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Chimborazo, Cayambe 8 Day Guided Ascent

whymper summit chimborazo
Climb Chimborazo
Getting to Cayambe summit
Ice climbing in Cayambe

The summits of 2 of the most popular volcanoes in Ecuador, Cayambe and Chimborazo, await you on this 8 day trek led by IFMGA certified guide Edgar.

Andes

8 Days

All year

High

Intermediate


Description

Chimborazo (6310m) and Cayambe (5,790m) are 2 of the most popular and magnificent volcanoes in the legendary avenue of volcanoes in Ecuador. And on this 8 day adventure, I will guide you to the summit of both of them.

This trek will include so much more than just those incredible peaks. In the days before the 2 great volcanoes**,** you will also climb additional peaks for acclimatization, including Fuya Fuya (4,263m). You will also have the chance to explore the beautiful town of Otavalo. And before the climb of Cayambe, we will spend a day-and-a-half practising proper ice climbing techniques on a glacier. After that, we will summit Cayambe, where you will get to enjoy an incredible view. Following the climb of Cayambe we will make our way to the town of Machachi for some much deserved rest. Finally, on the last 2 days of this trip, we will take on the highest peak in Ecuador, Chimborazo. Just like Cayambe, the view from the top of Chimborazo is unforgettable.

This trip will be challenging. You must be in good physical condition, and you must have previous mountaineering experience. There will be long, hard days and dark, early mornings. But I can promise you that the rewards you will receive will far outweigh the physical price you will have to pay.

There are 27 volcanoes on the volcano avenue, but Cayambe and Chimborazo truly stand out as 2 of the best. They loom large, and the awe they inspire looms even larger. And when you get to stand on their summits, you will experience a feeling that cannot be put into words. Contact me if you are interested in joining me on this exciting excursion.

And if you don't have 8 days, I also offer a 2 day ascent of Chimborazo and a 2 day ascent of Antisana.

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Transport during the trip

- Permit and entrance fees

Price details

Equipment included: crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet.


Itinerary

Day 1: Fuya Fuya (4,263m)

Today we will drive from Quito to Mojanda lake, passing Otavalo, until we reach Fuya Fuya, where we will climb to the summit for acclimatization purposes, as well as an amazing view before returning to Otavalo.

Day 2: Imbabura

Today we will drive from Otavalo to Ibarra, and then to the town of La Esperanza where we will ascend the trail of Imbabura before returning to Otavalo.

Day 3: Cayambe Refuge

Today we will drive from Otavalo to the Ruales Oleas hut on Cayambe, where we will spend the night.

Day 4: Glacier training on Cayambe

Today we will climb up to Picos Jarrin (5,200m), where we will spend the day practising ice climbing techniques such as roping up, how to use crampons, etc, before returning to the refuge for the night.

Day 5: Cayambe summit (5,790m)

Today we will wake up at midnight and make our way to the summit of Cayambe. After descending, we will drive to the town of Machachi, where we will spend the night in the Charmy Hacienda.

Day 6: Rest day in Machachi

Today will be a rest day in Machachi, but there are options such as water springs in Tesalia, exploring the local market, and horseback riding. We will spend the night in the Charmy Hacienda.

Day 7: Hermanos Carrel Refuge

Today we will drive from Machachi to the Chimborazo reserve. We will then hike through the volcano avenue and make our way up to the Hermanos Carrel Refuge, where we will spend the night.

Day 8: Chimborazo summit (6,310m)

Today we will wake up at midnight and make our way up to the Chimborazo summit. After you have soaked in a truly unforgettable view, we will return to the Whymper hut, where we will rest and check our equipment before making our way back to the car that will return you to Quito.

 

Equipment you will need to bring

Snow Pants, Fleece Pants, Waterproof Jacket, Fleece Jacket, Wool Hat, Gloves, Sleeping bag, Headlamp, Boots.


About the guide

Guide profile image

-Edgar & Guides' team

4.80

(34)

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 27 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, Germany and Nepal. I also summited KhanTengri peak in the Himalayas, Aconcagua in los Andes 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

Request more information

What people are saying about this trip

Paul

5.00

Unfortunately we were unable to complete any of the climbs due to political unrest in Ecuador. However the guide service took very good care of us make sure we were safe drove us everywhere and make sure we got to the airport safely. If we were to repeat a trip to Ecuador we would definitely use these guides again


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