Chimborazo Expedition

Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador and, due to the Earth’s equatorial bulge, its summit is the farthest point from the center of the Earth — even farther than Everest. Towering over the central Andes at 6,263 meters, it is a serious high-altitude climb that combines glacier travel, moderate slopes (35–45°), and breathtaking views.

Certified IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide
All meals during the expedition
Camping equipment (tents, kitchen gear, etc.)
Arrieros (muleteers) for gear transport
Private transportation
Group climbing gear (ropes, ice screws, snow stakes, etc.)

Every summit builds your story — Chimborazo is where that story begins...

PREPARATION

Fitness

Very high. Required experience with strenuous hiking or alpine climbing, plus comfort at altitude above 5,000 m.

Technical

Intermediate. Glacier travel with crampons, ice axe use, and some steep sections. Roped movement required.

Altitude

6,263 m (Summit of Chimborazo)

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Riobamba / Transfer to Chimborazo Reserve

Arrival in Riobamba (2,750 m) and private transfer to the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve. Light hike around Casa Condor or Polylepis forest to begin acclimatization. Evening briefing with mountain guide.
⏱️ 2–3 hours light activity

Day 2 – Acclimatization Climb: Carihuairazo (5,020 m)

Drive to the base of Carihuairazo, a perfect acclimatization peak. The ascent involves scrambling and glacier travel, offering great views of Chimborazo. Return to lodge or mountain hut.
⏱️ 6–8 hours round-trip

Day 3 – Glacier Skills Training at Chimborazo Base (5,000 m)

Drive up to Refugio Carrel (4,850 m). Spend the day on the glacier practicing essential mountaineering skills: crampon technique, self-arrest, rope travel, and ice axe use. Early dinner and rest at the Whymper Hut or nearby high camp.
⏱️ 3–4 hours glacier training

Day 4 – Summit Day: Chimborazo (6,263 m)

Midnight alpine start (~11:00 PM). Begin the climb from the refuge or high camp. The route follows moderate glacier terrain with crevasses, seracs, and 35–45° slopes. After 8–10 hours of ascent, we reach the summit — the closest point on Earth to the sun.
Descend carefully to the refuge for a meal and return to Riobamba.
⏱️ 10–12 hours climb + descent

Day 5 – Buffer Day / Return to Quito or Baños

A contingency day in case of weather delays, or for optional sightseeing around Laguna de Colta, Ingapirca, or return transfer to Quito/Baños.
⏱️ Flexible