Carihuairazo lies within the “Reserve de Produccion Faunistica Chimborazo”, a protected ecosystem that preserves the habitat for the native Andean animals. Because of its close proximity- just 10 km/6 miles to the southwest of Carihuairazo, it is often referred to as the sister mountain of Chimborazo. This peak is very seldom climbed but worth the effort.

There are two main peaks at the Carihuairazo massive. The central Maxim at 5,020m/16,469ft is the highest. The lower is Mocha, lying to the southeast. The climb requires beginner snow and ice techniques, but not a particularly high standard of expertise. The location and moderate skill requirements make Carihuairazo an ideal preparation for climbing Chimborazo. It can easily be combined with that tour.

Carihuairazo is thought to have had similar dimensions as its neighbor Chimborazo prior to the last period of activity which destroyed the mass of its base. What remains today is a one and a half kilometer wide, heavily eroded caldera opening to the east. The volcano exhibits no evidence of activity and is considered inactive.