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Trekking the Chimborazo Loop – A High-Andean Adventure in Ecuador

Trekking the Chimborazo Loop is one of the most rewarding multi-day adventures in the Ecuadorian Andes. This spectacular 5-day trek circles the flanks of Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain, while crossing the broad valleys and remote landscapes surrounding the Río Mocha basin.

From the very beginning, the journey immerses hikers in dramatic high-altitude scenery, unique Andean ecosystems, and the rich cultural heritage of the Ecuadorian highlands.

Flora & Fauna of the Chimborazo Reserve

The Chimborazo Loop takes place within the Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo, a protected area created to preserve the fragile ecosystems of the high Andes, including páramo grasslands, glacial lakes, peat wetlands, and remnants of native Andean forest.

The reserve is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Along the trek, hikers may encounter wild vicuñas and guanacos, native camelids that roam freely across the high plains. Deer, rabbits, and Andean foxes are also commonly found in the region.

For birdwatchers, the reserve offers exceptional opportunities to observe species ranging from the tiny Ecuadorian Hillstar hummingbird to the majestic Andean condor soaring above the mountains.

The landscapes are equally rich in plant life. Cushion plants, bromeliads, mosses, and colorful high-altitude flowers create vibrant contrasts against the golden páramo grasslands. In protected valleys, hikers can also discover ancient Polylepis forests, often called “paper tree forests,” one of the rarest high-altitude ecosystems in the Andes.

Chimborazo & Carihuairazo

Towering above the reserve at 6,310 m (20,702 ft), Chimborazo dominates the landscape and offers one of the most iconic mountain views in South America. Due to the Earth’s equatorial bulge, its summit is the farthest point from the center of the Earth, making it the closest place on Earth to the sun.

Just 10 km away lies Carihuairazo, Chimborazo’s smaller sister volcano. Its eroded caldera and rugged volcanic peaks create a dramatic contrast to Chimborazo’s massive glacier-covered dome. The highest point of Carihuairazo, Máxima, rises to 5,020 m (16,469 ft).

Why Choose the Chimborazo Loop

Unlike technical mountaineering expeditions, the Chimborazo Loop allows hikers to experience the beauty of Ecuador’s highest mountains without the need for glacier equipment or technical climbing skills.

The trek is ideal for:

Experiencing remote Andean landscapes
Acclimatizing for future climbs such as Cotopaxi or Cayambe
Wildlife and birdwatching
Exploring Ecuador’s natural and cultural heritage
Enjoying one of the best long-distance hikes in the Andes

An Unforgettable Trekking Experience in Ecuador

With professional mountain guides and carefully planned itineraries, the Chimborazo Loop offers a unique combination of adventure, nature, and cultural immersion in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Whether you are preparing for bigger mountaineering objectives or simply seeking an unforgettable trekking experience, this route is considered one of the finest high-altitude hikes in South America.

Highlights

Trek across the flanks of Chimborazo while enjoying sweeping panoramic views of colorful patchwork fields, vast páramo grasslands, and ancient Polylepis forests.
Experience the traditions and culture of the Andean highland communities throughout the journey.
Observe native South American camelids in their natural habitat, including wild vicuñas and guanacos, as well as domesticated alpacas and llamas.
Explore the majestic landscapes of Chimborazo alongside Senior Guide Marcelo Puruncajas.

Day 1 :

Cuatro Esquinas to Llama Pungo

We drive to the trailhead at Cuatro Esquinas (3,300 m / 10,826 ft), where we begin a 3 to 4-hour hike toward Llama Pungo (4,000 m / 13,123 ft) along the historic old Pan-American route.

The trail follows an ancient stone road through small Andean villages on the southeastern slopes of Chimborazo. As we gain altitude, the landscape transitions into open farmland with grazing sheep and cattle before eventually entering alpine meadows crossed by glacial streams. Along the route, we may encounter herds of alpacas and wild vicuñas roaming the páramo.

We spend the night camping at Llama Pungo.

Optional: Guests who prefer not to camp may arrange accommodation at La Estación Urbina.

Day 2 :

Llama Pungo to Alto Urbina

After breakfast, we continue hiking eastward toward Alto Urbina (4,219 m / 13,840 ft). Today’s trek takes approximately 5 to 6 hours through beautiful high-altitude landscapes beneath the slopes of Chimborazo.

We camp near Alto Urbina and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Optional: Guests who prefer additional comfort may stay overnight at the Portal Andino mountain hut.

Day 3 :

Alto Urbina to Mechahuasca

After an early breakfast, we begin trekking toward the Río Mocha Valley, circling around Chimborazo directly opposite Carihuairazo.

As we climb higher into the hillsides, breathtaking panoramic views open up across the Andes. The highest point of the day is Abraspungo Pass (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), where we stop to rest and admire the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

From the pass, we descend toward Mechahuasca (4,265 m / 13,993 ft) on the northern side of Chimborazo.

Day 4 :

Mechahuasca to Carrel Refuge

Today is the longest trekking day of the expedition. We hike approximately 5 to 6 hours toward the famous Carrel Refuge (4,800 m / 15,748 ft) located on the western flank of Chimborazo.

The route offers spectacular close-up views of the volcano’s glaciers and massive upper slopes while crossing remote high-Andean terrain.

Day 5 :

Carrel Refuge to Whymper Refuge, Chamonix Needles & Riobamba

Our final trekking day begins with a short 45-minute hike to the Whymper Refuge (5,000 m / 16,638 ft).

From there, we continue along the original Whymper Route on a scenic 2-hour hike toward the Chamonix Needles (5,240 m / 17,191 ft), an exceptional panoramic viewpoint surrounded by the glaciers and towering slopes of the Chimborazo Massif.

After enjoying the incredible scenery, we descend back toward the Carrel Refuge. Along the way, we experience some of the finest views of Chimborazo on the entire trek, with its immense glaciers and summit dominating the landscape.

From the refuge, we continue descending for approximately 3 to 4 hours to La Chorrera (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where transportation awaits for the return to Riobamba.

The remainder of the day is free to relax and explore the city.

Optional: Guests who prefer not to complete the final hiking descent may return directly to Riobamba by vehicle from the refuge.