Climbing the rocky summit of Carihuairazo (5.018 m / 16,463 ft) is an interesting target for getting first high altitude experience or as preparation for the higher summits. This beautiful summit is close to Riobamba and offers wonderful views of the Chimborazo. The way to the refuge is straight forward by 4x4 (if road conditions are good) and after that we continue by foot (in the night) through Andean grasslands to the scrambling or snow covered section towards the summit. Definitely a trip of a lifetime - join us!

Technically the climb is not very difficult, nevertheless good fitness is required and some previous experience highly recommended.

Another very important point is proper acclimatization. To really enjoy the climb we recommend at least one or two acclimatization climbs, including hikes in altitude and steadily increasing your sleeping altitude if possible.

Any questions? Reach out to our climbing experts on info@andeansummitadventure.com or +593968959533 (WhatsApp or call).

For Rescue and Travel Insurance we recommend: Global Rescue. 

- see program / itinerary

- certified bi-lingual guide (ASEGUIM / IVBV - UIAGM - IFMGA), max. 1 guide per 4 climbers

- transportation in private vehicle from / to Quito

- accommodation at refuge with dinner and breakfast

- park entrance fees & climbing permits

- meals as specified (lunch box on day 1, snacks for the ascent)

- group equipment: ropes and other guiding gear

- meals (see program)

- personal technical equipment (harness, helmet, carabiners, screws, slings etc. & crampons, ice axe if necessary)

- boots and other private equipment - check our equipment list

- insurances (please make sure that you have an insurance covering risks of mountain climbing, we recommend Global Rescue) 

- cost for program changes

- tips & any other expenses not explicitly mentioned

Cancellation Conditions:

- 60 or more days prior to departure: the total amount paid will be refunded, less an administrative fee equal to 10% of the total price.

- 59 - 30 days prior to departure: a cancellation fee equivalent to 50% of the total price shall be retained.

- 29 and less days prior to departure: the entire total price shall be forfeited.

Change Conditions:

Any change of the purchased itinerary or services asked by the client before and during the trip will depend on availability, requires mutual agreement and will be subject to cancelation penalties of existing services.

With full payment or partial payment of the tour the climber accepts the latest version of andean summit adventure's terms and conditions, which can be downloaded HERE.

Offer validity:

andean summit adventure reserves the right to adjust the prices, and other terms of this offer if there is a significant change in the relevant market conditions after the date of this offer.

DAY 1 + 2

After breakfast (approx. 10 am), drive to the parking area in the "Comunidad de Mechahuasca" where we will stay at the refuge (4250 m / 13940 ft), hike in the afternoon to enjoy views of Carihuairazo while your guide prepares the dinner, dinner and breakfast included.
After a very early breakfast (around 3 am) we drive to the trail head of CARIHUAIRAZO (5.018 m / 16,463 ft) and start the hike to the summit, approx. 3 to 5 -hour-tour with a final steep section to the summit, descent back the parking lot and then down to the refuge for getting our luggage, transfer back to our accommodation.

tech. data day 1: ↑ 0 m / 0 ft | → 0 km / 0 mi
tech. data day 2: ↑ 650 / 2130 ft ↓ 650 m / 2130 ft | ↔ 10,8 km / 6.7 mi

meals day 1: - / LB / D
meals day 2: B / - / - (snacks for the ascent are included)