Chimborazo Climb Itinerary

Day 1 Climb: Pasochoa Volcano (4,164m / 13,661ft)

Headed for Pasocha Volcano this morning, you’ll be picked-up at the hotel to transfer (2h) to the trailhead which is located at an altitude of 3848m. From this point, a very well-marked trail paves the way by farmland up to the paramo area. The trail then heads southwards, ascending progressively until the base of the crater. The final section is the steepest and follows a mountain trail up to the crater rim. The last meters to the summit are completed by the edge of the crater with superb views down to the valley of Machachi, which is also known as the “Volcanoes Avenue” and the highlands are visible in the west. On clear days here, there is a perfect view of the Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, Rumiñahui and Artisana volcanoes. You’ll return via the same path back at the starting point, from where the group will then be taken back to Quito.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quito (2,850m / 9,350ft)
Distance: 5 hours, 516m of ascent
Meals: Lunch

Day 2 Climb Guagua Pichincha Volcano (4,794m / 15,728ft)

The mighty Pichinchas are three summits found on the Western range just above Quito. The Guagua Pichincha is the highest and the youngest of the summits and the other two are the Rucu Pichincha and the Padre Encantado (Enchanted father, both of them lower. Guagua is also where the last eruption took place in the year 1999, but it is now considered safe to climb by geologists. The Guagua and the Rucu are very popular ascents, due to their location on the outskirts of the capital and their convenient access points.

This morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Quito to set out on a 2-hour transfer to the head of the trail at 4150m. The hike begins with an ascent via a “paramo” area winding its way through changing vegetation up to the moraine. While the ascent itself is straightforward, the distance to cover is considerable. There is a sizable gain in altitude during the hike, which works well as a preparation for the higher summits. The trail back is the same as the ascent. You’ll then wrap up the day with a 2-hour drive on the beautiful “Volcano Avenue” to your mountain lodge found close to the town of El Chaupi (2930m).
Overnight Location: Mountain Lodge near El Chaupi (2,930m / 9,613ft)
Distance: 6 hours, 644m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 Climb the Andean Highlands to Nuevos Horizontes Hut (4,677m / 15,344ft)

Today’s adventure begins with a 1-hour transfer from the mountain lodge up to the parking place located at 3680 meters. The group will then set out on a trail through the “paramo” (Andean highland), which changes as it gains altitude into a rocky moraine. The terrain gets steeper and soon reaches a well-marked ridge that continues skywards to a valley that divides the twin peaks and is also where the Nuevos Horizontes hut (4677m) is nestled.

After your arrival, your mountain guide will relay pertinent instructions for the next day’s climb and will help to prepare all the needed gear. The Nuevos Horizontes hut is a very, very basic accommodation with one big area, where both the bunkbeds and the kitchen are located. The hut has the basic services necessary, such as a kitchen, dining tables, and toilets.
Overnight Location: Nuevos Horizontes hut (4,677m / 15,350ft)
Distance: 3-4 hours, 817m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Climb the North Iliniza Volcano (5,126m / 16,817ft)

This morning you’ll set your sights on the North Ilinza, one of the twin summits of the Iliniza massif. The north summit is the easier of the two from a technical point of view but is still a demanding physical ascent. The climb starts from Nuevos Horizontes hut (4677m) and kicks off with a hike heading towards the col and then up to the north. The climb is very panoramic, as it follows the southern ridge of the mountain with mind-blowing landscapes on both sides. During the ascent, there will be short easy scrambling sections prior to reaching the summit. Depending on the logistics, weather conditions and the physical shape of the team, the descent can be done by the same trail or by following the northern ridge, which heads down a big scree area making it into a circular route. Back at the parking area, the team will transfer 3-hours to Cotopaxi National Park for a well-earned rest.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Baños
Distance: 8 hours, 449m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 5 Rest Day in Baños de Santa Agua

The town of Baños, as it is locally known, lies in the Tunguragua province at the foothills of the active Tunguragua Volcano (5023m). Baños is called the “Gateway to the Amazon” as it is the last Andean town before reaching the Amazon basin. Due to its privileged location, this town offers a great deal of activities. The best known are the hot springs (baños), which one can enjoy at several locations around the town. Outdoor sports are also popular here, like mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, etc.

Baños also has some great scenery with the famous waterfalls that lie just a few kilometres down the valley. The best known are “El Pailon del Diablo” (Devil’s pot) and “El Manto de la Novia” (the bride’s veil), which can be visited by taking a local taxi. The “Tarabita” (Cable-car) to cross over the Pastaza River is also an experience well-worth embarking on and it is also possible to hike through the orchards and gardens of the local inhabitants.

In short, there are plenty of options to adventure in Baños, but the option to take it easy today is also on the table.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Baños
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Chimborazo National Park – High Camp (5,330m / 17,487ft)

After a relaxed morning in the town of Baños, the group will pack up and drive about three hours back into the highlands toward Chimborazo National Park. Along the way, there will be a few short stops and time to purchase last supplies before leaving “civilization.”

Chimborazo is a striking volcano that dominates the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The surrounding indigenous farmlands are traditionally cultivated and become especially colorful during harvest season. As the road climbs toward the park entrance, dramatic landscapes reveal how ancient eruptions shaped the terrain. Inside the park, the scenery turns arid and desert-like, where it is sometimes possible to spot vicuñas—rare South American camelids. These shy animals inhabit remote, quiet areas and are remarkably adapted to harsh conditions. Although not native to the region, the vicuñas in the park were introduced years ago and have since become permanent residents.

The road leads directly to the lower hut, Refugio Hermanos Carrel (4,800 m), where the hike toward Chimborazo’s high camp (5,330 m) begins. The initial section follows a mostly flat moraine, gradually gaining elevation until reaching a ridge. After a short walk along the ridge, the route arrives at a flat area at the base of a rock tower known as “El Castillo,” where the high camp is located.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening will be dedicated to preparing for the ascent and enjoying an early dinner. The mountain guides will provide detailed briefings and support to ensure optimal logistics for this demanding climb.
Overnight Location: Camping at Chimborazo High Camp
Distance: 2-2.5 hours, 530m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 Climb Chimborazo Volcano (6,268m / 20,531ft)

Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador and, due to its position on the equatorial belt, the highest mountain in the world when measured from the center of the Earth. The massif features five main summits connected by a ridge known as the Arista del Sol (Sun’s Ridge), which likely inspired its Quichua name meaning “Ice Braid.” The highest point is the Whymper summit (6,268 m), named after British mountaineer Edward Whymper, who made the first ascent in 1880 together with the Swiss Carrel brothers.

Ascending Chimborazo via the normal Southwest route is a demanding undertaking, involving approximately 938 meters of ascent and a long 1,468-meter descent in a single push at high altitude. The terrain is varied, transitioning from an easy moraine path to snow, ice, and rocky sections, with some straightforward scrambling in places. While the route is not technically difficult, it is physically challenging. The climb usually begins between 11:00 PM and midnight, depending on the team’s fitness, acclimatization, and weather conditions. The mountain guide determines the exact departure time and wakes the group about an hour earlier for a light breakfast and final preparations.

The ascent starts on a variant of the normal route known as the Marco Cruz Route, named after the legendary Ecuadorian mountaineer who first climbed it. This variation rejoins the normal route after the El Castillo rock pillar, offering a safer and more scenic approach. The route continues to the glacier edge at around 5,600 m, then follows a broad ridge up to approximately 5,850 m. From there, a gentle westward traverse gains altitude to about 6,000 m, followed by a steeper climb to the first summit, Veintimilla (6,230 m). After descending slightly to cross a col, the final ascent leads to the main Whymper summit (6,268 m). Reaching this 6,000-meter peak is a memorable achievement and a true test of both physical strength and mental endurance.

The descent follows the same route back to the Carrel hut. After packing up, a transfer will take the group back to Quito (approximately 4 hours).
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 10-12 hours, 1468m of ascent, 938m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch