Andeanface: CHIMBORAZO CLIMBING EXCURSION

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Chimborazo is Ecuador's highest mountain.

• Just 45 minutes away from the city of Riobamba, and 4 hours from Quito.

• Spectacular views of the coastal plains towards the West.

• One of Ecuador's most challenging climbs, physically and mentally.

• Chimborazo is the nearest point to the sun on the surface of the Earth.

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COMBINATIONS

Chimborazo is not only the highest of Ecuador's mountains, but nowadays one the most changed and difficult ascents.

To climb it securely requires a great level of acclimatisation and a good knowledge of climbing techniques.

In order to be well prepared to face this challenge, we recommend our clients to climb several other mountains that would provide them with the necessary acclimatisation and a practice of the required skills.

Following is a suggested list of ascents that has proven to be good for achieving the mentioned goals.

1. Pasochoa
4.200 m / 13,776 ft

2. Guagua Pichincha
4.797 m / 15,700 ft

3. Cayambe
5.790 m / 18,886 ft

4. Cotopaxi
5.897 m / 19,342 ft

5. Chimborazo
6.310 m / 20,696 ft

OTHER CLIMBING EXCURSIONS

"You, doubtless, do quite right to say that you intend to ascend Chimborazo, a thing that everybody knows is perfectly impossible. We know very well what is your object! You wish to discover the TREASURES which are buried in Chimborazo."

A conversation with the President of the Municipality of Guaranda reported by Edward Whymper. Travel Amongst the Andes of Ecuador, 1892.

Chimborazo is Ecuador’s highest peak. For many years European climbers thought it was the highest mountain in world. In fact, it is the highest mountain in the world if measured from the centre of the Earth, and it's the mountain closest to the sun due to the Earth’s wider shape. The first ascent was made by the famous expeditionary Edward Whymper in 1892.

The mountain has four main summits:
- Veintimilla 6.267 m / 20,561 ft (named by Edward Whymper after the president of Ecuador)
- Whymper 6.310 m / 20,702 ft
- Politecnica 5.820 m /19,094 ft
- Nicolas Martinez 5.570 m / 18,274 ft (named after one of the pioneers of Ecuadorian mountaineering)

The normal route follows the West ridge of the mountain. The first two hours of the climb consist of walking on very rocky and loose terrain below the so called Rock Band of El Castillo (left on the picture) until we get to the base of the glacier at 5.300 m. From there we start heading to the saddle. Once on the saddle we follow the ridge which leads first to the Veintimilla summit and later to the Whymper summit.
For the descent we can take an alternative route to avoid danger from rock fall. This depends on the hour when we are descending. The climb normally takes eight hours and the descent three hours.

Important Note: Chimborazo has changed considerably over the past four years. The technical difficulty has increased due to receding glaciers and less snowfall. That is the reason why we offer Chimborazo only as an extension to our expeditions. Clients are required to have some alpine experience. To maximise safety we run this climb on a one to one guiding ratio basis.

Itinerary in Brief

Day 1
• Pick up at Quito at around 8:30
• Travel to Carrel Hut on Chimborazo by Ambato
• Skills review and safety talk
• Breakfast at 22:00!
• Leave for the summit at 23:00

Day 2
• Climb Chimborazo
• Descend from mountain
• Rest, lunch and packing
• Return to Quito

Note: This schedule is subject to
change due to unforeseen difficulties.

Logistics

Duration	2 days
Access	Drive in and drive out
Seasons	November to February, and June to August
Guide-client ratio	1:1
Pre-requisites	Previous mountaineering experience on icy conditions necessary
Equipment
Accommodation	Carrel Hut (4.800 m / 15,744 ft)
Extensions	Optional 1 day weather contingency

Difficulty Level / (Explanation)

Strenuous

Map / Explore Ecuador's Interactive Map

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Credits : R·Design & Nicotinamedia