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SCHEDULE
Minimum: 2 participants
Advance reservation required
Departure: Around 12:00 PM
Return: 6:00 PM on Day 2
Departure time may vary between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM depending on weather conditions and the mountain guide's schedule. Please confirm your departure time with Turismo Ecuador 24 before the expedition.
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Maximum Elevation: 6,263 m (20,548 ft)
Location: Chimborazo Wildlife Production Reserve, Ecuador
Difficulty: Very High – Technical high-altitude mountaineering expedition.
Requirements:
- Excellent physical condition.
- Previous high-altitude climbing experience.
- Experience using crampons and an ice axe.
- Proper acclimatization above 4,500 meters is strongly recommended.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1 – ACCLIMATIZATION & PREPARATION
Meet at Turismo Ecuador 24
Meet your certified mountain guide at the Turismo Ecuador 24 office for registration, liability waiver signing, and technical equipment collection (equipment should be picked up several hours before departure).
A complete expedition briefing includes:
- Expedition itinerary
- Equipment use
- Glacier safety
- High-altitude risks
- Emergency procedures
Departure from Baños de Agua Santa
Travel by private transportation to the Chimborazo Wildlife Production Reserve, crossing spectacular Andean landscapes.
Along the way, there will be an opportunity to observe the reserve's famous wild vicuñas.
Arrival at Carrel Refuge (4,850 m)
Upon arrival, enjoy a light lunch while continuing the acclimatization process.
Your guide will inspect all technical climbing equipment, including:
- Crampons
- Harness
- Helmet
- Ice axe
- Headlamp
- Mountaineering boots
- Safety equipment
Acclimatization Hike to Whymper Refuge (5,000 m)
A controlled acclimatization hike leads to the historic Whymper Refuge, allowing your body to gradually adapt to the altitude while enjoying spectacular glacier views.
Dinner & Rest
Return to Carrel Refuge (or base camp depending on expedition logistics).
After an early dinner, your guide will conduct the final equipment inspection and explain the summit route before everyone rests for a few hours.
DAY 2 – CHIMBORAZO SUMMIT (6,263 m)
Summit Push
Around 1:00 AM, begin the ascent toward the summit of Chimborazo Volcano, Ecuador's highest mountain and the closest point on Earth to the Sun due to the planet's equatorial bulge.
The climb follows glaciers and snowfields using technical mountaineering equipment.
The ascent typically requires 7 to 8 hours, depending on weather conditions, glacier conditions, and the group's pace.
Your certified guide will continuously monitor safety, hydration, and altitude adaptation.
Reach the Summit
Standing at 6,263 meters (20,548 ft) is an unforgettable achievement.
Celebrate your success while enjoying breathtaking sunrise views across Ecuador's Andean mountain range.
Time for photographs and a brief celebration before beginning the descent.
Descent
Descend safely following the same glacier route back to Carrel Refuge.
Enjoy a light breakfast and a short rest before returning.
Return to Baños de Agua Santa
Travel comfortably by private transportation back to Baños de Agua Santa.
End of services.
What to Bring
- Mountaineering backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- Energy drinks
- Energy snacks
- Thermal clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof pants
- Inner and outer gloves
- Warm hat
- Neck gaiter
- High-altitude mountaineering boots
- UV-protection sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Personal items
- Two AAA batteries for your headlamp
Related Tours
- Cotopaxi Volcano Climb
- Cayambe Volcano Climb
- Antisana Expedition
- Iliniza Norte Climb
- Cotopaxi National Park
- Quilotoa Full-Day Tour
- High-Altitude Trekking Adventures
Climb Ecuador's highest mountain with Turismo Ecuador 24, specialists in high-altitude mountaineering expeditions led by certified mountain guides.