Chimborazo volcano

                                                According to the indigenous tradition, it is the "Taita" (Father) who together with the "mama" Tungurahua and the guagua Pichincha form a theological trilogy of volcanoes of the region. Its summit of 6268 masl is the highest in Ecuador and constitutes the furthest point from the center of the Earth.

The Chimborazo volcano next to the Carihuairazo volcano (5020msnm) is located in the Chimborazo Faunistic Production Reserve (58,560 ha) that encompasses the páramos surrounding the colossi. This reserve hosts a large number of Vicunas and their thaws feed the Pastaza River, a tributary of the Amazon.

ACCESS THE SUMMIT:

Reaching the summit of Chimborazo requires skill and dexterity so only people in good physical condition and well acclimatized achieve it. Many use the community of Pulinguí San Pablo (3990) on the Riobamaba-Guaranda route to acclimatise for several days before undertaking the climb.

The temperature can easily drop to -10 degrees Celsius. Make sure that the guide is certified by ASEGUIM (Association of mountain guides), you can find guides in the travel agencies of the city of Riobamaba or Quito. Most excursions take the "Normal Route" on the south-western side passing through the Carrel shelters at 4800m and Whymper at 5000m and it takes around 9 hours of climb and 3 of descent.

                                        

                                                        Via Riobamba - Guaranda passes through the Reserve and several buses cover this route during the day. Around 43Km, 1 hour from Riobamba, after passing through the Pulinguí San Pablo community, there is the entrance to the Reserve PF del Chimborazo. From the entrance, 7.2Km is the Carrel refuge and a kilometer ahead the Whymper refuge.
The bus leaves you at the entrance ($ 1.5, 1 hour) and from there you have to walk for several hours to reach the shelters. A taxi from Riobamba to the refuge costs around $ 35 one way or $ 60 round trip.