Access Grading - 5
Difficult accessibility with average to long travel. Visit points of interest may require 2 hours plus of travel from main capitals or provinces. Strenuous activities & climbs that require a high level of fitness. Locations require special clothing, adequate footwear & gear. Children not allowed.
Culture Grading - 3
Low cultural tour, visit points might display different forms of living for local people and a low incidence of iconic trademarks. Tours with a low a cultural value usually feature other highlights, such as a high in nature & landscapes.
Nature Grading - 5
Tours focused in nature, wildlife, iconic landscapes, nature regions & summits. Tours are usually immersive with nature featuring hikes and exploration of the area. Adventurous activities such as canopying, tubing or climbing will vary per site.
Climbing Chimborazo is an endeavor that can be undertaken throughout the year, similar to summiting Cotopaxi. However, the ascent begins before midnight, ensuring that climbers return early in the morning the following day. Proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness and gradually adapt to this demanding ascent. To guarantee your safety and success, our Chimborazo summit tour adheres to all the requirements set by a certified mountain guide with ASEGUIM certification.
Day 1: The Journey Begins
Our journey commences with a 9:00 am departure from Quito in private transportation, heading towards Chimborazo Refuge. Upon arrival, we embark on a hike towards Whymper Refuge, located at 4,800 meters above sea level. Here, we take a well-deserved break and enjoy a nourishing box lunch. To prepare for the challenging hike ahead, we rest until 11:00 pm. This period of rest is crucial for acclimatization, ensuring that your body is ready for the altitude and rigors of the climb. As evening descends, we gather for dinner at 6:00 pm, where our guides will brief you on the technical equipment you’ll be using.Day 2: Conquering Chimborazo Summit
The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the ascent to Chimborazo Summit, which stands at an impressive 6,310 meters above sea level. Early in the morning, we depart from Whymper Refuge, equipped with our mountain gear. The journey to the summit promises not only a physical challenge but also awe-inspiring vistas of the Andes mountain range that will leave you breathless.After reaching the summit, take a moment to savor the breathtaking landscapes that unfold before your eyes. The sense of accomplishment and the panoramic views are unparalleled. However, the adventure doesn’t end here. On the way back to the refuge, we’ll need approximately 3 to 4 hours to gather our equipment. This marks the end of the Chimborazo tour, and we’ll begin our descent to our transportation.
Chimborazo Summit: A Geological Marvel
The summit of Chimborazo holds a unique distinction – it is widely reported to be the farthest point on the Earth’s surface from its center. This phenomenon is due to the oblate spheroid shape of our planet. With its towering elevation of 6,263 meters (20,548 feet), Chimborazo is not only the highest mountain in Ecuador but also the loftiest in the Andes north of Peru. It surpasses all more northerly summits in the entire Americas.In conclusion, the Chimborazo summit tour offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself physically and mentally while experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Andes. Standing atop this geological marvel, you’ll not only achieve a remarkable feat but also gain a newfound appreciation for the natural wonders of our planet. So, gear up and get ready to reach new heights with us on this unforgettable adventure.
Itineraries & Rates 2024
Dates, Offers & Availability
2024 - 2025
Your options if plans change
Our summit and highlands tours understand that travel plans can change unexpectedly. To ensure a seamless experience for our customers, we have developed a comprehensive cancellation policy. Please read the following terms and conditions carefully:
Cancellation Charges
- Cancellation made 121 days or more prior to the departing date: You forfiet a 20% for administration fees
- Cancellation made 90 to 61 days prior to the departing date: You forfiet a 40% as a cancellation fee
- Cancellation made 60 or less prior to the departing date, or no-shows: 100% will be charged as a cancellation fee
Summit Clauses
- There are no refunds if the summit is not reached.
- 1 – 2 ratio (1 guide for every 2 climbers), *not guaranteed.
- It is recommended to consider a private guide for avid climbers.
- Climbers accept applicable terms for direct summits when booking.
- 2nd attempts are not guaranteed, but can be pursued under the right conditions.
Foreseen reasons you may not summit
- Lack of proper acclimatization or a low fitness condition
- Weather conditions like, but not limited to: avalanche risk, electrical storm & wind.
- Shared guidance, fellow climber(s) cannot continue & no remaining guides.
By making a reservation of our summit and highlands tours, customers acknowledge and agree to comply with the aforementioned cancellation policy. We recommend that customers consider purchasing travel insurance to protect themselves against unforeseen circumstances that may lead to cancellation or interruption of their trip.
We understand these are uncertain times and want to make sure you feel confident about your options if your plans change.
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Credit for Future Tours
If you’re uncertain about when you’ll be able to travel in the future, you can convert your existing payments to credit. This way you won’t lose any of your money to potential cancellation fees. We’ll keep your money safe, and you’ll be able to book your tour when you’re ready. You can read the full policy around Credit for Future Tours.
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Date Changes
This operator allows date changes to be made within their Credit for Future Tours policy.
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Cancellation
If there’s no other option than to cancel, we’d like to make sure you’re aware of the potential fees involved. The overview below shows this tour’s cancellation fees depending on how far ahead of the departure date you cancel.
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121 Days
Up to 121 days before departure
You forfiet a 20% for administration fees -
90 Days
Up to 90 days before departure
You forfiet a 40% as a cancellation fee -
60 Days
Up to 60 days before departure
100% will be charged as a cancellation fee.
Read the full cancellation policy -
Credit for Future Travel
Convert your booking to credit for a future departure.Date Changes
This cruise will allow you to postpone your travel.Cancellation Policy
A clear layout of applicable policies to your reservation.0 Dates Found on our Database
LENGTH & DATE | ITINERARY, OFFER & PERKS | RATE | SPACES & CABIN |
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Chimborazo Inclusions & Exclusions
INCLUSIONS | |
Transport (hotel-chimborazo-hotel) | |
3 meals (from lunch day 1 to breakfast day 2) | |
Certified aseguim bilingual guide | |
Overnight at whymper refuge, use of facilities | |
Climbing equipment & activities as listed |
EXCLUSIONS | |
Personal expenses & *entrance fees | |
*Other equipment (check gear & clothing tab) | |
*Other clothing (check gear & clothing tab) | |
Tipping (optional) | |
Other meals |
Chimborazo Summit Highlights
Chimborazo Summit Highlights 1/2
Glaciers
Chimborazo’s upper elevations are fully covered by glaciers, with north-eastern glaciers extending down to 4,600 m.
Chimborazo’s glaciers is the source of water for the population of Bolivar & Chimborazo provinces of Ecuador.
The glaciers mass have decreased in recent decades, it is believed this is due to combined sources such as: global warming, volcanic activity, and el Niño phenomenon.
Glacial ice of Chimborazo is mined & sold by locals in the markets of Guaranda & Riobamba.
Chimborazo Summit Highlights 2/2
Chimborazo's Peak
The summit of Chimborazo is widely reported to be the farthest point on the surface from Earth’s center.
The summit of the Chimborazo is the fixed point on Earth that has the utmost distance from the center – because of the oblate spheroid shape of the planet Earth.
With an elevation of 6,263 m (20,548 ft), Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador and the Andes north of Peru; it is higher than any more northerly summit in the Americas.
Source: Wikipedia
Chimborazo Summit Tour General Details
Shared tour
BasicPackage Information
Shared tour
Shared tour, with a ratio of guide to climbers of 2/1" means that for every two guests participating in the tour, there is one dedicated guide present to provide assistance, support, and ensure the safety and enjoyment of the experience. This carefully balanced ratio is designed to enhance the overall quality of the tour, offering a personalized and enriching adventure for all participants. With this 2/1 guide-to-climber ratio, you can expect a high level of attention, expertise, and guidance throughout the journey, ensuring that you have a memorable and secure summit experience.- Comfort:Basic
- Main Attraction:N/A
- Capacity:N/A
- Cabin Type:N/A
Private tour
BasicPackage Information
Private tour
Private tour, with a ratio of 1/1" signifies that each climber embarking on this adventure will be accompanied by their own dedicated guide. This exclusive arrangement offers several advantages, including a significantly higher probability of successfully reaching the summit without depending on the progress or condition of other climbers who might face challenges during the ascent.- Comfort:Basic
- Main Attraction:N/A
- Capacity:N/A
- Cabin Type:N/A
Gear & Clothing
INCLUDED
- Gloves & Mittens
- Ice axe & harness
- Crampons
- Carabiners
- Double plastic boots (for crampons)
- Gaiters
- Helmet lamp
- Basic sleeping bag
- Basic snow-proof trousers
- Basic snow-proof jacket *not goretex
EXCLUDED
- First layer gloves
- Wool Socks
- Big backpack
- Sunglasses
- High factor sunblock
- Bottled water
- AAA batteries for head lamp
- Waterproof & thermal jacket
- Waterproof pants
- Thermal Pants
Surcharges & Notices
Surcharges
- Personal expenses
- Big backpacks available for rent
- Waterproof & thermal jacket available for rent
- First layer gloves available for rent
- Waterproof & thermal pants available for rent
- Wool socks available for purchase
Notices
- Entrance fee to Chimborazo: free *subject to change
- Programs shared by default with certified aseguim guides
- 2 guests minimum to open departure, or private guidance
- Certified tours by local authorities, compliant with local regulations
- Activities may change or cancel due to weather or health conditions
- 4×4 vehicles for up to 4 guests; van/bus for larger group