Length:
2 or 3 days

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced

Max Guide Ratio:
1:1

Recommended Season:
All year

Prior Trip Suggestions:
Carihuairazo,
Cotopaxi

Follow Up Programs:
Baños,
El Altar

Trip Highlights:
Sweeping views from the summit of Ecuador’s tallest volcano, on a clear day you can see down into the Amazon jungle basin and the neighboring peaks

Enjoy watching the sun rise over the Amazon and the neighboring volcanoes.

Chimborazo

photo gallery

note:

Like all snowcapped peaks in Ecuador, avalanches are common during the day due to the more direct angle of the sunlight characteristic of regions this close to the Equatorial Line. As a safety measure, we will climb at night and reach the summit by 7:00 a.m., this will enable our safe return to base camp before the snow pack becomes too warm and soft.

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trip itinerary

Day 1:
We drive to the Hermanos Carrel Hut (4,800 m/ 15,750 ft) on the base of Chimborazo and hike to our accommodations at the Whymper Refuge (5,000 m / 16,400 ft). After preparing our gear we will go on a short hike to the rock needles known as “Chamonix Needles”(5,240 m/17191 ft). Then have an early dinner and turn in for the night.

Day 2:
Our day starts early to ensure we have enough time to reach the summit of Chimborazo (6,310 m / 20,702 ft) by 7:00 am. It will take 7 hours to ascend and another 3 to return to the Jeep.

Optional High Camp
We will have a high camp on the second day. This greatly increases the summit success rate because we will be starting at a higher elevation making for a shorter summit day.

Want something even more challenging? On request, we can arrange a trip up the more demanding and technical climbing routes, such as the Chimborazo North Face Route.

Note:
Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary, but unforeseen circumstances may require last minute changes. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of climbers can all contribute to schedule alterations. Please be prepared to be flexible when necessary.

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Climbing Chimborazo (6,310 m / 20,702 ft) is one of the most iconic mountaineering experiences in South America. Located 150 km southwest of Quito, this extinct volcano is not only the highest mountain in Ecuador. In fact, due to the Earth’s equatorial bulge, its summit is the farthest point from the Earth’s center. Therefore, it is considered the closest place to the sun.

Reaching the top of Chimborazo requires glacier equipment, excellent fitness, stamina, and proper acclimatization to high altitude. While in normal conditions the climb is moderate, hard ice and changing weather can make it very demanding. As a result, preparation and experienced guidance are crucial.

Climbing Chimborazo

The climb can be attempted in a minimum of 2 days; however, this is only possible if participants already have glacier travel experience, outstanding physical condition, and good acclimatization to the altitude. Otherwise, it is strongly recommended to join a longer acclimatization program.

For this reason, we recommend 3 to 7-day programs for most climbers, which include:

Acclimatization treks on smaller volcanoes under 5,000 m.
Glacier skills training: crampon use, ice axe techniques, and rope safety.
Progressive high-altitude hiking to adapt your body to the Andes.

Main Routes to the Summit

There are two established routes for climbing Chimborazo:

El Castillo Route – the most popular and moderate option.
North Face Route – more technical and physically demanding.

In both cases, our local certified guides adapt the itinerary to your experience and goals.

Chimborazo Climb

We create tailor-made itineraries to fit your time, experience, and expectations. In addition, many climbers also combine Chimborazo with previous ascents of Cotopaxi or Cayambe, or join longer trips such as the Ecuador Volcanoes Expedition.

Moreover, climbing Chimborazo is more than just a mountain ascent. It is about walking in the footsteps of Edward Whymper, who first summited in 1880, and experiencing the spectacular landscapes of the Chimborazo National Park, home to vicuñas, wild llamas, and vast Andean scenery.

Start Planning Your Climbing Chimborazo Expedition

Start planning your adventure today and make your dream of climbing Chimborazo a reality with expert guidance and maximum safety.

Programs from 2 to 7 days, including acclimatization with professional guides, are available all year round.