ASEGUIM certified guide Fernando and his team would like to show you the way on this 2-day ascent to the summit of the Chimborazo volcano on Ecuador's famous avenue of volcanoes.
Andes
2 Days
Jan - Mar, Nov, Dec
High
Intermediate
The Chimborazo volcano (6,268m) is also known as the closest point to the sun. And when you reach this incredible peak's summit, you will be hard-pressed to disagree. Located in Ecuador's incredible avenue of volcanoes, Chimborazo is the country's highest and most famous peak.
The 2-day journey will begin in the capital city of Quito (2,850m), which is less than 150 kilometres from the volcano. From the city, we will drive to the smaller city of Ambato (2,700m). After that, we will cross the avenue of volcanoes until we reach the Chimborazo Wildlife reserve and the Hermanos Carrel hut, where you will eat and rest for the evening.
The rest will be short however because we will be waking up at midnight. After we are all awake and have gathered our gear, we will start our ascent. The nighttime climb should take approximately 6 to 8 hours and will have its challenges, but I will make sure you make it to the summit, just as the sun rises, safely. Once there, you will get to enjoy a perfect view that not even a gifted painter could hope to create. Finally, after you have absorbed all you could of the marvelous view, we will descent back to the Hermanos Carrel hut before making our way back to Quito. The descent should take between 3 and 4 hours.
The Chimborazo volcano is a remarkable peak. And it is the kind of peak anybody serious about mountaineering hopes to climb. So if you would like to reach its summit, send us a message today.
If you would like to join me on another 2-day volcano climb in Ecuador, you can also come with me on this ascent to the summit of Cayambe.
More info
You should bring the following items with you: small backpack, hiking shoes (waterproof are best), thermal, waterproof pants, long sleeve, thermal sweater, a windbreaker jacket, gloves, a cap, sunscreen, sun glasses, and a water bottle.
Meeting point
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
4.6
(24)
Mountain Leader
ASEGUIM Guide from Ecuador
Fernando Iza was born and raised in the Cotopaxi Province of Ecuador and knows the country’s peaks intimately. He is an official ASEGUIM mountain guide with more than 18 years of mountaineering experience climbing in all of Ecuador, as well as in South America, Switzerland, France, and the United States.
Fernando has worked for mountaineering companies in Ecuador, Europe and the United States from a young age. Now, he has set up his own basecamp at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge, right next to Iliniza Volcano, Rumiñahui Volcano, and the famous Cotopaxi Volcano. He has summited Cotopaxi more than 637 times and has summitted Chimborazo Volcano close to 200 times.
Fernando got his degree in Tourism Technology at Cenestur Institute, and in 2021 started studying Business administration with Cuosera.
He has completed important courses such as:
The most spectacular guided tours that Fernando has done.
Languages
German | French | English
Certificates
ASEGUIM
MICHAIL
Fernando is a very experienced guide, with a great know-how in hiking high altitudes. The hike was demanding, so having a guide who was responsible and knew how to coach us while climbing was extremely important. We could not make it to the top, but the adventure was absolutely worthy!
Carolyn
Had a really great trip climbing in the Ecuadorian Andes. Fernando is a very capable guide. His true passion is big, technical climbs and he is a less excited about the more basic acclimatization hikes. The lodging and food in El Chaupi is great. There was not a ton of advanced communication and the pre-trip prep each night before was a little sparse and lacking in detail. There was limited flexibility if we wanted to adjust the itinerary (such as including an extra walk to a lagoon, ect). Overall, a good experience.
Jana
There were no briefings about the upcoming itineraries, I’d mostly find along the way, what’s the plan. He would make changes to his moods. He didn’t inform me in adavance about the specifics of each refugio/ lodge/ camp concerning the distance from car, electricity and would make fun/made snide comments “your choice” of the things I packed at the aftermath, but offered no guidance. I have read from others that he is very knowledgeable and explained a lot- that hasn’t been my experience, he surely is an apt mountaineer, but he wasn’t actively explaining or showing things, he was just always on his cellphone. He could be very short, abrasive and inpatient. At one time even another climber intervened “to save me”
Sebastien
Our guide Fernando was great to adapt the trip for our two little girls. A great experience it was fir us all. Thank you.
frederic
Fernando and Sergio are very good guides, not only very safe and motivating in the mountains, but very nice between the climbs. And i have learned a lot too about the culture in the country. Their hotel near Illniza is perfectly located, safe and you are received as if your were at home with Fernando's family. And they will take care of everything, so you just have to concentrate yourself on the climbs. Thank you!
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