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.

Andes

5 Days

Jan, Jun, Aug, Nov, Dec

High

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

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Permit and entrance fees
Mountain guide expenses
Rope
Harness
Helmet
Crampons
Ice axe

Itinerary

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

We will leave from Machachi 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 3 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/-/-)

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 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 Chimborazo High Camp. 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/-/D)

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

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 Machachi (B/-/-)

Details

More info

Guide ratio: 2 clients/guide

Group size:

Minimum climbers: 4 (to have a guaranteed departure)
Maximum climbers: 8

Please note, the group tour will be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not reached. If this happens, you will have the option to convert your booking to a private session.

Meeting point

Machachi

FAQs

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

1 guide can take up to 2 clients. If you are in a group with more than 2 climbers, an additional guide from my team will join.

Can I join a group?

Yes, you can join a group. Please note minimum number of climbers to apply the group rate is 3 climbers. If the group tour does not reach the minimum number of participants, you will be able to convert your booking to a private session by paying some extra amount for the tour.

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?

Technical mountain equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet) is included in the price. You need to bring your personal mountain equipment (warm clothes, sleeping bag, sun glasses, head lamp, etc.). A detailed list will be provided once you confirm the booking, and you can rent all of these here in Ecuador.

How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?

Accommodation will be in hotels in Macachi (double occupancy) in days 2 and 3, Oleas Ruales Refuge in Cayambe on day 1, and High Camp in Chimborazo on day 4.

Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. We will have lunch in the city of Cayambe on day 1 and Ambato on day 4, so you'll be able to buy what's of your preference. You can check the itinerary for more details.

When and where will we meet?

We will meet in the morning of day 1 in Quito. We will pick you up from your hotel in the morning, unless we arrange something differente closer to the date.

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

It's important to have good physical and aerobic preparation to have better performance and enjoy more at high altitudes.

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

Ideally, you should spend 3 or 4 days of acclimatization before, doing mountains like Rucu Pichincha 4700 m, Corazon 4800 m and Illiniza Norte 5126m. Staying for a few days in Quito before starting the trip also helps.

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

The following items are included in the price of this 5-day tour:

The service of a certified IFMGA or ASEGUIM mountain guide

The transportation and transfers Booking assistance and superior service

The technical mountaineering equipment: crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet

Accommodation in hotels (double occupancy), Oleas Ruales Refuge and high camp services

All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above with B: breakfast and D: dinner)

National Park fees and permits registration

Permanent communication through walkie-talkie between guides and office in case of an emergency

Common climbing gear: Ropes, ice screws, snow pickets, rescue gear

Fully First aid kit (Recommended by NOLS WILDERNESS MEDICINE INSTITUTE)

Rescue or evacuation service in case of any incident in the mountains

The following items are not included in the price you'll pay:

Personal Mountain Gear (I'll send you a detailed list after booking. You should bring: clothing, boots, and a backpack.)

Porters in Chimborazo are not included

Supplement for a single room at the hotel

International flights

Meals and beverages at the hotels (lunch, dinner)

Snacks for the trip.

Personal insurance

Tips

Other non-specified expenses

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration

Hotel Plaza Grande

See rooms

Quito

See rooms

Ecuador JW Marriott Hotel Quito

See rooms

Quito

See rooms

Ecuador Swissotel Quito

See rooms

Quito

See rooms

Ecuador

See rooms

About the guide

-Edgar & Guides' team

4.8

(32)

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

Justin

Highly recommend!

Matthew

Umesh

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

Adam

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

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.