Trekking the Chimborazo loop

also called the Chimborazo circuit

highlights

Hike the flanks of Chimborazo while enjoying the sweeping, majestic views of multicolored patchwork fields, páramo grasslands and patches of ancient polylepis trees

Learn about the culture of the Andean highlanders

Observe the two wild South American camelids, the vicuña and guanaco, in their native environment- along with herds of their relatives, the domesticated alpaca and llama

Explore majestic Chimborazo with Senior Guide Marcelo Puruncajas

Length:
3 or 5 days

Skill Level:
Beginner

Max Guide Ratio:
4:1

Recommended Season:
All year

Prior Trip Suggestions:
Riobamba and Guano City Tours

Day 1:
Cuatro Esquinas – Llama Pungo
Drive to the trailhead in Cuatro Esquinas (3.300m/10,826 ft). Here, we will begin our 3-4 hour hike to Llama Pungo (4.000 m/13,123 ft), on the old “Pan-American” route. The route takes us along an ancient stone highway through tiny villages on the lower slopes of the southeastern side of Chimborazo. As we gain in elevation, we enter landscapes of farmsteads where sheep and cattle graze in the gently sloped pastures. Finally, the road turns into a small footpath which winds up alpine meadows dotted with glacial creeks and flocks of domesticated alpacas and wild vicuñas.
(Optional: guests who do not wish to camp can opt to arrange accommodations in La Estacion Urbina).

Day 2:
Llama pungo – Alto Urbina
After breakfast we have a 5-6 hour hike east towards our second camp at Alto Urbina (4.219 m /13,840 ft).
(Optional: guests who do not wish to camp may spend the night in the mountain hut, Portal Andino).

Day 3:
Alto Urbina – Mechahuasca
After an early breakfast, we begin our hike to the Rio Mocha valley, circling around Chimborazo Peak directly across from Carihuairazo. As we ascend into the hillside, we encounter spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The highest point on today’s hike is at Abraspungo Pass at 4.400 m (14,435 ft), here we stop to rest and enjoy the views of the adjacent snow-capped peaks. Then we descend to Mechahuasca (4.265 m/13,993 ft) on the north face of Chimborazo.

Day 4:
Mechahuasca – Carrel Refuge
Today is the longest hike of the trek. It will take us 5-6 hours to hike up to Carrel’s Refuge (4.800 m/15,748 ft) on the west face of Chimborazo.

Day 5:
Carrel – Whymper – La Chorrera – Riobamba
Our final day of hiking entails a short 45 minute journey to the Whymper Refuge at 5.000 m (16,638 ft). From here we go for a short 2 hour hike along the original Whymper’s Route to the Chamonix Needles (5.240 m / 17,191 ft), a spectacular panoramic point in the midst of the glaciated peak of the Chimborazo massif. Then we begin our descent back to the Carrel Refuge. On the way down, we will enjoy some of the best views of Chimborazo on our trek. The regal summit and cascading glaciers of the giant massif graces us with one last spectacular view before we end our journey. Once we arrive back at the Carrel Refuge we descend 3-4 hours on trails to La Chorrera (3.900 m/12,795 ft) where we meet our ride into Riobamba. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore the city.
(Optional: guests who do not wish to hike down may be transported to Riobamba in the vehicle).

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Trekking the Chimborazo Loop is one of the most rewarding multi-day adventures in the Ecuadorian Andes. This five-day trek explores the flanks of Chimborazo, Ecuador’s tallest peak, and crosses the broad valley of the Río Mocha. From the very beginning, you will be immersed in high-altitude landscapes, rich ecosystems, and the culture of the Andean highlands.

Flora and Fauna of the Chimborazo Reserve

The Trekking the Chimborazo Loop takes place inside the Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve, a protected area created to conserve páramo grasslands, glacial lakes, peat swamps, and patches of Andean forest. These ecosystems provide habitat for many species. While walking, you may spot wild vicuñas and guanacos, both native camelids of the Andes. Deer, rabbits, and foxes also roam these highlands. Birdwatchers will enjoy sightings that range from the tiny Ecuadorian Hillstar hummingbird to the majestic Andean Condor.

In addition to wildlife, the Reserve protects a unique variety of plants. Cushion plants, bromeliads, mosses, and colorful flowers add vibrant contrasts to the high-altitude grasslands. You will also find remnants of the ancient Polylepis forests, known as paper trees, which survive only in protected areas because of their historical use for firewood and construction.

The Peaks of Chimborazo and Carihuairazo

At 6,310 m (20,702 ft), Chimborazo dominates the Reserve and offers one of the most impressive views in South America. Because of the Earth’s equatorial bulge, its summit is the farthest point from the planet’s center, making it the closest place to the sun. Just 10 km northeast lies Carihuairazo, a smaller neighbor with a heavily eroded caldera. Its highest peak, Maxim (5,020 m / 16,469 ft), provides a striking contrast to Chimborazo’s massive ice-covered slopes.

Why Choose the Chimborazo Loop

Unlike technical climbing, trekking the Chimborazo loop allows you to experience this incredible region without ice gear. It is the perfect way to enjoy the landscapes of the Andes, acclimate for future climbs such as Cayambe or Cotopaxi, and connect with Ecuador’s natural and cultural heritage.

Plan your trekking in Ecuador with professional guides and discover why this route is considered one of the best long hikes in the Andes.

 

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