Ascent to Carihuairazo Volcano- 4-day trek
Fernando, an ASEGUIM certified mountain guide and his team, will lead you to the summit of Carihuairazo (5116 m), an Andes volcano near Chimborazo and the Abraspungo Valley.
Not specified
Andes
4 Days
Jan, Jun, Jul, Dec
Description
In Ecuador's western mountain chain north of Mount Chimborazo lies the Carihuairazo Volcano (5116 m). Carihuairazo is a beautiful snow-topped mountain that can be accessed by people of various skill levels. If you're looking for a new experience and a manageable challenge, join me on this 4-day trek.
The Ecuadorian Andes are an ideal place to adventure, and on this Carihuairazo trek I would like to show you why. First, Ecuador has many gorgeous mountains all located next to each other on the "avenue of the volcanos." On our way to the starting point of the trek we will be able to observe some of these unique peaks.
Secondly, this Carihuairazo trek is great for many different skill levels. The summit of Carihuairazo is relatively easy to reach because you do not need any technical climbing skills. But it is still over 5000 m tall, so climbing it is no small feat. Therefore, this trek is ideal for someone looking for more mountaineering experience and a new challenge.
Ascending Carihuairazo is also good as practice for larger peaks. If you are hoping to climb Chimborazo or Cotopaxi, this trek is a good place to start. It will also help you with acclimatization.
During the 4-day trip, we will gradually ascend from Quito (2800 m) to the Abraspungo Valley region, camping at points of interest along the way. There will be many chances to see and take pictures of different types of plants and wildlife. Finally, on the final day we will hike to the summit of the mountain.
Do you want to feel the wind while standing at over 5000 m above sea level? I hope you give me the opportunity to share this 4-day trek with you. Send me a message and tell me why you're excited about the trip. If it interests you, I also lead a hike to the Altar Volcano.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation included
- Transportation start and back
- Transport during the trip
- Luggage transfer
- Permit and entrance fees
- Group porters
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito to Hacienda Posada la Estación
We will leave Quito heading south on the highway also known as “the avenue of the volcanoes.” If we’re lucky and have a clear skies you will be able to see the mountains of Pichincha, Pasochoa, Corazón, Illinizas, Rumiñahui, and Cotopaxi. We will pass through the cities of Latacunga and Ambato until we reach Urbina. From Urbina we will head towards the mountains to an ancient train station called “La Posada” at 3690 m, near Chimborazo. In the afternoon we will take a walk to acclimatize. We will spend the night either in the guesthouse of the station or in tents.
Day 2: Hacienda Posada La Estación to Plazapamba
After waking up and eating breakfast, we will start walking towards Abraspungo Valley. We will walk though the highland ecosystem for 5-6 hours until we reach our next campsite in Plazapampa. Once there, our natural guide will teach you about the biodiversity in the region. If the climatic conditions allow, there will be plenty of opportunities to take photos of the surrounding volcanoes and wildlife. We will sleep at the campsite that night.
Day 3: Plazapamba to Laguna Negra
On the third day we will continue hiking in the Apraspungo Valley, ascending until we reach the ridge that separates Chimborazo and Carihuairazo. Our campsite for the evening will be next to the Black Lake. From here we will be able to see herds of vikuñas, llamas, and alpacas. We will eat dinner and go to sleep.
Day 4: Climp up Carihuairazo, head back to Quito
After an early breakfast we will hike for 2 hours to the base camp of Carihuairazo. At base camp we will outfit ourselves with mountaineering equipment. After about 2 hours we will arrive at the summit of Carihuairazo at 5100 m. We will have lunch at the summit and descend towards the west. After a descent of about 4 hours, we will arrive at Rio Blanco where the carriers will be waiting to take us back to Quito. We will arrive in Quito about 4 hours later and take you back to your hotel.
Details
Accommodation At Hacienda Posada de la Estación (first night)- guest house or tents
Other nights- tents |
More info The following equipment is highly recommended: Warm and waterproof clothing, hiking boots, a daypack, a backpack for your personal belongings (which will be carried by the horses), a flashlight/headlamp, a sunhat, sunscreen, a change of clothing, hiking poles, and a sleeping bag. |
Meeting point Quito |
About the guide
ASEGUIM Guide from Ecuador.
I was born and raised in Cotopaxi Province – Ecuador and know the country’s peaks intimately. I have great mountaineering experience of more than 12 years of climbing in all Ecuador, and I also climbed in South America, Switzerland, and France.
I manage a guiding company, so sometimes I'm the one guiding the trips, but sometimes I'm focused on company management, and one of the certified guides of my team will be guiding you. All the guides with whom I work are professional and certified guides.
I worked for the Nuevos Horizontes refuge on Ilinizas Volcano from a young age and have professional Guide Training, and I am officially Licensed as a Nature guide organized by the Ministry of tourism.
Some of the guiding courses I attended are:
* Mountain Guides Course by ASEGUIM (Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides),
* Mountain Guides Evaluation by ENSA (Ecole Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme) in October 2006. An event organized by the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador and ENSA of France
* Pre-Course UIAGM an event organized by ASEGUIM and ENSA (Ecole Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme)
* First Aids course, Ecuadorian Red Cross
I live and manage a hostel and lodge in El Chaupi, a beautiful mountain village an hour south of Quito, just in between Illinizas Ecological Reserve and Cotopaxi National Park. It looks like a typical Swiss town in the Alps, and has everything to become a great mountaineering center, the ‘Chamonix or Zermatt of South America’!
I speak fluent Spanish, English, and little German, French, Hebrew, and Quichua.
The guiding team I lead is committed and experienced. Contact me to help you organize an unforgettable adventure.
What people are saying about Fernando Iza
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