Price: From USD 994
Days: 6
Grade: Intermediate
Place: Central Andes
Overview
This is a perfect Expedition for people that are mainly interested in climbing Chimborazo (6.310m/20,702ft), the highest mountain of Ecuador and of the world if we measure it from the center of the Earth.
Taking into account the shortness of the acclimatization process of this climbing combination (only the climb of Carihuairazo Volcano (5.116 m / 16,785 ft), bare in mind that anyone attempting this climb needs to have a strong resistance to high altitude (for instance, if you have been already climbing some high mountains or hiking in altitude).
PRICE 2011
No. Passengers
Price USD
2 - 3 pax
1282
4 - 6 pax
1210
7- 10 pax
1066
11 - 15 pax
994
◊ PRICE INCLUDES
• All in country transportation.
• Accommodation costs (hostelries (based on double or triple occupancy) and Mountain hut fees). Hotels in Quito are not included (night before the program and last night).
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, box lunch while climbing and dinner), except dinners in Quito.
• All group climbing gear.
• Park entry fees and permits.
• Certified bilingual Mountain Guide.
• Glacier climbing ratio: 2 climbers /1 guide.
◊ PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Personal gear (see our Climbing Volcanoes Equipment List and Climbing Volcanoes Equipment Rental List)).
• Hotels in Quito (night before the program and last night).
• Alcoholic and bottled drinks, and extra food.
• Single room supplement (this supplement will apply if a match cannot be made or if there is a last minute cancellation).
• Charges incurred as a result of delays, cancellations or early departures, all beyond Pioneer Journeys control.
• Insurances (see our Insurance products and Information).
• Tips.
• Meals while traveling.
• What it is not specified in the Included section.
We leave Quito at 9 a.m. and drive south to Ambato through the Avenue of Volcanoes From there we take the road towards Guaranda and before reaching Piedra Colorado, we take a turn towards the mountain. We drive on a secondary road till we reach the huts serving as the station for the vicuña breeding farm. If allowed we establish our base camp in one of the rooms or put up tents closer to the mountain.
• Day 2: Abraspungo Region Exploration
Today we explore the Abraspungo region, which separates Chimborazo from Carihuairazo. We spend most of the time around an altitude of some 4000m, which ideally serves us for our acclimatization process. The valley offers a rich fauna and flora which we get to know on our hikes.
• Day 3: Carihuairazo Summit
At night we get up and after a quick breakfast we begin our hike towards the base of the mountain. Reaching the ice field we put on our ice climbing gear and ascend to the Maxim peak. Weather permitting we have a splendid view of Chimborazo. After enjoying it we descend back and after packing up, drive to the Estrella del Chimborazo Refuge.
• Day 4: Estrella del Chimborazo to High Campsite (5.047m/16,558ft)
After breakfast, we’ll get prepared for a three hours hike up to our high campsite. Once there, we’ll spend the afternoon preparing for the climb.
• Day 5: Summit of Chimborazo (6.310m/20,702ft)
Chimborazo, with 6.310m/20,702ft, is the highest mountain in Ecuador and, somehow, the world’s highest point if we consider the distance from the center of the Earth (because of its ovoid shape caused by rotation). Although Chimborazo is considered an extinct volcano, its massive towering ice-capped peak can easily be seen from the Pacific Coast. Beneath the spectacular summit is a crater that today is eroded and contorted, suggesting that this mountain might have been even higher in more ancient times.
Our climb will start at midnight following the normal route. We should be reaching the summit after 8 to 9 hours of climbing. From there, you’ll enjoy one of the most extraordinary views in Ecuador: the Pacific Ocean, the Amazon rain forest, the peaks of Altar, Illinizas, Anizana and Cotopaxi, and the smoky active volcanoes of Tungurahua and Sangay.
• Day 6: Return to Quito
After having breakfast we’ll drive through the Avenue of Volcanoes back to Quito where we’ll accommodate in our hotel and celebrate the end of the trip with a great dinner.
Climbing the volcanoes of Ecuador has been a unique and thrilling experience, specially Cotopaxi! But most of all I enjoyied meeting Pioneer Journeys climbing guides, sharing their adventures, learning from their experience and techniques.
I received a very professional treatment in a surprising natural spectacle.
This is a perfect Expedition for people that are mainly interested in climbing Chimborazo (6.310m/20,702ft), the highest mountain of Ecuador and of the world if we measure it from the center of the Earth. 
I will never forget this experience!