Mount Chimborazo is Ecuador’s highest mountain in Ecuador. In fact, measured from the centre of the Earth, its summit is the highest point on the planet!). Three major summits can be seen during this trek; along the way you’ll see “paramos” and breathtaking views over the country as well as herds of vicuñas.
Day 01 Quito – Urbina (D, BB)
Early in the morning you’ll be driven from Quito to Urbina train station. After three 3 hours of trekking we will arrive at our first campsite at the foothills of Nicolas Martinez Peak and near the end of the impressive Abraspungo gorge. The camp site is located at 3 700 meters of altitude.
Day 02 Isapapungo (B, D, BB)
We’ll continue trekking along the north-eastern slopes of Chimborazo with wonderful views over the northern glaciers and Carihuairazo volcano. After five or six hours trekking we arrive at Isapapungo campsite (Vicuñas camp) at 4100 meters.
Day 03 Pogyos camp (B, D, BB)
Today we’ll trek to Pogyos camp. We will hike up to 4800 meters at the base of the glaciers and later we’ll cross the remains of the Zurita hut. After five hours, we will arrive to our camp at 4000 meters above sea level.
Day 04 Whimper refuge (B, D, BB)
Today we’ll enjoy a long six to seven hour hike up along the dry western slopes of Mount Chimborazo to finally reach the Whimper refuge at 5000m. We will overnight in the Carrel hut at 4,800 m of altitude.
Day 05 Chamonix Needles / Carrel refuge / Quito (B)
This morning enjoy some time at leisure. Then, we’ll follow the original Whimper route hike up to the Chamonix Needles at 5400 meters. We’ll then descend to the Carrel refuge to meet our vehicle in order to be driven back to Quito.
