Cayambe, Chimborazo 5 Day Guided Climb

Join IFMGA certified guide Edgar for a 5 day journey through Ecuador's amazing Volcanoes Avenue and climb 2 of its greatest peaks, Cayambe and Chimborazo.

Not specified

Andes

5 Days

Jan, Jun, Nov, Dec

Fit

Intermediate

Highlights

Explore the amazing Avenue of Volcanoes in Ecuador.
Spend five days tackling challenging mountaineer feats in the Andes.
Enjoy spectacular views from the top of Cayambe and Chimborazo.
Discover the vibrant and colorful Ecuadorian Andean culture.

Description

The Avenue of Volcanoes in Ecuador, less than 100 kilometres away from Quito, might be the most famous volcano avenue in the world for mountaineers. Over the course of 5 days, I want to guide you on a journey through it, highlighted by climbing to the summits of Cayambe (5,790m) and Chimborazo (6,263m).

This 5-day adventure will be intense. Every day will be full of something new and exciting. However, you don't have to be a climbing expert to enjoy it. Just as long as you are physically fit and have some climbing experience, you will be just fine.

The first part of this trip will begin with the ascent of Cayambe. The climb will take approximately 8 hours, but every minute will be a thrill. We will be scaling ice and rock, and once you reach the summit, the spectacular view will make it well worth it.

Next, we will go to the town of Machachi (2,945m) for a rest day. While in the town, you can enjoy horseback riding, shopping in a local market, or relaxing in a hot spring.

For the final portion of the trip, we will climb Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador. The first day of the climb will see us reaching the Hermanos Carrel Refuge (4,800m) and from there we will continue up to the high camp where we will rest and get some sleep before the summit push to reach the glacier-covered summit. Once there, you will get to enjoy an unrivaled view.

With so many volcanoes to see and climb in Ecuador's famous Volcano avenue, you can't go wrong with any of them. However, I believe Cayambe and Chimborazo are two of the best options. If you wish to climb these amazing peaks, please send me a message.

I can also guide you to the summit of Antisana in Ecuador on this 2-day climb.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Accommodation included

- Transport during the trip

- Permit and entrance fees

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito - Cayambe Refuge (15,092ft/4.600m)

We will leave from Quito in the morning and will drive north through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the town of Cayambe. This drive will take us around 2 hours. From there we still have to drive for another hour to the Ruales Oleas Berge refuge (15,092ft/4.600m). We will learn some basic techniques, which include last but not least proper handling of the climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, rope, etc). We will be on the Refuge for dinner and rest (-/-/D)

Day 2: Cayambe Summit (18,996ft/5.790m) - Machachi

We will wake up at midnight and depart to the top (18,996ft/5.790m) around 1 am after a light breakfast. The ascent takes about 6 to 8 hours. Once at the summit we will take our time for pictures of the surroundings, and then we will head back to the refuge in 2 to 3 hours. At the refuge we will rest, pack our belongings and return back to Machachi (B/BL/-)

Day 3: Rest day in Machachi (10,171ft/3.100m)

Today we rest in the charming town Machachi; there is an optional tour to the Tesalia Water Springs. On Sundays we like to visit the local indigenous market (animals, fruit, handicraft, etc.). There are many other options for you to choose from, like horseback riding, cow milking or sampling of a local delicatessen, guinea pig. We will spend a restful night in a hotel in town (B/-/-)

Day 4: Machachi – High Camp (17,552ft/5.350m)

We will drive from Machachi southern trough the Avenue of the Volcanoes for about 3 hours to the Chimborazo`s reserve until getting Hermanos Carrel refuge (15,744ft/4,800m) and then we will check all the needed camping and climbing equipment for the next 2 days. Once we have everything ready we will start hiking for about 4 hours to the High Camp (17,552ft/5.350m), once here, we will accommodate in our tents. In the afternoon we will prepare and double check all the gear for the climbing. We will get a light dinner and go to sleep (B/BL/D)

Day 5: Chimborazo Summit (20,702ft/6.310m) – Quito

Around 1:00 am, we will start our climb to the Ecuadorian highest mountain, Chimborazo, which will take us around 8 hours. We will get to the summit (20,702ft/6.310m) in the early hours. The summit is a perfect spot for resting and to take pictures of the beautiful surroundings. Then we’ll start our descending to the High Camp, which will take us from 3 to 4 hours. Once in the High Camp, we will pack our belongings and then, we will still need to go down 2 hours to the parking lot, where our transportation will be ready to drive us down to Quito (B/BL/-)

Details

Accommodation

Hotel in Machachi, hut in Cayambe, and high camp in Chimborazo.

More info

Guide ratio: 2 clients/guide

Meeting point

Quito

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?

When and where will we meet?

How fit do I need to be to climb this mountains?

Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?

Do I need to have previous acclimatization to go on this trip?

What is included in the price? What's not?

How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?

About the guide

-Edgar

4.84

(25)

Mountain Guide

UIAGM/IFMGA-ASEGUIM Mountain Guide from Ecuador.

I am a mountain guide, but also a passionate traveler, climber in rock and ice, and photographer. I spend my free time and holidays exploring new destinations, discovering new mountains and cultures.

I have more than 17 years of experience climbing mountains and volcanoes not only in Ecuador, but also in other South American countries such as Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, and in the Alps in Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Germany. I also summited KhanTengri peak in the Himalayas, and Mt. McKinley in Alaska. This experiences prepared me to lead expeditions in challenging routes all around the world.

I studied 6 years of Tourism in the University, and followed ASEGUIM courses to become a mountain guide. I’ve also been evaluated by ENSA, and completed first aid courses in the Ecuadorian Red Cross.

I like guiding people from all around the world, and help them discover and enjoy the mountains, while reaching their objectives. I speak Spanish, English, German, Italian, and a bit of Russian.

Languages

Russian | Italian | German | English

Certificates

ASEGUIM | UIAGM

What people are saying about this trip

Justin Johns

5.00

January, 2022

Highly recommend!

Matthew Fleischman

5.00

December, 2021

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Umesh Katdare

5.00

December, 2020

Outstanding job done by Edgar and Ivan who were professional and patient Recommend to all without a doubt

Adam Behmer

5.00

January, 2020

Edgar Parra's guiding service was excellent. His guide understood the mountain, made sure I understood the approach, and did a good job of communicating. While Edgar can't control the weather, his guide did a great job of controlling the situations he could control. Highly recommended and would climb with him again.

Steven MISHOE

5.00

June, 2019

Edgar was an excellent guide. I have little climbing experience and Edgar was very knowledgeable and instructive. He is a life long climber and he has tons of experience and passion climbing through out the world. He was pleasant and a very nice guy. Unfortunately, the weather was very bad while I was in Ecuador so Edgar came up with a great alternative climb to Cayambe, which was not in good condition due to storms. He knows the mountains like the back of his hand and can relay tons of information, which makes the trip that much more enjoyable. His 4x4 transport and climbing equipment were all top notch. He understood safety and made sure to avoid unnecessary risks. I will climb with Edgar again.

Michael Langone

5.00

June, 2018

A fantastic trip! Segundo was a wonderful guide and made the trip a lot of fun. Even during difficult weather and when things didn't go as expected, he kept a positive attitude and continued to motivate me when I was beginning to lose momentum. I would absolutely recommend this trip and Lonely Summits to anyone looking to visit the beautiful country of Ecuador - whether you're an experienced climber or not, the services provided by Lonely Summits are fantastic for any skill level or price point.

Angela deJong

5.00

January, 2018

I have travelled for several years to climb and hike mountains all over the world. I've had numerous guides, many of which were wonderful. However, I have to say, Edgar Parra has been the best climbing guide I've ever had. He was extremely professional, on time, motivated, encouraging, explained everything and translated for me (due to my lack of Spanish), adjusted our schedule when we had bad weather to ensure we were safe and yet still has a good experience climbing, and has a passion for mountains and climbing like nobody I've ever met before. I will most certainly come back to Ecudor specifically because of Edgar and his positive outlook on life and passion for mountain climbing. I would recommend him to anyone wanting to climb the mountains in Ecuador many of the other other countries he climbs in (Peru, Bolivia, and Russion to name a few more).

Andrew Eremenko

5.00

June, 2017

Edgar Parra is an excellent mountain guide. He cares about clients very well. Everything went super smoothly. I enjoyed the trip a lot!