Climbing Chimborazo

Ecuador may be a small country, but it boasts one of the world's highest mountains, Chimborazo 6310ms (20,702ft).  Chimborazo is the tallest peak in Ecuador and ranks 17th in the world.  It is superb challenge, for well trained mountain climbers.  The trip offers a good acclimatization to reach your goal, Chimborazo's summit.

Itinerary

D 1 Quito - Guagua Pichincha volcano - Los Chillos valley

D 2 Pasochoa - Lasso

The spectacular Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Los Chillos valley. Extending across 500ha, Pasochoa encompasses rare humid Andean shrub forest around an extinct volcano crater. It has a remarkable biological value. There are several vegetation zones, but much of the plant-life is Andean forest. It is said that the area was affected by the eruption of Pasochoa volcano some 100 000 years ago. This resulted in a large bowl crater. As the zone has been difficult to access and was never suitable for agriculture or other forms of farming, The trek to the summit is an easy one and takes 3 to 4 hours to get there. Transfer to Lasso for the night.

D 3 North Iliniza - Lasso

Rising early to climb North Iliniza 5116m (16,784ft), The first part of your ascension will take you to a coil between the two ilinizas and where the refuge 4750m (15,584ft) is located. The second part is going up to the summit of north Iliniza at 5116ms (16784ft). This rocky mountain does not represent any particular technical difficulty but it is one of the stages in your accllimatization. When you manage to reach North Illiniza's summit you can enjoy a spectacular views extending right out to Cotopaxi volcano. This is an unforgettable moment. Return to Lasso

D 4 Quilotoa - Urbina

After breakfast you head off this time to Quilotoa lake 3900m (12795ft). 2 hours drive through stunning hills, paramo grasslands, farmed fields, indian communities, furrowed large canyons to get to this volcano. Already there you have 2 or 3 hours walk. Any way, you have a fantastic escenery from here. In the afternoon you will be transfered to Urbina.

D 5 Urbina - Chimborazo Refuge

After an early rise you head to Mount Chimborazo 6310m (20702ft), the highest mountain in Ecuador, which sits over the entire Valley. The aim today is to drive to the refuge at 4800ms (15748ft), walk for an hour and 200 ms (656ft) reach to Edward Whymper"s refuge at 5000ms (16404ft), This last one is reckoned to be a relatively comfortable refuge. If the weather allows and you feel like, you can go in direction to the "agujas de Whymper" (Whymper´s needles) from where you can look at the route you will be doing next early morning or, just relax at the refuge and around it. Amidst the lava fields you may see wild flowers, vicuñas, a variety of birdlife and volcanic rocks. You will have magnificent views of the perpetually ice-crowned peak glistening in the sun, and fine panoramas of the distant peak of Tungurahua, Altar and Sangay. Night in the Refuge

D 6 Chimborazo summit - Quito

Very early rise, midnight, to begin the climbing to Chimborazo summit (6310ms - 20702ft). It is not an easy mountanin due to a glacier that is two thirds of the whole climb but, the rerward is great. Chimborazo is the closest point to the sky and the highest mountain on the planet in relation to the centre of the earth. After this wonderful experience you go back to the refuge and then, join the transport to go back to Quito.

PRICES

Price includes :
— Safe glacier materials for the climbing
— Private transport
— Price based in double rooms with private bathrooms.
— meals
— Entrance fees to Pasochoa, Ilinizas, Quilotoa and Cotopaxi.
— English speaking guide through the whole trip

— One nights in a mountain refuge
Price does not include :
— International flight to Quito
— Airport exit tax $40,70 per person
— Any travel insurance
— Tips for guides and drivers
— Anything not mentioned in the tour