CLIMB CHIMBORAZO
Chimborazo is the highest volcano in Ecuador at 6 268 m. In fact, due to the Equator bulge, it is the highest mountain in the world as measured from the Earth’s core and the closest point on Earth to the Sun.
Despite not being a difficult mountain from a technical standpoint, to climb Chimborazo does require great effort to reach its summit! Once you arrive on top, you will be greeted with spectacular and unforgettable views over the top of the Andes!
Our Chimborazo climbing expeditions are flexible and can be customized to suit your group’s schedule, needs and goals. We can take care of your logistics which include contracting certified guides, booking your accommodation, organizing transport, gear and planning your acclimatization.
So, come and climb Chimborazo and walk above the clouds in Ecuador! Please get in touch and let us know your requirement and specific needs and we will gladly customize a tour for you!
Request information
Email us with your tentative dates and we will design a schedule to your needs.
Why climb Chimborazo with Latin American Alpine?
- Flexible acclimatization schedules
- Climb with certified guides
- Great customer service
- Direct communication with the general manager
- We will show a genuine attitude that we care about you and your goals
Quick details
- Start any day of the year
- Duration: From 10 - 11 days
- Effort level: Extremely hard
- Technical level: Moderate
- Guide-client ratio: 1:1 or 1:2
- Certified English speaking guides
How difficult is Chimborazo?
So, just how difficult is it to climb Chimborazo?
Despite, being only moderately difficult (alpine grade PD), we recommend that climbers should have glacier and high altitude experience (above 5 000 m) before climbing Chimborazo. Previous experience does provide a margin of safety on summit day as there are a few technical sections that a climber needs to negotiate. One of them is a long, steep glacier which if very icy, can make the route more technical.
Added to that, you have to climb almost 1 500 m from the Carrel refuge to Chimborazo’s summit (or Whymper Summit). This usually takes climbers up 12 hours for the return journey! Therefore, climbers will need to know how to pace and conserve their energy in the mountains.
Our suggested Chimborazo climbing schedule
Below is a 11 day schedule for climbing Chimborazo. Please contact us so we can discuss a more tailored schedule that is suited to your group’s needs.
For all our tours, we can organize certified mountain guides, accommodation, gear rental (crampons, ice axes, helmets), and private transport.
Please note:
In order to give yourself the best chance of success our recommendation is to arrive in Quito at least 2-3 days before the tour starts. This will help with your acclimatization and prevent acute mountain sickness. Quito lies at an altitude of 2 800 m. It is a beautiful city and there are many things to see and do before tour begins. We can organize day tours of the city and Mitad del Mundo (middle Earth) at your request. Other places to visit are the Old Town which is a UNESCO world heritage site, indigenous markets and some of the beautiful parks in the North of the Quito.
After spending a few days in Quito, we recommend the following schedule:
1st Day – Cuicocha or Quilotoa Lagoon
Hike around the beautiful Cuicocha Lagoon or Quilotoa. Both are incredible 5 hour (12km) walks between the altitudes of 3200 – 3850m.
2nd Day – Cerro Fuya Fuya or Pasochoa
Enjoy easy hikes to the summit of either Fuya Fuya or Pasochoa volcanoes (4200m).
3rd Day – Cerro Rucu Pichincha (4700m)
Climb Rucu Pichincha above Quito. Easy hike with a bit of scrambling.
4th Day – Illiniza Norte (5100m)
5th Day – Rest day
Rest day.
6th Day – Transfer to Cotopaxi
Short hike up to refuge. Sleep in Refugio at 4 800 m.
7th Day – Summit Cotopaxi (5 897 m)
Depart for summit at around 12 am. Summit Cotopaxi at sunrise enjoying spectacular views over the crater. Rest in afternoon.
8th Day – Rest day
Rest day.
9th Day – Transfer to Chimborazo
10th Day – Optional extra rest day (or Summit Chimborazo)
Optional extra rest day or attempt Chimborazo via standard route.
11th Day – Summit Chimborazo
Summit Chimborazo in the early morning and enjoy a spectacular views over Ecuador.
Who are our Chimborazo climbing guides?
An IFMGA/ASEGUIM certified guide with good English speaking skills lead our Chimborazo climbing expeditions.
Is climbing Chimborazo suitable for you?
Does the following sound like you?
You have been climbing or hiking for a few years.
And have already climbed a 5 000 m peak in the last 3-5 years.
Have previously acquired basic crampon techniques on 50-60 degree glacier ice.
Enjoy adventures in exotic destinations.
Any doubts? Please give us a call or email the general manager.
Tips on how to climb Chimborazo!
Prepare and train before you arrive in Ecuador.
Acclimatize correctly. Take about 14 days to acclimatize for Chimborazo.
Stay hydrated during your expedition.
Include rest days between big climbs
Hire a registered guide that you can communicate with.
Enroll in a “glacier school” to improve your alpine skills.
On summit day, climb at a steady and consistent pace.
Pack light for the summit climb!
Summit attempt clothing:
Down jacket, hard shell jacket, fleece jacket, base layer, hard shell trousers, base layer trousers, long fleece socks, inner wicking socks, stiff-soled or semi rigid double mountaineering boots, inner fleece gloves, outer hard shell mitts, beanie and buff.
Acclimatization hikes:
Loose comfortable clothing, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, rain jacket and fleece are all that are needed.
Personal clothing:
Denim trousers, t-shirts etc are fine for days when you are relaxing. The weather in the cities is fairly warm during the day, and cool to cold at night. For nights pack a hoodie or soft shell jacket to wear when relaxing. A thin down jacket will also work well.
Mountaineering equipment:
Crampons, walking axe, helmet, glacier goggles, harness, 2 x locking biners, 2 x prussiks (6-7mm, 1m each), ski poles, headlamp and spare batteries.
Additional items:
Backpack (30 L), sun protection cream (UVA 50+), cap/hat, sunglasses (factor 300-400), camera and 2 x 1.5 L water bottles, personal toiletries
Please let us know what equipment and clothing you may need.
