General Information
Chimborazo Summit - 2 Day Tour
A very popular tour for climbers looking to reach Ecuador's highest mountain peak…and the farthest point from the center of the earth due to the earth's equatorial bulge. There are rocky and icy sections during the climb requiring some mountaineering experience, and acclimatization to altitude and very good physical fitness is essential..
The 6,268 meter Chimborazo volcano was formed by the remains of two ancient volcanoes, and actually has 4 different summits. Considered inactive, its last eruption was about 1400 years ago, but studies of the volcano indicate a future eruption is possible. The volcano is located in central Ecuador near the city of Riobamba (our tour departs from Riobamba)
For the Chimborazo climb, there is a minimum of one guide for every two climbers. Climbing equipment is provided for these tours, and there is a minimum of 2 passengers for these tours (tours are possible for one climber with a private guide, but significantly more expensive). All climbing tours are high risk activities; travel insurance is strongly recommended. While we select the most experienced, quality operators and guides available, neither Eos Ecuador or the tour operators can accept responsibility for accidents or health issues. For all climbing tours, weather conditions or other safety related factors may result in the cancellation of the climb, and if your climbing partner must return to the refuge due to altitude sickness or physical limitations, you may be required to return as well. No refunds are given in these cases.
Itinerary
Itineraries listed below are subject to minor changes.
DAY ONE
We leave Riobamba at 10:00 a.m. and travel for about an hour and a half to Chimborazo's first refuge at 4800 m. (15.749 ft.). From here we walk for 40 minutes with our equipment to the Whymper refuge at 5000 m (16.405 ft.). In the afternoon we rest for acclimatization.
DAY TWO
At about midnight we start our ascent. After 1 - 2 hours of climbing we reach the glacier, and after another hour we reach El Castillo (5350 m.) From there it takes another 4 hours to reach the summit. After reaching the summit, the descent to the refuge takes about 3- 4 hours. At noon we return to Riobamba, arriving at about 13:00.
Prices
2018 Rates (minimum 2 climbers)
- From Quito: 2 days $350 USD per person with even number of climbers, private guide additional.
- From Riobamba: 2 days $295 USD per person with even number of climbers, private guide additional.
- Please contact us for individual pricing or for groups of 6 or more
Tour Includes:
- Professional, certified ountain guide (1 guide climbs with maximum 2 persons)
- Transportation from / to Riobamba
- Accommodations in mountain refuge
- Meals (2 box lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 1 meal in restaurant) and coffee, tea, purified drinking water
- Complete climbing equipment (including double-lined plastic climbing boots, crampons, ice axe, harness with carabiner, rope, gaiters, gloves and mittens, fleece sweater and fleece pants, balaclava, glacier glasses, headlamp, warm sleeping bag with sheet)
Tour Excludes:
- All not mentioned above
- National Park entry fees, if applicable
- Tips, personal expenses
Things to Bring
Things to Bring
Below are suggested items to bring for your climb. If you do not have any of these items, ask and we may be able to loan certain items.
- Warm, layerable, fast drying clothing including thermal layer if possible
- Fleece jacket
- Water and windproof jacket and pants
- Headlamp
- Pocket knife
- Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
- Water bottle