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
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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. 

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

In order to complete the ascent safely and avoid suffering from altitude sickness and the risks that this entails, it is essential that you acclimatize well before starting the ascent. If you have not acclimatized properly and the guide does not consider it safe, you will return to the beginning of the route without reaching the summit. For correct acclimatization you will have to spend at least one week in the Andes, starting in cities such as Quito or Riobamba (at 9186 ft. / 2800 m.), and gradually climbing to higher altitudes between 11483 ft. (3500 m.) and 14764 ft. (4500 meters). It is also advisable to do some previous trekking at these altitudes and if possible to sleep at 13123 ft. (4000 m.) before starting the ascent. 

From Howlanders we recommend ascent to the Carihuairazo volcano as acclimatization trek prior to the ascent of the Cotopaxi and Chimborazo volcanoes.

The average temperature ranges from -3ºC (base camp) to -15ºC (summit).

The tour departs all year round, but it is recommended to do it from May to July or from November to February.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 46 days before the start of the tour, 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

  • Medium backpack por the ascent
  • Water bottle
  • Clothing: thermal underwear, hiking socks, t-shirt and long pants, waterproof jacket and pants
  • Sunscreen with a high degree of protection (50 SPF or higher)
  • Lip protector
  • Sunglasses
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Face mask
  • Alcohol-based disinfectant

Questions & Answers

  • 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

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