Chimborazo Summit PEAK Adventure Climb

Are you ready for the mother of all PEAKS IN ECUADOR? The ultimate challenge – climb the highest mountain in Ecuador! For many years, the Chimborazo (6,310m) was thought to be the highest mountain in the world. Due to its location close to the equator, it is the furthest point away from the centre of the Earth and closest point to the Sun. As its altitude is really high, proper acclimatisation is essential. You must have been in the sierra for at least a week and climbed above 5,000 metres in that time. Snow up to the knees is not uncommon and a high level of fitness is required, as the summit climb will certainly push you to your physical limits. Prepare for trekking and glacier climbing, not for the faint-hearted!

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

Superior service
Private transportation and transfers from and to Machachi
Professional Mountain Guide IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guide) or ASEGUIM (Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides) / ratio 2 climbers – 1 guide
Technical mountain equipment (boots, crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet)
Personal mountain gear (gaiters, waterproof trousers, jacket, gloves, sleeping bag, sunglasses and head torch)
Accommodation in Chimborazo high camp
All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above with B: breakfast and D: dinner)
A registered and fully licensed Tour Operator
National Park fees and permits registration
Permanent communication through walkie-talkie between guides and office in case of an emergency
Common gear: ropes, ice screws, snow pickets, rescue gear
Fully first aid kit (Recommended by NOLS WILDERNESS MEDICINE INSTITUTE)
Rescue or evacuation service in case of any incident in the mountains

Transport from Secret Garden Cotopaxi to Machachi ($20 for up to 4 people)
Other items (backpack, batteries for the head torch, base layer tops/bottoms)
Single supplement
Meals and beverages at the hotels (lunch, dinner)
Snacks
Personal insurance
Tips
Other non-specified expenses