CHIMBORAZO ICE HARVESTER TREK
ITINERARY
DEPARTURE: 08:00 a.m. / This activity takes approximately 5 hours in the mountains, reaching an altitude of 4,800 meters above sea level. There, we become part of the traditional ice extraction expedition, witnessing how this demanding work is carried out with dedication and enthusiasm. The harvested ice is then transported by mules to the markets of Riobamba, where it is sold for the preparation of juices, ice cream, and also used in fish markets.
We begin by traveling in a 4x4 vehicle to the Nicolás Martínez Glacier sector, the historic route followed by the scientist Alexander von Humboldt in 1802 during his unsuccessful attempt to climb Volcán Chimborazo. At an altitude of 4,300 meters above sea level, we start our hike, which takes approximately one and a half hours to reach the work site of Baltazar Ushca, the last ice harvester of Chimborazo.
We have lunch with the ice harvester and then observe the process of this arduous work for about 2 to 3 hours before returning to Riobamba.
RETURN: 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.
NOTE: This tour is available only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, according to the ice harvester’s work schedule.
Difficulty: Difficult – very good acclimatization and glacier experience are required.
Includes: Mountain equipment / Specialized guide / Transportation / Meals / Accommodation in mountain huts.
What to bring: Thermal clothing / Snacks / Energy drinks.
HORSEBACK RIDE TO THE ABRASPUNGU WATERFALLS
ITINERARY
DEPARTURE: 09:00 a.m. / Following the ancient Inca trail, surrounded by mountains covered with colorful crops, we ride on horseback for approximately five hours to the site known as “Encañonado de las Abras,” located between Volcán Chimborazo and Volcán Carihuairazo.
We ride for about two hours to the banks of the Mocha River, where we take a short break before continuing on foot for approximately one hour, reaching an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level. There, carefully hidden among the mountains, we find the waterfalls formed by the melting ice of the majestic Chimborazo, revealing a breathtaking natural landscape.
There are excellent opportunities for photography in this small piece of paradise, where the waterfall stands out in the background, inviting meditation and relaxation.
After spending time enjoying the surroundings, we have a picnic. Following a short rest, we return to Riobamba or to your usual destination.
RETURN: 04:00 p.m.
VISIT THR CHIMBORAZO REFUGES
ITINERARY
DEPARTURE: 08:00 a.m. / Feeling a bit like the scientists Alexander von Humboldt and Edward Whymper in their quest to reach the eternal snows, we set out to cross part of the Andes mountain range. This scenic drive begins in the city of Riobamba or from La Posada La Estación, offering opportunities to observe a great variety of flora and fauna typical of the high-altitude páramo ecosystem, until we reach the first refuge on the white slopes of the magnificent Volcán Chimborazo, located on the western side of the volcano at an altitude of over 4,800 meters above sea level.
Along the route, we can easily observe wild vicuñas. Their reintroduction led to Chimborazo being declared the Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo on October 26, 1987.
This activity takes approximately 8 hours and is carried out in private transportation. Once we arrive at the first refuge, we begin a hike that takes about two hours to reach the second refuge (5,000 meters above sea level). Depending on the visitors’ physical condition and interest, it is possible to continue along the route to reach the glaciers, located at approximately 5,200 meters above sea level.
After a short rest, we begin the descent to the first refuge, where we enjoy a well-deserved, energizing lunch. We then return in private transportation to the city of Riobamba or to La Posada La Estación de Urbina.
RETURN: 04:00 p.m. or 05:00 p.m.
CHIMBORAZO GLACIER HIKE
ITINERARY
DEPARTURE: 09:00 a.m. / From Riobamba, we travel by 4x4 vehicle for approximately one hour, crossing high-altitude páramo landscapes above 4,000 meters above sea level. Along the way, we learn that nature is an endless source of energy that we must protect and preserve.
We then begin a hike that lasts around three hours, reaching 4,800 meters above sea level. As we ascend, it is easy to notice how the vegetation gradually changes in color and splendor until we reach a ridge. There, we make a strategic stop to admire the magnificent surroundings, where herds of vicuñas can be seen in their natural habitat. We truly understand why our country is considered megadiverse.
We will be surrounded by volcanoes: on one side Volcán Carihuairazo, and forming a chain on the other side are Volcán El Altar, Volcán Tungurahua, and Volcán Sangay—volcanoes that remain constantly active and are part of Parque Nacional Sangay.
Overwhelmed by such beauty, we take a well-deserved break to enjoy a delicious “Mountain Lunch,” after which we begin our descent back to the city of Riobamba.
RETURN: 4:00 p.m.
TREKKING THE VICUÑA TRAIL
(2 DAYS)
ITINERARY
DAY 1
DEPARTURE: 09:00 a.m. / We depart from Riobamba by transportation to the Andean páramo at approximately 3,000 meters above sea level. From there, we begin a hike through high-altitude crops such as onions, potatoes, beans, quinoa, lupins, and many other products cultivated in the highlands. The landscape gradually transitions into páramo terrain that leads us to the slopes of the snowcapped Volcán Chimborazo.
We follow the trail used by vicuñas, a South American camelid that, after disappearing from the Ecuadorian Andes, was reintroduced with the support of governments such as Peru and Chile. Today, they inhabit the higher elevations of Chimborazo (from 4,500 meters above sea level and above).
After 4 to 5 hours of hiking, and with the assistance of mules and porters carrying the equipment, we arrive at the campsite located at 4,300 meters above sea level, surrounded by a stunning natural setting formed by the “Colossus of the Andes” and its nearby neighbor, Volcán Carihuairazo.
Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
DAY 2
DEPARTURE: 07:00 a.m. / After an energizing breakfast, we begin the hike toward the glaciers of Chimborazo, following a steep trail. We continue for 3 to 4 hours to reach the glacier zone at approximately 5,000 meters above sea level. If weather conditions allow, we will be able to admire the impressive volcanoes of Ecuador’s Central Andes: the active Volcán Tungurahua and Volcán Sangay, the majestic Volcán El Altar, and Carihuairazo.
After a cold lunch, we begin our descent back to the campsite and then continue by vehicle to the city of Riobamba.
RETURN: 04:00 p.m.
DISCOVER THE ATILLO LAGOONS (2 DAYS)
ITINERARY
The Atillo Lagoons are a lacustrine complex of approximately 60 lagoons that form part of Parque Nacional Sangay. They are renowned for their beauty and natural surroundings, serving as a habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna, where endemism prevails.
DAY 1
DEPARTURE: 09:00 a.m. / Departing from the city of Riobamba, we head west, passing through several small towns such as San Luis, whose main celebrations take place on August 5th in honor of the Virgin of the Snows and on August 25th in honor of Saint Louis, King of France.
Continuing along the route, we reach Punín, where in 1923 a skull dating from 4,000 to 5,000 years before Christ was discovered in the Punín ravine, identified as belonging to a Homo sapiens.
We proceed through towns such as Flores, where an indigenous market is held every Sunday, and Cebadas, where local women organized themselves, received European technical assistance, and now produce and sell a variety of cheeses using European technology.
Finally, we arrive at this paradisiacal site known as the Atillo or Colay Lagoons, set in a magical landscape along the road leading to Macas.
We take a short tour around the lagoons and enjoy a brief hike.
Dinner and overnight stay in tents or in indigenous huts.
DAY 2
DEPARTURE: 08:00 a.m. / Breakfast. Optionally, you may take a mountain hike to observe different types of vegetation from both the páramo and the Amazon regions, or hike to a natural viewpoint from where, on a clear day, you can observe Volcán Sangay, which remains constantly active.
Around midday, we return to the campsite to enjoy a delicious lunch, after which we begin our journey back to the city of Riobamba.
ATILLO – OZOGOCHE ADVENTURE (2 DAYS)
ITINERARY
There are more than sixty lakes in the surroundings of Atillo - Ozogoche, fog is a constant visitor to the area and local legends tell of the tribute of birds called cuvivies that every year at the beginning of September hundreds of them fall into the water and die in what has been interpreted as a mass suicide.
DAY 1
Drive from Riobamba to Lake Atillo (approximately 3 hours), located within Parque Nacional Sangay.
Begin the hike in Colay (3,500 meters above sea level), ascend Baypungo Hill (4,300 meters above sea level), and reach the Ventanas Pass. We then continue toward Lake Magtayan, where we set up camp (approximately 5 hours of hiking in total).
Dinner and overnight camping.
DAY 2
After breakfast, we hike from the campsite to Lake Cubillina and then continue to the Ozogoche community for lunch.
Return to Riobamba (approximately 2 hours by vehicle; 3 hours of hiking).
End of the tour.
Horses are used to transport equipment and camping gear.
SIMÓN BOLÍVAR ROUTE
Urbina Station – Mechahuasca – Carrel Refuge
Distance: 18 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate duration: 5 to 6 hours
The journey begins at Estación de Urbina, located at 3,664 meters above sea level, the highest train station in Ecuador. The route crosses the Andean Gateway and valleys filled with colorful crops and highland grasslands (pajonales).
Along the way, you will enjoy the beauty of the Andean landscape and the Abras ravine, a geological formation that separates the provinces of Chimborazo and Tungurahua. The hike concludes at the Abras Waterfall, at an altitude of 4,100 meters above sea level.
From this point, you can also admire the glaciers of Volcán Chimborazo, as well as Volcán Carihuairazo and Volcán Tungurahua.
TEMPLE MACHAY ROUTE
Carrel Refuge – Templo Machay – Casa Cóndor
Distance: 8 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate duration: 5 to 6 hours
The hike begins at the Carrel Refuge, located on the slopes of Volcán Chimborazo. Along the route, we pass through a site known as “La Catedral,” featuring large rock formations that resemble the domes of a church.
During the hike, we can also observe the former ice mine, where in the past ice blocks were extracted and transported for sale in the city of Guaranda and its surrounding areas.
Upon reaching Templo Machay, a naturally formed cave, we discover a sacred site once used by the region’s ancient indigenous peoples as a ceremonial center and a place of veneration for the snowcapped Chimborazo. Today, this site is still considered sacred, and various indigenous communities continue to gather here to perform rituals of gratitude to Mother Earth.
WHIMPER NEEDLES ROUTE
Carrel Refuge – Whymper Refuge – Whymper Needles
Distance: 2.5 km
Difficulty: Medium–High
Approximate duration: 3 to 4 hours
The hike begins at the Carrel Refuge, located at 4,800 meters above sea level on the slopes of Volcán Chimborazo, and ascends to the Whymper Needles at 5,300 meters above sea level, passing by the second refuge, also known as the Whymper Refuge—named after the British mountaineer Edward Whymper.
From this point, there is a spectacular view of the Andean mountain range and its snowcapped peaks, including Volcán Tungurahua, Volcán El Altar, Los Cubillines, and Volcán Sangay.
This experience allows visitors to get as close as possible to the glacier of Chimborazo.
TEMPLE MACHAY ICE MINE ROUTE
Carrel Refuge – Ice Mine
Distance: 8 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate duration: 6 to 7 hours
The hike begins at the Carrel Refuge on the slopes of Volcán Chimborazo, passing through Templo Machay before reaching the site of the perpetual ice mines at 5,200 meters above sea level.
Once there, and with a bit of luck, you may have the opportunity to meet the person who continues the traditional practice of harvesting ice, which is later transported to Riobamba and sold for the preparation of fresh fruit juices in one of the city’s main markets.
POLYLEPIS FOREST ROUTE
Carrel Refuge – Polylepis Forest
Distance: 3 km
Difficulty: Easy
Approximate duration: 3 hours
The hike begins at the El Arenal Tourist Service Center, located northeast of the Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo at an altitude of 4,350 meters above sea level.
Along the route, you will observe a high-altitude desert landscape within the Ecuadorian Andean páramo, as well as the rich local biodiversity characteristic of the area. The trail leads to a small grove of Polylepis trees, commonly known as the “paper tree,” a unique high-Andean species adapted to extreme conditions.
2 - 3 DAY HIKES
VICUÑA TREK ROUTE
Urbina Station – Mechahuasca – Carrel Refuge
DAY 1: Urbina – Urkuhuasi – Mechahuasca
Distance: 30 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate duration: 5 to 6 hours per day
The journey begins at Estación de Urbina, located at 3,618 meters above sea level, the highest train station in Ecuador. The route crosses the Andean Gateway and valleys filled with colorful crops and highland grasslands (pajonales).
You will enjoy the beauty of the Andean landscape and the Abras ravine, a geological formation that separates the provinces of Chimborazo and Tungurahua. The day concludes at the Abras Waterfall at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level. From this point, you can admire the glaciers of Volcán Chimborazo, as well as Volcán Carihuairazo and Volcán Tungurahua.
Día 2: Urkuhuasi - Mechahuasca - Refugio Carrel
Distancia: 13 km.
Dificultad: Media Alta
Tiempo aproximado de recorrido: 5 a 6 horas
Inicia desde el Refugio de Urkuhuasi ubicado a una altura de 4150, se atraviesa la quebrada de las Abras conocida con el nombre de Traguñan, hasta llegar a la localidad de Mechahuasca ubicado a 4300 msnm, comunidad indígena de la Provincia de Tungurahua. Se inicia el ascenso rodeando al Nevado Chimborazo pasando por diferentes pisos climáticos que van desde el páramo andino, la puna hasta llegar a la zona de glaciares en el Refugio Carrel a 4800msnm.
2 - 3 DAY HIKES
LOS ALTARES ROUTE
OPTION 1: Riobamba – Quimiag – Chanag – Inguisay – Los Altares
DAY 1: Inguisay Bocatoma – Machay Camp
Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Medium–High
Approximate duration: 5 to 6 hours
The hike begins in the community of Inguisay Bocatoma at 3,429 meters above sea level. The trail crosses narrow valleys of highland grasslands and Andean forests with native species such as Polylepis (yahual), quishuar, and other shrubs, all within Parque Nacional Sangay—the second largest protected area in Ecuador, declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
We arrive at Machay Camp, where dinner is served, followed by an interpretive talk about the area and a briefing on the next day’s itinerary.
DAY 2: Machay Camp – Italian Camp
Distance: 4 km
Difficulty: Medium–High
Approximate duration: 5 to 6 hours
After breakfast, we hike to the Italian Camp at 4,300 meters above sea level, visiting six colorful lagoons along the way. During the trek, you can admire Volcán Sangay, Los Cubillines, and Volcán Chimborazo, as well as observe local wildlife and native flora.
A box lunch is provided during the hike. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a stunning Andean sunset before setting up camp. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3: Italian Camp – Chanag – Riobamba
Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: Medium–High
Approximate duration: 6 to 7 hours
After breakfast, we begin our descent back to the community of Chanag and then return to the city of Riobamba.
OPTION 2: Riobamba – Hacienda Releche – Yellow Lagoon
DAY 1: Hacienda Releche – Collanes Refuge
Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Medium–High
Approximate duration: 6 to 7 hours
The hike begins at Hacienda Releche, located in Penipe Canton, Candelaria Parish, at 3,300 meters above sea level. The route follows a traditional bridle path where you can admire the mountainous landscape and agricultural valleys of the region.
You will also observe Capac Urcu, with its seven peaks of varying elevations, and at its center, the beautiful Yellow Lagoon. In the afternoon, we arrive at Collanes Refuge, where dinner is served along with an interpretive talk and briefing for the next day.
DAY 2: Collanes Refuge – Yellow Lagoon – Riobamba
Distance: 10 km
Difficulty: Medium–High
Approximate duration: 6 to 7 hours
After breakfast, we hike to the famous Yellow Lagoon, located at 4,250 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, you can admire the surrounding valleys, Polylepis (yahual) trees, and, with some luck, the majestic Andean condor soaring above.
After time for photography and a short walk around the lagoon, we return to the city of Riobamba.