Carihuayrazo 5.020 m / 16,465 ft

A mountain with a cold character

DURATION 2 days

DIFFICULTY Intermediate

TRIP OVERVIEW

"Edward Whymper was told in 1880 "a portion of its apex fell during a great earthquake which occurred at the end of the 17th century"" Edward Whymper. Travel Among the Andes of Ecuador, 1892.

The name Carihuayrazo has its origins in the Quichua language, and can be translated as follows: Cari means "macho", and Huay-razo can be interpreted as “strong cold wind”. This makes perfect sense considering the climatic conditions that usually identify this mountain. It is located just a few kilometres Northeast of Chimborazo, and behind it you will find Tungurahua, nowadays one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes. It is the smallest glaciated mountain of Ecuador and is located in an area of high indigenous population.

Arrive/Depart: Quito

Group Size: 1:3

Pre-requisites: Good physical condition

Difficulty Levels: Intermediate
EXPLAIN DIFFICULTY LEVELS

Extension: Optional 1 extra day for weather contingency

Access/Depart: Drive in and drive out

Accomodation: Camping (4.200 m / 13,700 ft)

Activity: Hiking / Climbing

Seasons: All year round

Equipment: Climbing Excursion Gear List
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ITINERARY

Carihuayrazo is one of the least visited mountains, which makes it very attractive. As there is no refuge, a base camp has to be set up.

DAY
01

Travel to Chimborazo Ecological Reserve

  • Pick up at Quito at around 8:30
  • 4 hour drive to the Chimborazo Ecological Reserve
  • Hike to base camp on Carihuayrazo's slopes
  • Base camp installation
  • Early dinner at 18:00

Activity: Trekking

Transportation: 4-hour private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Lunch / Dinner

DAY
02

Summit Carihuayrazo / Return to Quito

  • Climb Carihuayrazo leaving at 05:00
  • Descend from mountain
  • Rest, lunch and packing
  • Return to Quito

Activity: 4 hours climbing up / 2 hours descending

Transportation: 4-hour private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Lunch

Important: Please note that this itinerary is a guideline only. We will do every effort to follow it, but in case of unforeseen circumstances we may have to make changes.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The 9th highest mountain of Ecuador
  • Great views of the North face of Chimborazo and Tungurahua to the NW
  • Views of Tungurahua erupting
  • Camping in a remote environment

MAP

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COMPLIMENTARY
EXTENSIONS

Our Complimentary Extension Packages offer great opportunities to explore some of Ecuador’s most dramatic scenaries, which have earned the country a reputation as one of the most bio diverse and unique regions on the planet.

We work with carefully selected tourism operators, which will offer the same quality and high standards of service that our clients expect from us.

You can choose from a selection of various (active) outdoor activities in the Galapagos, the Cloud Forest or Amazon Jungle. We highly recommend to extent your trip with a rafting experience.

VIEW EXTENSION TOURS

WHY TAKE THIS TRIP WITH US?

Our mountain guides are an integral part of Andeanface because they understand and share our climbing principles. The quality of our guiding staff is the primary difference between us and our competitors. The guides we employ are personally known to us for several years, this has given us some of the best reputation. More importantly we consider safety on the mountains our main goal.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Activities

Hiking and mixed climbing on snow and rock

Terrain

Due to the fact that most of the glacier has melted we walk on a morrein

Travel

We travel to Mechahuasca at the base of Carihuayrazo by jeep

Weather

Due to its position east of Chimborazo, Carihuayrazo is often cover in clouds

SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS

Even the easiest of the 5.000 m / 16,400 ft peaks of Ecuador requires some acclimatisation training.

Cuicocha Lagoon Trek

Explore a crater lagoon from all its spectacular angles

Duration

1 day

Elevation

3.200 m / 10,496 ft

Difficulty

Easy
Pasochoa Trek

A great trek with a view of the pristine forest…

Duration

1 day

Elevation

4.200 m / 13,776 ft

Difficulty

Easy
Rumiñahui Trek

Explore of one of Ecuador’s most scenic national parks

Duration

1 day

Elevation

4.631 m / 15,189 ft

Difficulty

Moderate