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One of the best hikes in the world is
Chimborazo-Carihuairazo
Also called:
- the Chimborazo-Carihuairazo Circuit
- the Chimborazo Circuit
- Vicuña Trail (first half of the trek)
A state of emergency was declared in Ecuador in March, 2006. Public gatherings and marches were prohibited. A curfew was put in place. Best not plan a hike here until the situation stabilizes.
Do you know this hike?
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Chimborazo, due to the equatorial bulge, is actually the furthest point from the centre of the Earth. The summit is just one degree south of the equator. You could say it is the highest mountain in the world!
WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE
 ECUADOR
- this is the southern end of Ecuador's "Avenue of Volcanoes"
- huge and impressive Chimborazo is Ecuador's highest mountain 6310m (20,702ft)
- cross the Andean continental divide between Chimborazo and Carihuairazo 5020m (16,470ft)
- see vicuña in a protected reserve
- chance to see indigenous rabbits & fox, alpacas and llamas
- unique paramo landscape with distinct high alpine vegetation
- optional sidetrip up to a glacier (350m ascent)
- several shorter, easier alternate routes
- mountaineers can add-on an ascent of either mountain
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CONSIDERATIONS
- altitude sickness is a real risk. A good portion of the trek is above 4000m (13,123ft). You need to acclimatize before trying this trek.
- you must carry a tent
- finding a campsite out of the wind can be a problem
- Chimborazo is often hidden by cloud
- main route is moderate difficulty
- hiking is possible any month of the year
- July and August are driest, but coldest
- December and January are good hiking months most years
- be wary of bulls and cows with calves
- bring a compass as some route finding may be necessary
- conversational Spanish is needed
- tourists arriving in Ecuador normally get a 30-90 day visa
- Reserva de Produccion de Faunistica Chimborazo entry fee is about US$10 for foreigners, if you can find someone to collect it from you
- rent gear, if needed, in Quito
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LOGISTICS
If you sign on with a guided trip logistics will be organized for you. This section is for independent hikers.
- a circuit Urbina to Doce de Octubre is our recommended route as described in Lonely Planet Trekking in the Central Andes 2003
- from Quito you can bus to the trailhead in 3-4hrs
- alternately, you could start from Riobamba or Ambato, both less than 45min by bus from the trailhead turn-off
- close to the trailhead at Urbina it is possible to stay at Posada La Estacion, a converted old railway station. The main advantage would be to have more time acclimatizing to altitude.
- 3 days, 2 nights recommended
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INDEPENDENT OR GUIDED
Most guides want you to climb the big volcano. You need request a trekking guide specifically. We have not personally used any of the companies.
We feel you should do this trek independently. It is not a long nor dangerous hike. There are alternative routes so you can opt to leave the trail if you have any problems.
LOCAL INFORMATION
South American Explorers should be your first stop in Quito. Membership is US$50 / year but they help non-members as well. Look for hiking partners there.
BEST TREKKING GUIDEBOOKS
BEST MAPS
There is no great trekking map for this hike. The best available are 2 topos:
- IGM 1:50,000 Quero (sheet 3889-I) and Chimborazo (sheet 3889-IV) though they are out of date
A recommended supplementary map is IGM Mapa Ecoturistico de Los Volcanes Chimborazo y Carihuayrazo which you might be able to find in Quito.
Lonely Planet Trekking in the Central Andes has the best of the simple guidebook maps.
Browse on-line maps and images:
BEST WEBSITES
After this page, the most useful links are:
BEST PHOTOS & TRIP REPORTS
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