🧭 Climb Chimborazo – Program Options
Climb Chimborazo with our expert mountain guides and choose from multiple ascent options tailored to your experience and acclimatization level. While our recommended itinerary includes 3 days with progressive acclimatization, some experienced climbers may opt for a 2-day express program. Below, you’ll find detailed information for all available options to summit Ecuador’s highest and most iconic volcano.
✅ 2-Day Express Climb (for well-acclimatized mountaineers)
✅ 3-Day Chimborazo Climb with Acclimatization (recommended)
✅ 2-Day Express Climb Chimborazo
Day One: Approach to Refugio Carrel
We drive from Riobamba or Quito to Chimborazo National Park and continue up to the Refugio Carrel at 4,800 m. After gear check and a technical briefing with your certified guide, you enjoy dinner and rest early.
Day Two: Summit Day – Climb Chimborazo (6,310 m)
Around midnight, we begin the summit attempt via the Cresta del Castillo route. Equipped with crampons, rope, and ice axe, you ascend through snow and ice to the summit. After celebrating and taking in the view, we descend to the refuge for breakfast, then return to the city.
🛶 Optional Upgrade: High Camp at 5,200 m
For those seeking a higher starting point, we offer an upgrade to a high camp at 5,200 m near the Cresta del Castillo route. Participants must carry their gear, including a sleeping bag. This option requires additional logistical support and comes with an extra cost. Staying at high camp allows for a shorter summit push.
⚠️ This program is only suitable for climbers who have acclimatized to altitudes of 4,500 m or higher in the last few days.
✅ 3-Day Climb Chimborazo with Acclimatization
Why Climb Chimborazo with Acclimatization?
Climbing Chimborazo in Ecuador is a thrilling adventure that takes you to the highest summit in the country and the closest point to the sun from Earth’s center. At 6,310 m (20,702 ft), Chimborazo is a bucket-list goal for mountaineers seeking high-altitude experiences in the Andes. This 3-day itinerary is designed with gradual acclimatization to give you the best chance at reaching the summit safely and confidently.
With certified mountain guides and breathtaking Andean scenery, you’ll enjoy not only the physical challenge but also an unforgettable immersion in Ecuador’s high-altitude beauty. Whether you’re training for bigger climbs or taking on Chimborazo as your main goal, this guided program ensures you’re fully prepared.
Highlights:
- ✅ 3-day program with progressive acclimatization
- ✅ Certified Ecuadorian mountain guides
- ✅ Camps and refuges in scenic Andean locations
- ✅ Technical equipment included
3-Day Itinerary – Guided Chimborazo Climb
1: Acclimatization Hike
- We depart early from Quito or Riobamba and travel to Chimborazo’s southern base. The day includes a 4-5 hour hike starting at 3,200 m, gradually ascending to 4,000 m. We camp overnight to support your altitude adaptation and prepare for the climb.
2: High-Altitude Preparation
- After breakfast, we transfer to 4,200 m and hike to the Refugio Carrel (4,800 m). In the afternoon, we climb to the Agujas de Chamonix (5,200 m) for further acclimatization. After returning to the refuge, we dine and rest for summit day.
🛶 **Optional High Camp at 5,200 m**
For experienced climbers looking to reduce the summit-day ascent, we offer an optional high camp at 5,200 m. This requires participants to carry their equipment, including a sleeping bag. An extra fee applies due to the added logistics. This version enables a shorter and more efficient summit push.
3: Summit Attempt
- We start the climb at midnight using the Cresta del Castillo route. With crampons, a harness, and ice axe, we ascend through snow and ice to the Chimborazo summit (6,310 m), arriving around sunrise. After photos and celebration, we descend, eat breakfast, and return to the city.
Tour Summary – Chimborazo Climb
- Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
- Max Altitude: 6,310 m
- Difficulty: High
- Best Season: June–August, Dec–Feb
- Includes: Guides, gear, meals, transport
Ready to climb Chimborazo? Book your ascent today!