Chimborazo climb with self-guided acclimatization

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Overview

Chimborazo climb with self-guided acclimatization
Quito, Ecuador
Duration: 8 days
Group size: 1 - 10
andean summit adventure image
andean summit adventure
$1,780

About your trip

Climbing Chimborazo Volcano (6263 m / 20548 ft) - the world's highest mountain measured from the center of the earth - is definitely a challenging plan, therefore we recommend a good acclimatization schedule. The night at the high camp requires good preparation and the steep slopes as well. Nevertheless, the views from the top are breathtaking! Definitely a trip of a lifetime - join us!

Technically the climb is not not very difficult (but is pretty steep during the whole climb), nevertheless good fitness is required and some previous glacier travel experience highly recommended. Another very important point is proper acclimatization. To really enjoy the climbs we recommend at least 4 - 6 days of preparation, including hikes in altitude and steadily increasing your sleeping altitude if possible and go for either Cotopaxi or Cayambe first. This package includes a self-guided acclimatization process with Quilotoa loop, a volcanic crater with a 3 km diameter located in the province of Cotopaxi. It is famous for its stunning lagoon with green and blue waters, reaching depths of up to 250 m. The Quilotoa volcano is part of the Los Ilinizas Ecological Reserve. The hike around the lake along the crater rim - which is approximately 10 km long with various ascents and descents - is an excellent option for acclimatization. During the excursion, you will pass Monte Juyende, the highest point at an altitude of 3,930 m. The well-known Quilotoa loop typically takes between 2 - 4 days and offers breathtaking views of andean landscapes and the lake with its ever-changing colors.

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. 

Included Services:

- see program / itinerary

acclimatization:

- self-guided (no guide included) - WhatsApp support by our backoffice

Chimborazo Climb (2 days):

- certified bi-lingual guide (ASEGUIM / IVBV - UIAGM - IFMGA), max. 1 guide per 2 climbers

- transportation in private vehicle as indicated

- accommodation as per itinereray (or similar - depending on availability)

- Chimborazo: park entrance fees & climbing permits

- meals as specified in the itinerary

- group equipment: ropes and other guiding gear

Not included Services:

- meals (see program)

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

- sleeping bag & pad for the camp, boots and other private equipment - check our equipment list

- entrance fees (eg. Quilotoa Lake USD 2,--/person as of Jan 2026)

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

- cost for program changes

- tips & any other expenses not explicitly mentioned

Cancellation & Change Conditions:

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 cancellation penalties of existing services.

General Terms and Conditions:

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.

Arrival in Quito

Arrival in Quito image

transfer from the airport to your hotel

DAY 1
arrival at Quito airport, transfer to your hotel (Vieja Cúba), check-in, in the afternoon. Transfer in 1 vehicle, different arrival times with surcharge.


meals: - / - / - 


accommodation in single / double / triple rooms in Hotel Vieja Cúba with breakfast.

free day in Quito

free day in Quito image

free day - no services

DAY 2

Free day in Quito, no services.

Recommendation: visit of the Old Town - climb the towers of Basilica del Voto Nacional, stroll around in the historic center, Plaza Grande, Carondelet, Compania de Jesus Church, San Francisco Plaza and Convent, Jumbo Chocolate, Panecillo (BY taxi / Uber - do not hike up there - dangerous!), ride with the cable-car TeleferiQo to Cruz Loma for good views and passive altitude exposure (4000 m / 13120 ft).

meals: B / - / -

accommodation in single / double / triple rooms in Hotel Vieja Cúba with breakfast.

Isinliví - Chugchilan

Isinliví - Chugchilan image

starting Quilotoa Loop

DAY 3

transfer from Quito to Isinliví - no guide included.

Suggested route from Isinliví to Chugchilan where you are accommodated in Mama Hilda Hostel: https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-carrera-por-montana/isinlivi-a-chugchilan-25may2024-172177682

included services: transfer Quito - Isinliví, accommodation in Mama Hilda.


tech. data: ↑ 700 m / 2300 ft ↓ 480 m / 1580 ft | ↔ 13,2 km / 8,2 mi


meals: B / - / D


accommodation in private room (single / double / triple) with private bathroom in Hostal Mama Hilda with dinner and breakfast.

Chugchilan - Quilotoa

Chugchilan - Quilotoa image

hike to Quilotoa Lagoon

DAY 4

no guiding service included.

self-guided hike from Chugchilan to Quilotoa crater lake (https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-senderismo/chugchilan-quilotoa-129557266)

services included: accommodation at Hosteria Chukirawa


tech. data: ↑ 960 m / 3150 ft ↓ 327 m / 1070 ft | ↔ 11 km / 6.8 mi


meals: B / - / D


accommodation in private room (single / double / triple) in Hosteria Chukirawa with dinner and breakfast.

Quilotoa Crater Lake

Quilotoa Crater Lake image

hike along the crater and enjoy unique nature

DAY 5

No guide service included.

Recommendation: Start after breakfast and hike QUILOTOA CRATER LAKE, trek along the crater rim (5 - 6 hours), highest elevation Monte Juyende (3.930 m / 12,894 ft). During the hike you admire the breathtaking blue of the lake and wonderful views of the surroundings. 

Track: https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-senderismo/vuelta-al-crater-del-quilotoa-216491510

OPTIONAL: only visit of the lagoon, or the village and view points, depending on your preferences. 

service included: transfer from Quilota to San Juan / Chimborazo (in the afternoon)


tech. data: ↑↓ 650 m / 2130 ft | ↔ 11 km / 6.8 mi


meals: B / - / D


accommodation in private room (single / double / triple) in Chakana Lodge or Taytapak Wasi Lodge with dinner and breakfast.

hike in Chimborazo area

hike in Chimborazo area image

discover the Chimborazo area

DAY 6

self-guided acclimatization hike in the Chimborazo area (no guide or transportation included):

recommendations:

Tempo Machay (4730 m / 15520 ft):

https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-carrera-por-montana/templo-machay-126216640

tech. data: ↑↓ 895 m / 2940 ft | ↔ 11 km / 6.8 mi

OR

Piedra Negra (4100 m / 13450 ft):

https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-senderismo/casa-condor-piedra-negra-211859566

tech. data: ↑↓ 260 m / 850 ft | ↔ 7,3 km / 4.5 mi


meals: B / - / D


accommodation in private room (single / double / triple) in Chakana Lodge or Taytapak Wasi Lodge with dinner and breakfast.

Chimborazo Volcano

Chimborazo Volcano image

Climb the world's highest mountain

DAY 7 + 8

Pick up by your guide at the lodge at lunch time for lunch, afterwards we head towards Chimborazo National Park. After check in at the gate we drive up to the parking lot at 4800 m /  15750 ft, and hike then up to the high camp at 5300 m / 17400 ft, where we spend the night in tents or domes. After an early dinner we try to rest, have breakfast around midnight and get prepared for a 6 - 8 hours ascent to CHIMBORAZO SUMMIT (6263 m / 20548 ft). Ideally after admiring a wonderful sunrise from the summit of Chimborazo we descend to high camp where we pick up our stuff, have a small snack and then continue  downwards to our vehicles. Transportation back to our accommodation in Quito.


tech. data day 1: ↑ 500 m / 1640 ft | → 2,1 km / 1.3 mi

tech. data day 2: ↑ 1000 m / 3280 ft ↓ 1500 m / 4920 ft | ↔ 7,9 km / 4.9 mi

meals day 1: B / L / D

meals day 2: B / - / - (snacks for ascent will be provided)

accommodation in single / double / triple room in Hotel Vieja Cúba with breakfast

Map of the trip locations

A. Quito, Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador

About your organizer

welcome to andean summit adventure, specialists when it comes to mountaineering in Ecuador and beyond. our certified guides and international team are your best choice for making your trip a lifetime experience! let's go for some climbs - cheers! our mountaineering experts are happy to assist with personalized attention to work out awesome climbing plans for you and your family and friends or answer any questions you might have regarding our programs - reach out, we speak English, German and Spanish: info@andeansummitadventure.com

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