Trip Length: 3 days • 2 nights
Activity Levels: Intermediate Mountaineering
Hotels: Premium Hotels, Tented Camp
Elevation Reached
• 20,702 ft
• 20,702 ft
Climbing to the sun on Chimborazo
Before departing for home, consider making the most of your hard-earned acclimatization by climbing the famous Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak at 20,702 feet, and the farthest point from the Earth’s center due to its location along the equatorial bulge. The climb is designed for participants who have completed the Cotopaxi climb or the Ecuador Mountaineering Course.
Tour Highlights
- 3 additional days of adventure in Ecuador
- Summit attempt on Chimborazo
- 2 nights at a premium lodge in Baños
- 1 night in a tented camp on Chimborazo
- 1 night at a hotel near the airport at the conclusion of the trip
- 2 Breakfast, 2 Lunch, 1 Dinner
“My second trip with Mountain Gurus and went off without a hitch from all the pre-planning till the day we reached the summit. Top notch guides and a fantastic group put together made it an experience I’ll never forget. Highly recommend for domestic and international trips.” ~ Ryan M, January 2020
Ecuador • Start Quito • End Mariscal Sucre International Airport Travel & Airport details »
DAY 0
Rest Day at Baños
Whether you’re continuing to Chimborazo from Mountain Gurus’ Ecuador Mountaineering Course or Cotopaxi Climb itineraries, you will transfer to Baños de Agua Santa where you will spend two nights, after your summit attempt on Cotopaxi. These are the nights of days 10 and 11 of the Ecuador Mountaineering Course, and days 8 and 9 of the Cotopaxi Climb.
Here in this picturesque town nestled between lush mountains and waterfalls you’ll enjoy a rest day with options to relax in the town’s famous hot springs, and indulge in local cuisine.
Hotel Sangay, Baños (2 nights)
DAY 1
Travel to Chimborazo and Hike to High Camp
We depart Baños and drive south towards Chimborazo. We arrive at the trailhead near Hermanos Carrel Refuge at 15,744 feet and begin a two-hour hike to the high camp at 17,388 feet, just below the glacier. Apart from the stunning vistas, this high camp is an ideal starting point to begin our summit bid now that we’re acclimitized. We settle into camp and prepare for the summit attempt.
Tented Camp on Chimborazo (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking
DAY 2
Climb to the Summit of Chimborazo
Begin the ascent from high camp with an alpine start. Climbing through the western flank, passing the base of “El Castillo” rock formation, we reach the false summit, Pico Veintimilla, at 20,433 feet. We cross a saddle to reach the true summit at Whymper Summit, 20,702 feet where we enjoy the spectacular panoramic views and celebrate the achievement. We descend and transfer to a hotel near Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
Wyndham Hotel (1 night)
Activity Intermediate Mountaineering
DAY 3
Departure
Today we depart Mariscal Sucre International Airport on our flights home.
Premium Hotels, Tented Camp
Our hand-selected hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.*
NIGHT 0
Hotel Sangay in Baños
After your Cotopaxi expedition or Ecuador Mountaineering Course, enjoy a peaceful rest day in Baños de Agua Santa, a lush mountain town famous for its waterfalls and hot springs. We stay in a comfortable hotel such as Hotel Sangay, located near the thermal pools. Rooms feature modern amenities with views of the surrounding forested hills.
NIGHT 1
Tented Camp on Chimborazo
Our high camp sits at approximately 17,388 feet below Chimborazo’s glacier, offering a dramatic and remote alpine setting. We use high-quality mountaineering tents, with shared accommodations. Meals are served in a group dining tent, providing warmth and camaraderie before the summit push.
NIGHT 2
Wyndham Hotel near Mariscal Sucre International Airport
Following the climb, you’ll return to Quito and stay at the Wyndham Hotel, conveniently located near Mariscal Sucre International Airport. This hotel offers comfortable accommodations, allowing for a restful night before your departure.
*Hotels may vary based on departure.
Ecuador
• Start Quito • End Mariscal Sucre International Airport
International Destinations
Itineraries reflect the date and time you will need to arrive in country for a program. Mountain Gurus programs begin and end in-country in the destination city. When booking your flight, you will need to account for travel time and crossing the international dateline if needed. It is easiest to give your booking agent the day and time you will need to arrive.
Entry/Visa
A valid passport is required for American citizens to enter Ecuador. American citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 30 days for tourism.
Meals
All meals are provided as per meal schedule.
Gear
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure information packet upon booking. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list. Request a detailed itinerary.
Things you should know about this trip
When is the best season to climb?
Ecuador’s main climbing season lasts from November to February. Excellent climbing conditions also occur during the dry weather in June.
Do I need mountaineering experience?
Chimborazo is an intermediate climb and does require some prior mountaineering experience. Prior experience at high altitude is beneficial. Participants should be able to demonstrate safe footwork and body control in steep terrain. Excellent physical conditioning is required.
What are the fitness requirements?
You must be in good aerobic condition and able to hike for 7 to 9 hours on summit day while carrying a 20 to 25-pound pack. Previous climbing experience will greatly increase your chances of reaching the summit. Ice axe, crampon, and rope travel skills, are essential for a safe and successful climbing adventure.
Learn more about this tour? Request a detailed itinerary.
Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, gear list, and more. Let us help you plan your adventure.
