There was an error with your log in

Nestled in the heart of the Cordillera Occidental of the Andes, at 6,268.2 m (20,565 ft), Chimborazo is the highest peak of Ecuador. This massive ice-capped stratovolcano is the closest peak to the Sun, and, when measured from the center of the Earth, it is the highest mountain on the planet! So it’s a worthy challenge for any alpine climber looking to up their game, and the challenging but magnificent terrain is the ideal environment for upgrading your climbing skills. This inactive volcano with many craters is heavily glaciated but doesn’t require any technical skills, making it a mountaineer’s paradise. Join us on this marvelous 4-day adventure and enjoy the feel of a small expedition with an expert guide while scaling an impressive peak!

Adventure highlights

  • Stunning views from the summit

    With good weather, you can see as far as Cotopaxi, El Altar, and Sangay

  • Ecuador's highest peak

    At 20,565 ft, Mount Chimborazo is the closest point to the Sun on Earth

  • Challenging, but not overly technical

    Reach a very high altitude without technical skills like ice climbing

Available itineraries

4-Day Basic Alpine Climb of Chimborazo

Take part in this one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the most amazing landscapes in the Andes with a professional guide. During this 4-day expedition you will have time to acclimatize over a day of hiking before ascending the highest mountain in Ecuador. Conquer the peak closest to the Sun with a guide that will make sure that you have the safest and most comfortable ascent possible! 

  • You’ll meet your guide in the morning in Riobamba, most likely around 10-11am. After a gear check, paperwork, and briefing, we’ll transfer to Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge at 4,000 m (13,125 ft), which is about 45 minutes away by car. Along the way, we’ll stop so you can purchase supplies and food for your lunches.

    Meals: Dinner
    Accommodation: Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge

  • This lodge at 4,00 m (13,125 ft) is the perfect starting point for you acclimatization. Maybe do some self-guided hiking through in Chimborazo National Park

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner 

  • Sometime after lunchtime, we will get transferred by car to the carpark at 4,800m (15,750ft). From there, we’ll hike for 2-3 hours until we reach the high-camp, where we’ll have some time to settle in and have dinner, likely around 5pm. Prepare for your climb as we’ll begin our ascent around 10pm.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • We should reach the summit by 6-7:30am. Enjoy the marvelous views and head back down to refuge where breakfast will be served. Following breakfast, your guide will transfer you back to Riobamba.

    Meals: Breakfast

4-Day Alpine Climb of Chimborazo (From High Camp)

Take part in this one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the most amazing landscapes in the Andes with a professional guide. During this 4-day expedition you will have time to acclimatize over a day of hiking before ascending the highest mountain in Ecuador. Conquer the peak closest to the Sun with a guide that will make sure that you have the safest and most comfortable ascent possible! 

This itinerary allows you to skip the hike on Day 3 from the carpark and instead, we'll transfer directly to high camp.

  • You’ll meet your guide in the morning in Riobamba, most likely around 10-11am. After a gear check, paperwork, and briefing, we’ll transfer to Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge at 4,000 m (13,125 ft), which is about 45 minutes away by car. Along the way, we’ll stop so you can purchase supplies and food for your lunches.

    Meals: Dinner
    Accommodation: Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge

  • This lodge at 4,00 m (13,125 ft) is the perfect starting point for you acclimatization. Maybe do some self-guided hiking through in Chimborazo National Park

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner 

  • Skipping the hike from the carpark, we’ll transfer directly to the high camp, where we’ll have some time to settle in and have dinner, likely around 5pm. Prepare for your climb as we’ll begin our ascent around 10pm.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • We should reach the summit by 6-7:30am. Enjoy the marvelous views and head back down to refuge where breakfast will be served. Following breakfast, your guide will transfer you back to Riobamba.

    Meals: Breakfast

Adventure brochure
Download for sharing and offline access to full adventure itineraries, important information, FAQs, guides info and more.
Brochure sent, check your inbox
Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guide

Ecuador Eco Adventures
5.00
Ecuador Eco Adventures
Ecuador Eco Adventure is based in Riobamba, located in the “Valley of the Volcanoes” between the active Tungarahua and extinct Chimborazo and El Altar volcanoes. After exploring new routes in the mountains for several years and sharing the off-the-beaten track and trails with backpackers, today they lead climbers and outdoor enthusiast from around the world and were even recommended by the National Geographic. They are also certified by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment — they take their commitment to social responsible tourism very seriously.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, ASEGUIM certified mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 4 days of acclimatization and climbing
      • All transportation and logistics from Riobamba
      • Accommodation for 2 nights in Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge
      • Meals as described in itinerary 
      • Water and snacks for the climb
      • All gear and camping equipment
      • National Park permits for climbing
      • Adventure tour insurance
      • Climbing certificate if the summit is successful

    Add-ons:

      • Transportation from Quito to Riobamba or vice versa — can be organized for $35 per person if your guide is notified in advance

    Not included:

      • Flights to Riobamba
      • Backpack and other essential equipment and personal items
      • Travel and medical insurance
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • This adventure is for intermediate to experienced climbers. You will need a good level of fitness and backpacking experience to accomplish this climb. This is a tough climb, which requires a specific skill set. Building effective storm camps, rescue techniques, climbing with full packs, fixed rope ascension, and formulating a climbing strategy are all necessary topics to cover. Participants should arrive with a healthy desire for enduring mountain conditions.

    Training for Chimborazo is crucial, especially if you live at sea level. To prepare for the altitude, focus on building endurance through activities like long-distance running. This will help your body adapt to the physical demands of the climb, ensuring you’re ready to conquer Ecuador’s tallest peak.

  • This 4-day expedition is geared for intermediate to advanced climbers who are comfortable being at a high altitude, climbing and moving. Very good physical condition is also a must. Though this climb doesn’t require any technical skills, it’s still not suitable for first-time alpine climbers.

  • This is what you’ll need to bring:

      • Mountaineering boots and crampons
      • Gaiters
      • Inner thermal pants
      • Socks and underwear
      • Waterproof or soft shell pants
      • Inner thermal fleece x2
      • Down jacket
      • Waterproof jacket
      • Warm hat
      • Inner warm gloves
      • Outer waterproof gloves
      • Sports sunglasses
      • Headlamp
      • Helmet
      • Harness
      • Ice axe
      • Sleeping bag
      • 45-50L backpack
      • Duffle bag to carry all your gear
  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For this private adventure, the maximum client to guide ratio is 2:1.
      • You can sign up solo for the climb and there will be one guide accompanying you.
      • If two people sign up, the price goes down.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements

  • To get to Riobamba, the starting point of your adventure, most people fly into Quito International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Riobamba. Make sure to arrive at least a day prior to your adventure, especially if you’re flying in, as you’ll get transferred to Chimborazo Basecamp on Day 1 of the tour.

    Your guides can also arrange transfers from Quito to Riobamaba—let us know if you’ll require that.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies:

      • Deposits are non-refundable.
      • Cancellations made more than 10 days before the tour entitles the client to a 30% refund of the total amount.
      • Payments are non-refundable once the tour has started.

    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases.

  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
Have more questions? Read our FAQ, or Talk with us
From $690 ()
/ 4 days
Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • SEK - Skr
    Swedish Krona