Climbing Cayambe and Chimborazo in 5 days
Pichincha & Chimborazo Province – Ecuador
Elevation:
Cayambe (18,996ft/5.790m) Chimborazo (20,702ft/6.310m)
Difficulty
Intermediate/Advanced
Duration
5 days
Itinerary
We will leave from Quito in the morning and will drive north through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the town of Cayambe. This drive will take us around 2 hours. From there we still have to drive for another hour to the Ruales Oleas Berge refuge (15,092ft/4.600m). We will learn some basic techniques, which include last but not least proper handling of the climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, rope, etc). We will be on the Refuge for dinner and rest (-/-/D)
We will wake up at midnight and depart to the top (18,996ft/5.790m) around 1 am after a light breakfast. The ascent takes about 6 to 8 hours. Once at the summit we will take our time for pictures of the surroundings, and then we will head back to the refuge in 2 to 3 hours. At the refuge we will rest, pack our belongings and return back to Machachi (B/-/-)
Today we rest in the charming town Machachi; there is an optional tour to the Tesalia Water Springs. On Sundays we like to visit the local indigenous market (animals, fruit, handicraft, etc.). There are many other options for you to choose from, like horseback riding, cow milking or sampling of a local delicatessen, guinea pig. We will spend a restful night in a hotel in town (B/-/-)
We will drive from Machachi southern trough the Avenue of the Volcanoes for about 3 hours to the Chimborazo`s reserve until getting Hermanos Carrel refuge (15,744ft/4,800m) and then we will check all the needed camping and climbing equipment for the next 2 days. Once we have everything ready we will start hiking for about 4 hours to the High Camp (17,552ft/5.350m), once here, we will accommodate 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 (B/-/D)
Around 1:00 am, we will start our climb to the Ecuadorian highest mountain, Chimborazo, which will take us around 8 hours. We will get to the summit (20,702ft/6.310m) in the early hours. The summit is a perfect spot for resting and to take pictures of the beautiful surroundings. Then we’ll start our descending to the High Camp, which will take us from 3 to 4 hours. Once in the High Camp, we will pack our belongings and then, we will still need to go down 2 hours to the parking lot, where our transportation will be ready to drive us down to Quito (B/-/-)
Price: Please contact us
Superior service
Private transportation and transfers
Professional Mountain Guide IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guide) or ASEGUIM (Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides) / ratio 2 climbers – 1 guide
Technical mountain equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
Accommodation in hotels (double occupancy), Ruales Oleas Refuge and high camp services
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. (Only Company in Ecuador)
Personal Mountain Gear (warm clothes, sleeping bag, sun glasses, head lamp, etc.)
Single supplement
International flights
Meals and beverages at the hotels (lunch, dinner)
Personal insurance
Tips
Other non-specified expenses
