe, you will return to the beginning of the route without reaching the summit.

Altitude recommendations and physical preparation

For proper acclimatization you should spend at least one week in the Andes, starting in cities like Quito or Riobamba (at 9,186 ft) and progressively ascending to altitudes of 11,500–14,750 ft. It is also recommended to do previous trekking routes at these elevations and, if possible, to sleep at 13,120 ft before starting the ascent.

Mountain equipment included in the tour

The tour includes all the necessary technical mountain equipment: high mountain boots (sizes 37–47), crampons, ice axe, harness with carabiner, helmet, headlamp with batteries, glacier goggles, balaclava, gaiters, fleece gloves, mittens, fleece pants and overtrousers. Purified water, a sleeping bag with sheet and a thermos are also provided.

Recommended acclimatization trek

From Howlanders we recommend climbing the Carihuairazo Volcano beforehand as an acclimatization trek before climbing the Cotopaxi or Chimborazo volcanoes.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel at least 46 days before the tour starts, you will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid. If you cancel between 45 and 31 days before the start of the tour, you will receive a 75% refund of the amount paid. If you cancel between 30 and 16 days before the start of the tour you will receive a 50% refund of the amount paid. After this time or in case of not doing the activity, no refund will be made and it will not be possible to modify the reservation.

Tour itinerary

DAY 1 Riobamba - Chimborazo Reserve - Carrel Refuge

Difficulty: high
Elevation: 4.800 meters

10:00 A.M.

Riobamba

The guide will be waiting for us at the Riobamba office at 10 a.m. Once we are all together, we will load the equipment in the 4x4 and head to the Chimborazo Reserve in a one hour drive. Get ready to enjoy the incredible views that this landscape will give us.

view of the chimborazo volcano

Carrel Refuge

We will follow the road towards the Carrel Refuge, located at 4,850 meters above sea level. Here we will spend the afternoon acclimatizing and be prepared for the Chimborazo climb. In addition, our guide will give us a briefing to give us information about the route, safety rules and the method of ascent in rope. It's time to have dinner, rest and get ready for the ascent!

two people at the informative poster of carrel refuge

DAY 2 Climb to Chimborazo

Difficulty: high
Ascent: 7-8 hours
Descent: 3-4 hours
Initial elevation: 4.800 meters
Highest elevation: 6.263 meters

10:30 P.M.

Ascent to the Veintimilla Summit 6,227 m.

After having rested for a few hours, it is time to start the ascent to the Veintimilla Summit. We will start at 22:30 as it is safer and rocky, snowy and icy roads will be waiting for us until we reach the rock formation of El Castillo at 5,350 meters. 

We will make the ascent along the glacier ridge, with steep slopes between 30 and 40 degrees and with some icy stretches of up to 45 degrees. After 7 hours of ascent, we will reach the Veintimilla summit. Objective achieved!

people trekking on the chimborazo

Whymper Summit 6,263 m.

Once there, if we still have strength and desire, and if the weather accompanies us, we can continue the ascent to the summit of the Chimborazo volcano. 

After one more hour of ascent, we will reach the Whymper summit, and therefore, at 6,263 meters of altitude, the farthest point from the center of the Earth!

people at the chimborazo volcano summit

Descent to Carrel Refuge

We will enjoy the incredible views of the Ecuadorian sky and when we are ready, we will begin the 3 to 4 hour descent to the Carrel Refuge. Once there, the 4x4 will be waiting to take us back to Riobamba. After 2 intense days, we will have put an end to the Chimborazo climb.

view of the chimborazo peak

What to bring to Ascent to the summit of Chimborazo tour

To make the ascent to Chimborazo Summit, it is essential to have proper clothing and equipment for high-altitude mountaineering.

You should bring:

  • 30–40 liter backpack (for ascents) or 50–60 liters if going to Campo Alto
  • Several layers of warm and waterproof clothing: thermal underwear, mountain socks, long-sleeve shirt, long pants, waterproof jacket and pants
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) and lip protection
  • Personal toiletries and any required medication

The tour includes:

  • High-mountain boots (sizes 37–47)
  • Crampons, ice axe, and harness with carabiner
  • Mountain helmet and glacier goggles
  • Headlamp with batteries
  • Balaclava, gaiters, fleece gloves, mittens, fleece pants, and overtrousers
  • Sleeping bag with sheet and thermos flask
  • Purified water

Available for rent at the office:

  • 30–40 liter backpack (USD 3/day)
  • 50–60 liter backpack (USD 5/day)
  • Jacket (USD 5/day)
  • Trekking poles (USD 5/day per pair)

Where does the tour Ascent to the summit of Chimborazo start

The tour starts at our Riobamba office at 10:00 a.m., where the team and your mountain guide will be waiting for you to begin the adventure. At the end of the activity on the second day, you will return to the same starting point around 12:00 p.m., so you can comfortably plan the rest of your day. The exact address will be provided in your booking confirmation.

Questions & Answers

  • What mountain equipment is included in the tour?

    The tour includes all the necessary high-mountain technical equipment: boots, crampons, ice axe, harness with carabiner, helmet, headlamp, glacier goggles, balaclava, gaiters, gloves, mittens, fleece pants and overpants. A sleeping bag with sheet, thermos, and purified water are also provided. You only need to bring your personal clothing, toiletries, medication, and a backpack.

  • How can I prepare myself for the altitude reached on the Chimborazo trek?

    The difference in altitude means a greater effort for daily tasks and can generate altitude sickness, so it is very important to arrive in Riobamba at least one day before the start of the tour and not to make physical effort. We also recommend eating lightly, drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcoholic beverages.

  • What does it mean that I am going to make the ascent in rope with my guide?

    Rope climbing is a safety technique used in high mountain climbing that allows all climbers to be joined together by a rope. The guide will always go ahead, check the terrain and give you signs so that you know where to go.

  • Is the tour available all year round?

    Yes, the tour is available all year round. But it is recommended to climb Chimborazo between the months of May to July or November to February.

Ascent to the summit of Chimborazo tour reviews with Howlanders

Loading...

Other tours that might interest you

Other travelers also booked

from ‌
Trustpilot