At 6,300 meters, Chimborazo is the highest volcano in Ecuador. It is often called “El Coloso de los Andes” and this is for a reason. On a clear day, the snow-capped peak of this giant can be seen from afar. If you are in Ecuador, a visit to the Chimborazo volcano should not be missed. In this article I will tell you everything you want to know about the Chimborazo in Ecuador, including useful tips for your visit, climb and hiking this impressive volcano.
The Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador
The Chimborazo volcano is located in the Andes Mountain Range of Ecuador, near the city of Riobamba, 220 kilometers south of the capital Quito. On a clear day you can see the snow-capped peak of the volcano shining beautifully above Riobamba and surroundings. Chimborazo is a dead stratovolcano, covered in ice, and its last eruption dates back to the year 550 AD.
The highest mountain in the world
The Chimborazo volcano is 6263 meters high, making it the highest mountain in Ecuador. And if one were to measure mountains from the center of the earth, instead of sea level, it would actually be the tallest mountain in the world. School children in Ecuador proudly learn about their mountain being the highest. To explain a bit more: Chimborazo is located further away from the center of the world than Mount Everest, officially the highest peak in the world at 8,848 metres. Taking this theory into account, the Chimborazo would be 2000 meters higher.
Did you know that the Chimborazo volcano is depicted on the national flag of Ecuador?
Chimborazo National Park
Chimborazo consists of four peaks, including Veintemilla, Whymper, Politécnica and Nicolás Martínez and is together with the 5020 meter high Carihuairazo volcano, part of the Chimborazo National Park. This protected reserve covers an area of almost 60,000 hectares and is home to countless wild vicuñas, a species of llama found in the Andes and known for its wool. The landscape of the national park is special, which changes during the way up, from plains with tufts of grass to brown-gray sand with blocks of lava.
Explorers
Explorer Alexander Von Humboldt attempted to climb the Chimborazo volcano in 1802. He did not reach the summit, but he did create the Tableau Physique: an index of different plant and soil types, including information about the height to which they grow. Years later, the information was reviewed and it was concluded that the altitude limit had moved upward as much of the ice and snow had melted. British explorer Edward Whymper was the first to climb the Chimborazo volcano in 1880. The highest peak and one of the refugios are named after him. He was also the first to climb the Matterhorn in Switzerland in 1865. Whymper also did a lot of research into altitude sickness.
Myths and legends
Volcanoes and mountains play an important spiritual role in Ecuador and contain myths and legends about ancient spirits, or apus. For example, Apus cause earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, bad weather and affects harvests. Mountains are male or female and experience all kinds of things with each other. Apus can explode with rage or cover the mountain in a sad mist. These stories date from pre-Columbian times but are still told to each other by local people.
Taita Chimborazo and Taita Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in Ecuador, are said to have fought for years over Mama Tunguragua, the volcano that dominates the town of Baños. Another legend says that Taita Chimborazo fought against all of Mama Tungurahua’s lovers and therefore they all became smaller. When they eventually married they had one child, Guagua Pichincha, a smaller volcano near Quito. When Guagua Pichincha cries, the mother is always there. That are the times when both volcanoes are active. I find it interesting to hear these kinds of stories and look at the power of nature in a different way.
How to visit and climb the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador
You can easily visit and climb the Chimborazo volcano from Riobamba, the capital of the Chimborazo province in Ecuador. Depending on your interest, there are different ways and many Chimborazo hiking tours are offered. Below you will find some of my tips for hiking and experiencing Chimborazo in Ecuador.
Climb the Chimborazo volcano
From the center of Riobamba you can reach the entrance of the Chimborazo National Park within an hour, where you have a good chance of seeing the first vicuñas. From here you drive up the mountain via a bumpy road to an altitude of 4,800 meters. Along the way you see the landscape gradually change. The higher you go, the barer the ground and the less vegetation there is. On a clear day there are amazing views of the Chimborazo volcano to be observed.
At 4800 meters there is a small refugio, called Hermano Carrel, offering hot drinks and snacks. Upon arrival, you will already start feeling the altitude, so it is important to take it easy. Are you feeling fine and fit? Then you can go hiking and climb two hundred meters up to the Chimborazo Whymper refugio, located at 5000 meters, in the snow. And two hundred meters sounds like nothing, but believe me, it takes a lot of energy, because of the altitude. The hiking up the Chimborazo takes an hour, depending on your pace. Of course you can also choose to only walk part of the route, since it is the same way there and back.
Do you also want to climb the Chimborazo volcano? You can book a Chimborazo hiking tour here.
A mountain bike tour on the Chimborazo volcano
Are you looking for extra adventure? After hiking the Chimborazo volcano it is possible to go on a mountain bike tour. From 4,800 meters you cycle all the way down through the Chimborazo National Park. Quite an experience where you observe the landscape in a special way.
Do you want to climb the Chimborazo and also take a bike ride? Here you will find a combined Chimborazo hiking & cycling tour.
A climb to the top of the Chimborazo vulkaan
You can only climb to the top of the Chimborazo volcano with very good acclimatization and excellent physical condition. On the way to the Veintimilla (6227 meters) and the highest Whymper peak (6263 meters), there are several sections with rock and ice, which require an experienced glacier climber. There are a few organizations in Ecuador, offering these type of tours.
What to bring for your climb and visit – Chimborazo Ecuador
If you want to climb the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador, it is recommended to prepare well. It is important to always bring warm clothing and plenty of water. Even though the sun is shining, you will find yourself at an altitude of 4800 meters, so the temperatures are lower. Moreover, the weather in the mountains can change quickly. This is my useful packinglist for visiting and hiking the Chimborazo volcano.
- Hiking boots
- Walking sticks
- Layers of clothing
- Windbreaker
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen + glasses
- Gloves
- Head
- Scarf
- Sufficient water
- Snacks
- Travel Insurance
Altitude sickness
It is not rare, if you suffer from altitude sickness during your visit to the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador. Without giving medical advice in any way, here are a few tips based on my years of experience visiting this volcano. It is very important to take the time for your visit, drink plenty of water and listen carefully to your body. Mild symptoms of altitude sickness can include shortness of breath and an oppressive headache. In most cases, these complaints gradually disappear. But in other cases, symptoms may worsen and include dizziness, severe headaches, nausea and vomiting. The only remedy for this is to descend again immediately. Do you keep feeling bad? Then you should visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Hotels around Chimborazo in Ecuador – tips
Looking for a nice place to spend the night around the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador? Then you want to book a stay at Hacienda Abraspungo, a luxury boutique hotel surrounded by greenery, flowers and whistling birds. The former hacienda is spacious and consists of several rooms, named after one of the many mountains and volcanoes in Ecuador, a stylish restaurant and seating areas around the complex.
The rooms are stylishly and comfortably furnished and fully equipped. From your balcony or terrace you look out over the green surroundings with countless flowers and plants. And you are less than an hour’s drive from the entrance to the Chimborazo National Park.
Curious about Hacienda Abraspungo? Here you can find prices and availability. Looking for more hotels in Riobamba? This is an overview. Read more about Hacienda Abraspungo in the next article.
More hotels in Ecuador
In every country I look out for the most beautiful and unique places to stay. A boutique atmosphere, a stylish design, a lovely setting, and a good service are important topics for me, when choosing a hotel. In addition, I like to support the locals and love a sustainable approach around a hotel. Are you curious about my favorite hotels in Ecuador? In the next article you will find an overview of the best boutique hotels in Ecuador, where I personally stayed.
Want to read more about Riobamba? In my Riobamba Travel Guide, you will find all my tips for things to do in Riobamba Ecuador and the surrounding area.
More about Ecuador
Did you enjoy reading this article about the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador and tips for a climb and visit? Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations and places to visit Ecuador. In the next articles you will find my Ecuador travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips.
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- Things to do in Riobamba Ecuador – a comprehensive guide with tips
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