CHIMBORAZO CLIMB – 6,268 m.a.s.l. (2 DAYS)
Volcán Chimborazo was first climbed in 1880 by the English mountaineer Edward Whymper and the Carrel cousins, Italian guides from the Matterhorn. The mountain has two refuges located at 4,800 and 5,000 meters above sea level.
The ascent to the summit from the second refuge (Whymper Refuge) takes approximately 8 hours. The climb must begin at midnight to take advantage of the firm snow conditions. Proper mountaineering equipment is required, including crampons, pulleys, trekking poles, ropes, warm and waterproof clothing, and waterproof mountaineering boots. It is highly recommended to climb with an experienced guide and, above all, to be in excellent physical condition.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Departure from Riobamba at 10:00 a.m. for a one-hour drive to the first Chimborazo Refuge at 4,800 meters above sea level. From there, we hike for approximately 45 minutes with our equipment to reach the Whymper Refuge at 5,000 meters above sea level.
In the afternoon, we rest at the refuge for proper acclimatization.
DAY 2: At midnight, we begin the ascent. After 1 to 2 hours, we reach the glacier, and about one hour later we arrive at El Castillo. From there, approximately 4 more hours are required to reach the summit at 6,268 meters above sea level, where you can admire the majesty of the Andes.
The descent to the refuge takes around 3 to 4 hours. Around midday, we return by vehicle to Riobamba.
Difficulty: Difficult – excellent acclimatization and prior glacier experience are required.
Includes: Mountaineering equipment / Specialized guide / Transportation / Meals / Accommodation in mountain refuges.
What to bring: Thermal clothing / Snacks / Energy drinks.
COTOPAXI CLIMB – 5,897 m.a.s.l. (2 DAYS)
It begins with a 3-hour hike from 4,600 meters above sea level to reach the José Rivas Refuge at 4,800 meters above sea level, from there we can do glacier school at 5,000 meters above sea level.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: We drive from Riobamba for approximately 3 hours to reach the José Rivas Refuge (around 4,800 meters above sea level). After lunch, we begin a 3-hour hike toward the glacier at 5,000 meters above sea level, where we receive technical instructions and training for the summit climb. Accommodation and meals are provided at the refuge.
DAY 2: We wake up at midnight, and after a light breakfast, begin the ascent at 12:00 a.m. The climb to the summit takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, and the descent back to the refuge takes about 3 to 4 hours. After returning to the refuge, we drive back to Riobamba or to your chosen destination.
Difficulty: Difficult – excellent acclimatization and prior glacier experience are required.
Includes: Mountaineering equipment / Specialized guide / Transportation / Meals / Accommodation in mountain refuges.
What to bring: Thermal clothing / Snacks / Energy drinks.
CAYAMBE CLIMB – 5,790 m.a.s.l. (2 DAYS)
Volcán Cayambe, at approximately 5,790 meters above sea level, is the third highest volcano in Ecuador and is permanently covered with beautiful glaciers.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Departure from Riobamba or your place of residence, heading north toward the capital, to reach the mountain refuge located at 4,800 meters above sea level.
Dinner and overnight accommodation at the refuge.
DAY 2: At 12:00 a.m., after a light breakfast, we begin the ascent toward the glacier at approximately 5,000 meters above sea level. From there, it takes about 5 to 6 hours to reach the summit at 5,790 meters above sea level.
After taking photographs and enjoying the views, we descend in approximately 2 to 3 hours and then continue the journey back to your usual destination.
Climbing to this altitude can be very challenging; therefore, being in excellent physical condition is highly recommended.
Difficulty: Difficult – excellent acclimatization and prior glacier experience are required.
Includes: Mountaineering equipment / Specialized guide / Transportation / Meals / Accommodation in mountain refuges.
What to bring: Thermal clothing / Snacks / Energy drinks.
CARIHUAIRAZO SUMMIT – 5,016 m.a.s.l. (2 DAYS)
According to a widely shared but scientifically unproven legend, Volcán Carihuairazo (5,016 m) once rivaled the “Colossus of the Andes,” Volcán Chimborazo, in height. It is said that to the naked eye it was impossible to determine which of the two was taller, until a cataclysm in 1699—affecting the provinces of Tungurahua and Chimborazo—left Carihuairazo in its present shape and size. The mountain features a caldera approximately 2 km long, formed by glacial erosion.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Departure: 09:00 a.m. We depart from Riobamba in private transportation toward “El Encañonado de las Abras,” on the banks of the Mocha River (approximately 45 minutes by vehicle). From there, we begin our hike following the river westward until reaching the base camp at approximately 4,300 meters above sea level, located near the community of Mecha Huasca (5 to 6 hours of hiking). Dinner and overnight stay in mountain lodging.
DAY 2: Departure: 02:00 a.m. Very early in the morning, we head toward the glaciers at approximately 4,700 meters above sea level. At this point, we properly equip ourselves with crampons and rope up before continuing toward the summit, which we expect to reach around 8:00 a.m.
After reaching the summit and taking photographs to commemorate the adventure, we take a short rest before descending to the glacier entrance, where we enjoy a well-deserved cold lunch. We then continue back to base camp (approximately 2 hours), where a light refreshment awaits us. After packing up the mountain and camping equipment, we return to Riobamba.
For this activity, mules and porters are required to transport mountaineering and camping equipment.
Return: 03:00 p.m.
Difficulty: Difficult – excellent acclimatization and prior glacier experience are required.
Includes: Mountaineering equipment / Specialized guide / Transportation / Meals / Accommodation in mountain refuges.
What to bring: Thermal clothing / Snacks / Energy drinks.
ALTAR EXPEDITION - 5,320 m.a.s.l. (3 - 4 DAYS)
A visit to the volcano also known as Cápac Urcu in Quechua, meaning Sublime Mountain, is one of the most beautiful in our country. The ascent to El Obispo (The Bishop) is a technical undertaking, a mix of ice and rock climbing that requires experience and considerable skill.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: In private transportation, we take the Riobamba–Quimiag road, passing the small village of Iguazo, from where this magnificent volcano can already be seen. We continue through the mountains until reaching the site known as La Toma, where we leave the vehicle and begin our hike to the Italian Base Camp.
DAY 2: 02:00 a.m. After a light breakfast, we begin our ascent to the summit, which takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. From the top, we enjoy breathtaking views of the Amazon Basin and the famous “Avenue of the Volcanoes.”
The descent back to camp takes about 3 to 4 hours. Dinner and overnight accommodation at camp.
DAY 3: After breakfast, we begin a 5-hour hike back to La Toma, followed by a drive to Riobamba. Depending on the visitors’ preferences, the expedition can be extended by one additional day for extra activities.
Difficulty: Difficult – excellent acclimatization and prior glacier experience are required.
Includes: Mountaineering equipment / Specialized guide / Transportation / Meals / Accommodation in mountain refuges.
What to bring: Thermal clothing / Snacks / Energy drinks.
ALTAR – YELLOW LAGOON (3 DAYS)
This three-day hike takes us through some of the most picturesque mountain landscapes in Ecuador. We visit the Yellow Lagoon, located inside the crater caldera, and hike toward the Italian Base Camp at 4,600 m.a.s.l. Volcán El Altar, along with Volcán Tungurahua and Volcán Sangay, is located within Parque Nacional Sangay.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Early in the morning, departure by car from Riobamba to Hacienda Releche (approximately 1.5 hours). We begin a six-hour hike with the assistance of horses carrying our gear, heading to the mountain refuge in the Collanes Valley (4,000 m.a.s.l.). Short hike around the crater caldera before dinner. Overnight stay at the refuge.
DAY 2: After breakfast, we hike for about 5 hours to the crater where the Yellow Lagoon is located. From here, we observe the surrounding glaciers and peaks such as El Obispo, Las Monjas, Central, and El Canónigo. Return to the refuge for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3: At 09:00 a.m., we begin our return hike to Hacienda Releche and then drive back to Riobamba.
Difficulty: Difficult – excellent acclimatization and prior glacier experience are required.
Includes: Mountaineering equipment / Specialized guide / Transportation / Meals / Accommodation in mountain refuges.
What to bring: Thermal clothing / Snacks / Energy drinks.
SANGAY EXPEDITION - 5,300 m.a.s.l. (6 DAYS)
This six-day expedition is truly extraordinary: three days to reach base camp, one summit day, and two days to return to the starting point—six days of exciting trekking and climbing. All equipment is transported by horses as we witness the power of this highly active volcano. Climbing this active volcano is a dangerous adventure.
We are experts and know this volcano very well: Volcán Sangay.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Drive from Riobamba to the community of Guargualla (3,500 m.a.s.l.), entrance to Parque Nacional Sangay. From there, hike 5 to 6 hours to the first campsite, Pucara Cucho.
DAY 2: From Pucara Cucho, we hike for about 7 hours to Plaza Pamba (3,800 m.a.s.l.). On clear days, we can see the volcano from the mountain range and feel the power of its eruptions. Dinner and camping.
DAY 3: Today’s hike takes us from Plaza Pamba to La Playa (approximately 5 hours). This is the base camp for the climb (3,700 m.a.s.l.), located at the foot of the volcano beside a river.
DAY 4: We wake up at 1:00 a.m. and begin the ascent at 4:00 a.m. It takes 6 to 8 hours to reach the summit, located next to the active crater. The climb is rated as very dangerous due to constant rockfall. Return to base camp around 2:00 p.m. Dinner and camping.
DAY 5: We begin the hike back, approximately five hours to Plaza Pamba for dinner and camping. Wildlife such as tapirs and deer may be observed along the way.
DAY 6: Early start for a 9-hour hike back to the community of Guargualla, followed by the return drive to Riobamba. Depending on the visitors’ preferences, the expedition may be extended by one additional day for extra activities.
Difficulty: Difficult – excellent acclimatization and prior glacier experience are required.
Includes: Mountaineering equipment / Specialized guide / Transportation / Meals / Accommodation in mountain refuges.
What to bring: Thermal clothing / Snacks / Energy drinks.