Climbing Chimborazo Volcano (6263m) in Ecuador

Climbing Chimborazo Volcano: General Details

To climb Chimborazo Volcano, the highest high-altitude mountain in the Ecuadorian Andes, you can do it in two ways, with a Mountaineering Agency, or with a local guide:

Highlights:

• Chimborazo Volcano Summit.
• Views of the other 3 big famous volcanoes: Antisana, Cayambe, and Cotopaxi (on a clear day). Views of the other smaller volcanoes: Ruminahui, Pasochoa, Los Ilinizas, Corazon, El Altar, Sangay, Tungurahua.
• You might also encounter wild horses, alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas.

Duration: 2 days.

Authorization: Required but your guide or agency should take care of it. If they don’t, send an email to [email protected] just in case (min. 3-5 days before your trip).

Accommodation: Refugio Carrel or Refugio Edward Wymper. If both refuges are full, and you’re not staying at high camp, then you might want to check some of the hotels nearby like Chimborazo Lodge, Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge, Chakana Templo de Montaña, or Hostería La Andaluza.

Price: 360-800$ (details in the following section)

Outfit: High-altitude mountain gear (details in the following section)

Best Months to Climb: September - December

Agencies: I climbed with Mauna Expeditions; other agencies, not used by me: Cumbre Tours, Mountain Tours

Local Guide: Julian Ilalo guided our climb. Phone: +593 (0) 992999371

Climbing Chimborazo Volcano: Technical Details

Type: Out-and-Back Trail

Distance: 15 km - Starting at the Refugio Carrel.

Duration: 10-12 hours including the summit stop.

Difficulty: Hard. The toughest part of the climb was the relentless, steep ascent leading up to the Veintimilla Summit.

Incline: ca. 1400m of ascent and descent.

Altitude: Lowest point: 4,850m at the Refugio Carrel. Highest point: 6,263m at the Whymper Summit of Chimborazo Volcano.

The climb and return from the Carrel Refuge to the Whymper Summit of Chimborazo Volcano.

The climb from the Refuge Carrel to the High Camp (5300m)

The climb from the High Camp to the Whymper Summit of Chimborazo Volcano.

Making the Most of Your Chimborazo Trip

The tours below are day trips around the reserve, not summit climbs. For the summit climb, see the agencies and the guide in the sections below.

If you are short on time in Ecuador, these day tours explore the national park or hike around the mountain:

How to climb Chimborazo Volcano?

To climb Chimborazo Volcano, the highest high-altitude mountain in the Ecuadorian Andes, you can do it in two ways:

Mountaineering Agency: 

• Pros: More comfortable and easy to plan. Includes everything.
• Cons:
  • Shared Trip: Big Groups, Random People
  • Private Trip: More expensive than hiring a guide by yourself.

Hiring a Certified Guide - National Guide - ASEGUIM - UIAGM:

• Pros: Cheaper (you don’t pay the agency’s fee), private, flexible (your own dates), personally choose your own guide.
• Cons: You have to arrange the transportation, accommodation, and meals, as well as rent the technical gear. You have to pay for the guide’s expenses too.

What Clothing should i bring to Climb Chimborazo Volcano?

To climb Chimborazo you need high-altitude mountaineering gear. This is a general gear list with partner links. These are suggestions, not products I have tested. The one exception is the backpack: the link is the AtlasPacks Athlete, which I carry. On my climb I wore summit boots, a helmet, crampons and a headlamp.

Essentials:

• Tshirt: Breathable T-shirt (Tech or Merino)
• Jacket (3 layers): Base Layer or Fleece, Puffer Jacket, and a Waterproof Jacket (Gore-Tex or H2O Technology)
• Pants: Base Layer, and a Hardshell (Gore-Tex or a Waterproof Alternative)
• Gloves: Waterproof Gloves w/ Interior Liner Layer (or Merino Liner Gloves, and a Waterproof Hardshell)
• Socks: Merino Socks
• Shoes: High Mountain Mountaineering Boots, or Technical Mountaineering Boots, with High Gaiters.
• Hat: Beanie, Buff, Cap
• Sunglasses: Glacier Sunglasses
• Lights: Headlamp
• Backpack: 25-35 liters

* It is advisable to have an additional thermal layer or jacket available for extremely cold conditions (at the climb) and to have an extra change of clothes (that you leave at the refuge).

Climbing Equipment:

• Helmet: For the entire climb.
• Crampons: For the snow that exists roughly from the refuge onwards.
• Piolet: Also for the steep snow part.
• Harness: For the entire climb.
• Trekking Poles: For the entire hike until the steep snow climb where it’s advisable to use the ice axe instead.
• Rope: For the entire climb. (usually, the guide brings)
• Carabiners:  For the entire climb. (usually, the guide brings)

Useful Extras:

• Victorinox Swiss Multi-Tool or Victorinox Hiker Knife
• Change of Clothes
• First-Aid Kit

Consumables:

• Drinks, and Snacks: Bring enough of it especially if you’re a beginner.
• Thermos

Check out my complete guide on What’s in My Backpack - From photography gear, and clothing for Hiking, Mountaineering, Scuba Diving, Rainforest, and City-Street Photography.

How much does it cost to climb Chimborazo Volcano?

Here is an estimate of the costs. These are quoted or listed prices from when I researched this page, not what I paid. First decide whether you will go with an agency or a local guide; other expenses follow.

Agency/Private Guide:

Mountaineering Agency:

• Chimborazo Volcano Summit:
  • Shared Trip  (6-10 persons): 380$ (pp)
  • Private Trip: Solo - 720$ | 2 persons - 550$ (pp)
• Complete Acclimatization Program: 4 mid-mountains summits  w/ Cotopaxi + Chimborazo summit (6-10 persons): 625$+380$ (pp)

Hiring a guide:

• Local Guide (1-2 persons): 300$ (pp or per couple ) - including rope and carabiners, the rest you must rent (ask the guide if he has any extra equipment at home he can lend you) - It’s cheaper if you come with a second person - The price is for the guiding not per person.

Transport (from Quito):

• Private Van (Quito - Refuge Carrel): 240$ (Both ways)

Accommodation (High Camp): 80$ - Includes dinner and breakfast. If you’re vegetarian, be sure to let them know in advance so they can prepare accordingly.

Equipment for Rental:

(Daily prices without taxes)

• Helmet: 4$ (used) - 5$ (new)
• Crampons: 5$
• Ice Axe: 4$ (used) - 5$ (new)
• Harness: 4$ (used) - 5$ (new)
• Waterproof Pants: 5$ (used) - 6$ (new)
• Waterproof Jacket: 5$ (used) - 6$ (new)
• Waterproof Gloves: 3$ (used) - 4$ (new)
• Rubber Boots: 10$
• Mountaineering Boots: 12.5$ (used) - 20$ (new)
• Tent: 12$
• Mattress: 2.5$
• Sleeping Bag: 5$ (used) - 6$ (new)
• Backpack 35-65L: 5$
• Sunglasses (UV 4): 3.5$
• Headlamp (without batteries): 3$

Equipment for Sale:

• Trekking Poles: 10$
• Fleece+Pants (1st Layer): 44.80$
• Gloves (1st Layer): 3.92$
• Socks (Merino Wool 70-80%): 16.80$
• Socks (1st Layer): 11.20$

*Prices from Los Alpes Store in Quito, 26.May.2023   Alternative Stores for renting equipment: Mauna Expeditions, Tatoo, Cotopaxi Warehouse, Andes Alpino, Mountain Tours.

Food, Drinks, and Snacks: 10$ (pp)

Estimated Total (per person):

• Scenario 1:

  • Group of 2
  • Hired a Local Guide
  • Already have all the gear
  • Price Breakdown: 300$/2 (guide), 240$/2 (private van both ways), 80$ (accommodation, dinner, and breakfast), 80$/2 (guide’s accommodation, dinner, and breakfast), 10$ (snacks, and drinks)
  • Total: 400$ USD

• Scenario 2: 

  • Solo
  • Shared Tour with an Agency
  • Only have standard hiking gear
  • Price Breakdown: 320$ (guide + logistics + meals + transport), 40-80$ (equipment/clothing rental)
  • Total: 360-400$ USD

• Scenario 3: 

  • Solo
  • Private Tour with an Agency
  • Only have standard hiking gear
  • Price Breakdown: 720$ (guide + logistics + meals + transport + technical gear), 40-80$ (equipment/clothing rental)
  • Total: 760-800$ USD

How to get to the refuge of Chimborazo Volcano?

By Private Van:

For this climb, it’s more practical and comfortable to arrange a private van from Quito directly to the refuge. Due to the amount of gear needed and the distance, it’s best to travel with a guide. The van ride from Quito to the refuge takes around 4 hours, offering a hassle-free way to start your ascent.

Alternatively, if you prefer to come by bus, taxi, or car, check out my article on Climbing Carihuairazo Volcano, which is nearby. You can use the travel times and details provided there as an estimated guide for this trip.

Where to sleep before climbing Chimborazo Volcano?

You can stay at Refugio Carrel or Refugio Edward Wymper. If both are full and you’re not staying at high camp, nearby options include Chimborazo Lodge, Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge, Chakana Templo de Montaña, or Hostería La Andaluza. Alternatively, you can also stay in Riobamba for more accommodation choices. Since you’re probably departing from Quito, my Quito hotel guide, built from research and not from my own stays, lists places to relax before your climb and during acclimatization: 20 Best Hotels in Quito, Ecuador.

Chimborazo Volcano: Curiosities

Name and Meaning: The name “Chimborazo” has uncertain origins, with some suggesting it may come from the Cayapa word “shimbu,” meaning “Great Lady of the Snow.” Others believe it could derive from the Quechua words “chinú” (hot) and “rase” (snowy), potentially referring to the mountain’s icy summit and volcanic nature.

Indigenous Mythology: Traditionally, Chimborazo was regarded as a female mountain deity. In more recent times, it has been reimagined as a male figure, often referred to as Taita Chimborazo (Father Chimborazo). According to legend, Chimborazo triumphed over the mountains Carihuairazo and Altar in a romantic rivalry for the affection of Mama Tungurahua. This epic quarrel destroyed the craters of Carihuairazo and Altar volcanoes, shaping their current forms and leaving a lasting mark on the landscape.

Climbing Conditions: Standing at 6,263 meters (20,549 feet) above sea level, Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador and the Northern Andes. While technically less demanding than other high-altitude climbs, reaching its summit requires excellent physical conditioning and experience with glacier climbing, as the upper slopes are covered in snow and ice. Climbers must use proper equipment like crampons and ice axes, and due to the high altitude, proper acclimatization is essential.

Unique Geographic Feature: The summit of Chimborazo is the point on the Earth’s surface farthest from the planet’s center, about 2.1 km farther than the summit of Everest, because of the equatorial bulge.

Glaciers and Water Source: The glaciers of Chimborazo have retreated significantly in recent decades, and nearby communities that depend on glacier water have reported less water.

Volcanic Activity: Chimborazo is classified as a potentially active stratovolcano. Its last eruption was around AD 550. It has been dormant for centuries, and its glacier-covered slopes would pose a risk of lahars in a future eruption.

Historic Expeditions: Chimborazo was once considered the highest peak in the world, attracting early explorers and mountaineers. In 1802, Alexander von Humboldt attempted to climb it, reaching 5,875 meters, the highest recorded altitude at the time. The first successful ascent to the summit was achieved by Edward Whymper in 1880, along with guides Jean-Antoine and Louis Carrel. Today, Chimborazo remains a popular destination for mountaineers worldwide.

Protected Ecosystem: The volcano is located within the Chimborazo Fauna Reserve, a protected area that preserves the habitat of native Andean animals such as vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas. The surrounding ecosystem is vital to the region’s biodiversity, offering climbers and visitors a unique glimpse into the Andean highlands.

Views: On a clear day you can see neighboring peaks from the summit and even the distant city of Guayaquil, about 140 kilometers away.

Ice Harvesting: Baltazar Ushca was known as the last ice harvester of Chimborazo. For decades he continued the old tradition of cutting ice from the mountain’s glaciers.

My Experience climbing Chimborazo Volcano

This is the story of how I climbed to the highest point on Earth and Ecuador’s tallest volcano, Chimborazo, and proposed to my Ecuadorian girlfriend.

It all began as a simple idea after summiting Cotopaxi Volcano in 2022. Returning to Ecuador in 2023, I decided to aim higher, both literally and figuratively. That’s when the plan to climb Chimborazo took shape. Jhose, now my wife, recommended Mauna Expeditions, the same company that had helped her climb Cotopaxi the previous year. We contacted them, exploring the possibility of partnering with them in a mutually beneficial way. I eventually agreed to follow a thorough acclimatization process—four mid-altitude mountains and one high-altitude peak—before attempting Chimborazo.

For acclimatization, we climbed Los Pichinchas, Imbabura, Sincholagua (though we had to turn back due to weather), and did glacier training on Antisana. Finally, we summited Cayambe Volcano, one of Ecuador’s four massive snow-capped peaks. The stage was set for Chimborazo the following weekend.

The First Day - High Camp Climb

We met the rest of the group at Tribuna de Los Shyris and boarded a small van bound for Chimborazo. After about four hours, we arrived at the reserve and registered at the entrance. From there, we headed to Refugio Carrel, where we parked the van. As soon as we stepped out, we were greeted by the towering presence of Chimborazo, its colossal mass looming behind the hut. We changed gear, leaving our hiking gear in the car, and put on our summit boots and helmets for the approach to High Camp.

The walk to High Camp (Campamento Arista - Ridge Camp - 5,300m) was tougher than expected. The new boots I had brought to avoid the pain from my previous pair on Cayambe weren’t very comfortable, making the climb on loose rocks and gravel even more challenging. The path was a straightforward, zigzagging route, and we could see other groups ahead and behind us. From the refuge, the sight of tents at the high camp reassured us that we wouldn’t be walking for much longer.

When we arrived at High Camp, we were amazed by how well-equipped and beautiful it was. The camp consisted of glacier-white domes with mattresses inside, one of them serving as a kitchen and dining area where we would soon have lunch. After unpacking, we prepared for lunch and the approaching sunset. As I grabbed my drone and camera, the scenery that unfolded was breathtaking. A cloud inversion revealed a clear sky, and as the sun began to set, the sky turned shades of red and purple—an otherworldly experience no doubt.

After the sunset, we headed to our tent, hoping to get some rest. We tried to sleep from 7 p.m., knowing that we would need to wake up at midnight to begin our summit push.

The Night Summit Attack

We woke up at midnight (if you can call it waking up, since sleeping at 5,300m with altitude headaches and layers of clothes on is nearly impossible) and began our climb. We started fully equipped with crampons, helmets, and headlamps. The night was pitch black, and various groups were also heading for the summit. The first section we needed to cross was El Castillo, a big rocky wall on our left, notorious for loose rocks falling from its top. We heard several rocks tumbling down, but luckily none came too close.

As we climbed, we alternated between passing other groups and being passed ourselves. The climb seemed endless, with the path being mostly a straightforward ascent, unlike Cayambe, which had zigzags and icy slopes with crevasses. Once we got past the rocky section, it was snow all the way. Though we encountered a few crevasses, recent snowfall made the ascent manageable. The summit area, prone to avalanches, didn’t pose any issues that day, though we heard that groups attempting it in the days after weren’t as fortunate.

We used the “Paso Ochomilero” technique, maintaining a slow, steady pace without too many pauses, as our Cayambe guide had taught us. This helped manage the strain on my tendons and ankles. The climb was monotonous, with little variation in the path and few views of the other volcanoes, as most of them were on the opposite side of the mountain. Eventually, as the sky began to lighten, we could see the summit ahead of us, dotted with the lights of other climbers already making their way. Reaching the first summit, I couldn’t help but tear up.

The Chimborazo Summit

As we neared the first summit, I could hardly believe that in just a few minutes, I would be proposing to my girlfriend with a ring I had been carrying for over a month. I could have proposed at the summit of Cayambe, but my heart was set on Chimborazo, and we were lucky to have the gods and the weather on our side.

When we reached Veintimilla Summit (6,234m), tears welled up in my eyes. Our guide Julian, whom I had secretly informed to film and photograph the moment without Jhose knowing, asked if we wanted to stop there or continue to the highest point. Of course, we wanted to go all the way. The summits of Chimborazo are unique; instead of one conical peak, it has two distinct summits. After a brief descent and then another climb, we arrived at Whymper Summit (6,263m), the highest point. Julian started recording, we took some photos, and then I reached for the ring in my jacket. I dropped to one knee in the snow and asked the question: “Will you marry me?”. It was the most important moment of my life. Both of us burst into tears—not only were we standing on the summit of Ecuador’s highest volcano, the closest point to space on Earth, but I had just asked her to marry me. And she said “YES!”. I can officially say I took her breath away, both from the altitude and the proposal.

After the emotional high, I took my camera to capture the view and attempted to launch my drone, just like I had on Cayambe. Unfortunately, the cold temperatures caused it to crash twice in the snow (lesson learned—next time, I’ll warm it up before takeoff). But for a brief moment, we were literally on top of the world. We lingered at the summit, soaking it all in—the proposal, the drone attempts, the photographs with the Portuguese flag, and just the sheer disbelief of being in such an extraordinary place. It was something I never imagined I’d achieve, especially after saying the year before, “Cotopaxi is my goal, I don’t want to risk going higher—I’m not a mountain man.” Yet, there I was, standing on top of this 6,263-meter colossus.

What an adventure!

The Way Down

After what felt like an hour at the summit, it was time to descend. There’s a saying that the summit is just half of the adventure; to complete it, you must make it back down successfully. When you’re tired and low on energy, this descent can be quite challenging.

Unlike my previous summits, I felt energized and strong. It hardly felt like we had just climbed a 6,200-meter mountain. We were well acclimatized and used proper techniques for both walking and resting. We made sure to snack and stay hydrated, which completely transformed this climb. The difference was remarkable compared to our earlier experiences; it truly was a game changer.

On the way down, instead of taking the normal path beneath El Castillo like we did on the way up, Julian guided us through a Via Ferrata behind the wall section. We navigated a thrilling section with a metal ladder and arrived back at the high camp. Once there, we quickly packed our gear and enjoyed breakfast before heading down to Refuge Carrel. Although we arrived later than expected, everything turned out well as we met up with some members of our larger group on the way back to the refuge and eventually made it back to Quito.

What a day—one I will never forget. How about you? Have you had the chance to climb Chimborazo Volcano? I’d love to hear about your experience if you’ve tackled this giant. Feel free to share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.

Thanks for following along, and I hope you find inspiration in this adventure. I’m excited to share more of my favorite shots below. Enjoy!

Photo Gallery

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