This tour can be organised from either The Secret Garden Cotopaxi or The Secret Garden Quito. However, we recommend staying at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi, as it’s a much better location for acclimatisation! The hostel is located at 3,500 metres, 700 metres higher than Quito, which means you sleep high up and better prepare your body for high altitude. There are also many hiking options, perfect for training for the higher peaks!
Day 1: Machachi – High Camp (17,552ft/5,350m)
We will leave Machachi or elsewhere early in the morning and drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes for about 3 hours to the Chimborazo’s reserve until we get to Hermanos Carrel refuge (15,744ft/4,800m). We will then check all the needed camping and climbing equipment, and once we have everything ready, we will start hiking for about 3 hours to the High Camp (17,552ft/5,350m). Once there, we will be accommodated in our tents. In the afternoon, we will prepare and double check all the gear for the climbing. We will get a light dinner and go to sleep. (-/-/D)
Day 2: Chimborazo Summit (20,702ft/6,310m) – Machachi
Around 11pm or midnight, we will start our climb to the Ecuadorian highest mountain, Chimborazo, which will take us around 7 hours. We will get to the summit (20,702ft/6,310m) in the early hours. The summit is a perfect spot for resting and taking pictures of the beautiful surroundings. Then we’ll start descending to the High Camp, which will take us 3 to 4 hours. Once in the High Camp, we will pack our belongings, and then we will still need to go down another 2 hours to the parking lot, where our transportation will be ready to drive us back to Machachi. (B/-/-)
(Times are approximate)
Day 1
6.30am Breakfast at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi
7am Depart from The Secret Garden Cotopaxi
8am Arrive in Machachi. Equipment check.
8.45am Depart from Machachi to Hermanos Carrel refuge
12.30pm Arrive in Hermanos Carrel refuge. Start hiking to High Camp.
3.30pm Arrive in High Camp. Prepare and double check gear.
5pm Light dinner and rest
Day 2
10.30pm Wake up, light breakfast and get ready
11.30pm Begin ascent
6.30am Arrive at the summit
6.45am Start descent to High Camp
10.30am Arrive at High Camp. Pack.
11am Begin descent to Hermanos Carrel refuge
1pm Arrive at Hermanos Carrel refuge. Depart to Machachi.
5pm Arrive in Machachi
Price per person:
1 pax: $725.00
2 paxs: $435.00
3 paxs: $450.00