Mount Chimborazo
Mount Chimborazo
4.5
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Located in the Sierra region of central Ecuador, this mountain’s summit is at 20,799 feet (6,310 meters), offering a challenging climb for experienced mountaineers.
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4.5
111 reviews
Excellent
86
Very good
19
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
4
Adam Naumoff
New York City, NY22 contributions
Jan 2020
This isn’t a proper mountain guide company, it’s a machine that churns through business. There’s a lot of huge problems.
1.) They don’t give guidance on acclimatization. It takes 5 days to acclimatize, they told me 1 would be sufficient. 6 people had to turn around because of lack of acclimatization, only 1 summited.
2,) Their Satellite phone is broken at the lodge. (Says Dmitri, their guide) Meaning, if you get hurt, you may not get emergency help in time.
3.)There are no advance preventative measures to determine AVALANCHE potential. Meaning they ask you to climb 4 hours up the mountain. When you hit the glacier they decide if you can’t go further. (And you lose your money)
4.) Only 1/2 the guides speak English. The other half dont, will just repeat, “Todo Bien?”. i.e. If you’re complicated hurt, they won’t be able to understand you.
**I will say that the guides are actually legit and do understand safety**
5.) When you voice concerns such as this, they don’t respond, they ignore it.
I couldn’t be more frustrated with this company. It has potential, but because of the owners negligence you probably won’t summit and you’ll end up as frustrated as me. Pay a little bit more money and go with a tour company that actually cares.
1.) They don’t give guidance on acclimatization. It takes 5 days to acclimatize, they told me 1 would be sufficient. 6 people had to turn around because of lack of acclimatization, only 1 summited.
2,) Their Satellite phone is broken at the lodge. (Says Dmitri, their guide) Meaning, if you get hurt, you may not get emergency help in time.
3.)There are no advance preventative measures to determine AVALANCHE potential. Meaning they ask you to climb 4 hours up the mountain. When you hit the glacier they decide if you can’t go further. (And you lose your money)
4.) Only 1/2 the guides speak English. The other half dont, will just repeat, “Todo Bien?”. i.e. If you’re complicated hurt, they won’t be able to understand you.
**I will say that the guides are actually legit and do understand safety**
5.) When you voice concerns such as this, they don’t respond, they ignore it.
I couldn’t be more frustrated with this company. It has potential, but because of the owners negligence you probably won’t summit and you’ll end up as frustrated as me. Pay a little bit more money and go with a tour company that actually cares.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robyc
3 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
Awful experience. The agency employes NON official guides in order to climb Chimborazo and Cotopaxi and that is really really unsafe.
John and Alexandra (the managers and owner of the agency) are completely non organised. we booked our trip in October and when we arrived they changed our program forcing us to climb Chimborazo before Cotopaxi ( even if the program was settled in October and we have already paid). The climb of Chimborazo was pretty good but having a non official guide, that is not motivated to take you to the top is a really sad thing.
As to Cotopaxi instead, we tried it after Chimborazo (that is illogical) they made us stay in a hostel 1 hour far from the parking La Virgen instead of staying at the Refugio of the Cotopaxi. What is more, the non official guide has an equipment that cannot be used as old and non functional. The harness could not be closed and he asked for the piolet at the hostel as he hadn t his personal. We are talking about a guide....... well, a non official guide.
The only positive thing is the staff of the Refugio Carrel, nice people and good food but I haven’t paid for a nice stay in a Refugio. However the people employed by them as guides (non official guides) are the same that work there as part of the staff.
I paid for experiencing my first and most important love, the mountain.
Absolutely NOT reccomended
John and Alexandra (the managers and owner of the agency) are completely non organised. we booked our trip in October and when we arrived they changed our program forcing us to climb Chimborazo before Cotopaxi ( even if the program was settled in October and we have already paid). The climb of Chimborazo was pretty good but having a non official guide, that is not motivated to take you to the top is a really sad thing.
As to Cotopaxi instead, we tried it after Chimborazo (that is illogical) they made us stay in a hostel 1 hour far from the parking La Virgen instead of staying at the Refugio of the Cotopaxi. What is more, the non official guide has an equipment that cannot be used as old and non functional. The harness could not be closed and he asked for the piolet at the hostel as he hadn t his personal. We are talking about a guide....... well, a non official guide.
The only positive thing is the staff of the Refugio Carrel, nice people and good food but I haven’t paid for a nice stay in a Refugio. However the people employed by them as guides (non official guides) are the same that work there as part of the staff.
I paid for experiencing my first and most important love, the mountain.
Absolutely NOT reccomended
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jillianhanson
Boise, ID2 contributions
Jan 2020
They do not give their clients any information on acclimatization or altitude sickness and they failed to provide any indication that they were knowledgeable of conditions on the mountain. I met many other Andean Adventure clients at the refuge who were attempting the summit without ANY or very little acclimatization. Clients had very little knowledge of the dangers associated with high altitude climbing and Andean Adventures did NOTHING to educate these clients and certainly did not empower them to make safe choices. A guiding company should care about their client's safety and wellbeing - Andean Adventures did not care.
I did not attempt the summit, but my partner did and the gear they provided him was outdated and low quality.
I did not attempt the summit, but my partner did and the gear they provided him was outdated and low quality.
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wowotek
14 contributions
Apr 2016 • Solo
I booked a from a canadian man named John a leaded hike to mt chimborazo. John told me that he is cheaper then the others and it would cost 340usd for one person and and a group of two 240usd for each. I traveld for 1,5 mounth in southamerika and i decided already at home to climb a high mountain . In huaraz peru i would do it already but somebody told me if i would go to ecuador anyway i should climb there mt cotopaxi. This was not possible because of eruptions so i decided to climb chimborazo. For this reason i was ready to pay the high amount. I made a big mistake. I forgot to ask what happen if the weather is not good, raining season suppost to be over. At the refugio Hermanos Carrel i meet two guys which were just there for two days, they didnt climb the mountain and two other groups which want to climb the mountain. One was with two clients (Julio Verne) and another group with one client. Also i meet my guide Fabian there. It was a friendly guy. The food on the refuge was quiet good. A problem was that Fabian seemd very lazy to me. While the the guides of the other groups where explaining their clients how to use rampons and ice hacks Fabian was doing nothing. Also at night before we was starting the climb the guides of the other groups prepaired tea and snaks for their clients while i had to ask Fabian for this things. He seemd to become angry after that. We started at 11pm (all 3 groups). It was snowing but not windy. During the hike the guides were talking something about statics and danger that we could get hit by a lightning. I didnt see any lightning it wasnt stormy, just slow snowing. On the point where the glaciar began the guides decidet to go back. So we did a 2 hours walk at the end. Down i asked a guide how can a lighning hit us when its no lighning anywhere visible? He told me that he saw lighnings on the top before we started. I asked him why did we start if you saw lighnings? Next day i could go with John back to Riobamba and i asked for a discount. He told me there is nothing he could do. And sent me with a guy which i didnt know to a cashmachine. I should pay the money to this guy before i took a bus to Quito. The two guys which were just in the refuge, not climbing paid, 30$/day/person. So i had to pay 280$ for renting the stuff and a 2 hours walk. The whole action seemd strange to me and i felt cheated. For me was clear to pay the whole amount if i reach the top or i fail. On the other hand i must admit that i forgot to ask what happen if wheater change. I advise everybody who read this to ask for this things in advance. The people there are not businessmans which try to get satisfied both partys. They look just on them self. Even if they come from countries with a good image.
In any way i can't understand josie3138s comment. She got all her money back from John. She had not to pay for the refuge? I tried to contact here. No answear.
The chimborazzo is a beautiful mountain and it would be a nice adventure with a serious agency but after my experience i must give a bad votig. Its just for the agency Andean Adventures.
Good luck!
In any way i can't understand josie3138s comment. She got all her money back from John. She had not to pay for the refuge? I tried to contact here. No answear.
The chimborazzo is a beautiful mountain and it would be a nice adventure with a serious agency but after my experience i must give a bad votig. Its just for the agency Andean Adventures.
Good luck!
Written 7 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salinas de Guaranda
Salinas, Ecuador55 contributions
Jul 2018
Chimborazo vulcano is the highest mountain in Ecuador, it is located in the middle of the country, bethween Chimborazo, Bolivar and Tungurahua provinces. To reach it you can take bus in Ambato city, Guaranda city or Riobamba city. The best time to visit is from June to Septembre when Ecuador have summer weather. Near Chimborazo there are a lot of indigenous towns, also in 50 minutes over road you can reach Salinas de Guaranda Town.
Written 6 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
josie3138
Melbourne, Australia28 contributions
Apr 2016
I just happened to meet the owner John as I asked directions, he told me he was about to head up to the mountain and that I could get a ride with him! I gladly obliged and we talked the whole way up from Riobamba. He was very straight forward and gave me a fair quote on the climb and even helped me find another climber to split costs with. He told me it was best to stay in Casa Condor for two nights then head up to the refuge for more acclimatization.
I hiked up to the refuges every day to help my acclimatization process and got to meet some of his guides which were all very friendly even with their language barrier. I stayed two nights in the refuge and unfortunately was snowed out the night I was supposed to climb. The next day he told us we could have a full refund (since the other climber had to catch a flight back home). He gave us a ride back down the mountain to Riobamba and gave us our money back. Although I was disappointed that I couldn't climb I was very happy with how well I was treated, and will definitely climb with his crew when I come back to Chimborazo!
I hiked up to the refuges every day to help my acclimatization process and got to meet some of his guides which were all very friendly even with their language barrier. I stayed two nights in the refuge and unfortunately was snowed out the night I was supposed to climb. The next day he told us we could have a full refund (since the other climber had to catch a flight back home). He gave us a ride back down the mountain to Riobamba and gave us our money back. Although I was disappointed that I couldn't climb I was very happy with how well I was treated, and will definitely climb with his crew when I come back to Chimborazo!
Written 8 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana G
1 contribution
Feb 2017 • Friends
Considering that we were low on the budget and not that physically fit, my friend and I decided to hike only up to the 2nd refuge. We took a bus to Riobamba from Cuenca (6 hours, 8 dollars), spent the night in a hostel in Riobamba and took a bus to Guaranda at 8:30 am. It was 3 dollars. We asked the people to tell us when we need to get off for the entrance to the park (we speak Spanish). We were advised to take the bus at 8:30 to avoid clouds;however, it was extremely cloudy when we came there (we did the trip in February). The bus dropped us off at the entrance and we planned to hike 12 km to the 1st refuge, but we got tired and cold so we decided to hitchhike up (very easy, most of the people take a car to the 1st refuge). At the 1st refuge there is a restaurant with a 6 dollar lunch and fairly cheap warm drinks. It is very nice and the staff speaks English. From the 1st refuge it is only about a kilometer to the 2nd refuge (which was closed when we were there) and apparently there is a lake near by the 2nd refuge too. Don't forget that the altitude makes hiking more difficult (the two of us have been in Ecuador for half a year, and although we did not suffer altitude sickness it was still physically demanding). We enjoyed seeing another side of Ecuadorian nature, snow (it is very very cold, bring many layers), the animals. It is a pity that we couldn't see that much in the distance because of the clouds.
Written 20 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve R
Colorado Springs, CO217 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
We attempted a summit of Chimborazzo during January a few years back. Two of us were climbing together. The winds were horrible and therefore we had to turn back before reach about 19000 feet. Another climber in a different party fell and hit his head. He unfortunately did not survive. This mountain should be taken very seriously. It will test your stamina, ability, and fortitude.
Written 26 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worldtraveller1287
Guayaquil, Ecuador95 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
We went on our own car, it is free to enter the National Park. It is 8km still up to the 1st Refugio at 4800msnm were you can park. Then you start walking up to the 2nd Refugio at 5000msnm... it is like a 1km hike that takes you aprox 45min-1hour because you need to stop to catch your breath.
Right now there is no service at the refugios because they are going under maintenance, but still you get to go up and enjoy the day. It is windy and chilly (maybe around 10ºC or lower) and it did fell a little hail.... it was very cloudy. While going down it is very fast like 20min.
Right now there is no service at the refugios because they are going under maintenance, but still you get to go up and enjoy the day. It is windy and chilly (maybe around 10ºC or lower) and it did fell a little hail.... it was very cloudy. While going down it is very fast like 20min.
Written 10 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CatharineB
Ottawa, Canada1,641 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
The Chimborazo Ecological Reserve is located in a remote, sparsely populated part of the Central Sierra. The 220 square mile (354 sq km) reserve is made up of high alpine grasslands known as páramo.
The reserves’ paramo is home to thousands of llamas, vicunas and alpacas. Vicunas had been hunted down to extinction in Ecuador but were reintroduced in the 1980s and now number almost 3,000 eking life from the thin air and marginal terrain high up around Chimborazo.
The drive to the visitor’s centre was stunning! The scenery was surreal – deep canyons, hills and mountains – Ecuador is a beautiful country and one can be as active as one can.
Eventually we reached the ranger station at the entrance to the park, where we met Dimitri – (he signed us in), we stopped for a break, and then continued driving upwards along gravel and sand tracks until we reached the Hermanos Carrel Refuge at 4800m.
We prepared ourselves for the grueling hike to the second refuge - Whymper refuge named after Edward Whymper - he was one of the first to stand atop the mountain in 1880, having ascended via what is known today as the Whymper Route. It was only 1 km away and a 200m increase in altitude to 5000m but it was hard going and totally exhausting.
Dimitri explained that the name Chimborazo comes from the Kichwa for “snowy place to be crossed”, actually consists of two peaks with five separate summits.
Immediately, when we started the climb, I started to feel unwell and struggled to get some air. I felt like my head was going to burst. But it was not just me - all four of us were struggling, but determined to continue.
It took us about 45 min, but we finally reached the condor Cocha Laguna. Nestled in the heart of Chimborazo nature reserve the Laguna perfectly reflects the mist shrouded peak of Chimborazo. Formed by melted glaciers, it was the perfect spot to take a little rest, and to truly enjoy the beauty of Chimborazo.
The top of Chimborazo was completely covered by glaciers, its glacier are the source of water for the population of the Bolivar and Chimborazo provinces of Ecuador. I read that the Chimborazo glacier's ice mass has decreased over the past decades, which is thought by some to be due to the combined influences of global warming, ash covers from recent volcanic activity of Tungurahua, and the El Niño phenomenon.
Once we were all back together – we took the obligatory group shot by the cairn and headed back to the van. I must admit that none of us were feeling very well and we were looking forward to just spending the remainder of the day chilling. We had not had much to eat all day – just a box brunch, which in retrospect was a mistake – given the activity level and high altitude, which should have fortified ourselves better!
Tip - Bring your passport as you can get a stamp at the visitor's centre.
The reserves’ paramo is home to thousands of llamas, vicunas and alpacas. Vicunas had been hunted down to extinction in Ecuador but were reintroduced in the 1980s and now number almost 3,000 eking life from the thin air and marginal terrain high up around Chimborazo.
The drive to the visitor’s centre was stunning! The scenery was surreal – deep canyons, hills and mountains – Ecuador is a beautiful country and one can be as active as one can.
Eventually we reached the ranger station at the entrance to the park, where we met Dimitri – (he signed us in), we stopped for a break, and then continued driving upwards along gravel and sand tracks until we reached the Hermanos Carrel Refuge at 4800m.
We prepared ourselves for the grueling hike to the second refuge - Whymper refuge named after Edward Whymper - he was one of the first to stand atop the mountain in 1880, having ascended via what is known today as the Whymper Route. It was only 1 km away and a 200m increase in altitude to 5000m but it was hard going and totally exhausting.
Dimitri explained that the name Chimborazo comes from the Kichwa for “snowy place to be crossed”, actually consists of two peaks with five separate summits.
Immediately, when we started the climb, I started to feel unwell and struggled to get some air. I felt like my head was going to burst. But it was not just me - all four of us were struggling, but determined to continue.
It took us about 45 min, but we finally reached the condor Cocha Laguna. Nestled in the heart of Chimborazo nature reserve the Laguna perfectly reflects the mist shrouded peak of Chimborazo. Formed by melted glaciers, it was the perfect spot to take a little rest, and to truly enjoy the beauty of Chimborazo.
The top of Chimborazo was completely covered by glaciers, its glacier are the source of water for the population of the Bolivar and Chimborazo provinces of Ecuador. I read that the Chimborazo glacier's ice mass has decreased over the past decades, which is thought by some to be due to the combined influences of global warming, ash covers from recent volcanic activity of Tungurahua, and the El Niño phenomenon.
Once we were all back together – we took the obligatory group shot by the cairn and headed back to the van. I must admit that none of us were feeling very well and we were looking forward to just spending the remainder of the day chilling. We had not had much to eat all day – just a box brunch, which in retrospect was a mistake – given the activity level and high altitude, which should have fortified ourselves better!
Tip - Bring your passport as you can get a stamp at the visitor's centre.
Written 13 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello! I want to climb mount Chimborazo (to the summit), but I haven't ever used the climbing gear. I'm an experienced hiker though - is the climb very difficult or should I have some experience climbing beforehand? Also, how long does it take - the whole climb, including acclimatization?
Written 23 September 2018
sorry for my late response. Well i went to the refuge which is a friendly hike. The most difficult part is the climitize for the altitue, and you need an experience hiker to take you to the sumit. Also, there are agencias that providethe proper gear.
Written 12 October 2018
Hi I want to visit Chimborazo when snow is easily accessible. My 7 year old wants to play in the snow. We live in Cuenca Ecuador, but I can’t find any info about the best time to visit when there’s snow
Written 10 April 2018
there is always snow. sometimes depending on the weather it could all the way below the refuge or past the refuge. i saw many kids walking. a bit challenging but not complicated. make sure enough warm clothes.
Written 11 April 2018
What abuot acclimatize(2 days trek to chimborazo)? I'm 30 years old, good shape but i've never been up more than 4500 m! Thanks a lot! Giovanni
Written 18 March 2018
Do want to climb Chimbo up to the summit? Or up to the refugio at approx 5050m? If you have an option to acclimatize, do it. We did a one day hike independently from Riobamba (approx 2750m?) and we made it up to 5100 (the ‚lagoon‘) but on the way down we got headache and were happy we could get back quickly riobamba. To more time you can spend for acclimatization, the better it gets. But as always, pay enough attention and be careful. Enjoy this beautiful region!
Written 18 March 2018
mnlameris
Enschede, The Netherlands
Who would like to climb the Chimborazo with me? Begin January 2018 I plan to hire a guide at one of the recommended operators, and I am looking for someone to team up:) Basic mountaineering experience required.
Written 22 December 2017
Hola, muchas gracias por compartir tu experiencia, queria preguntar si es necesario ir en un 4x4 para entrar hasta el primer refugio o un carro normal puede llegar hasta ahi? muchas gracias
Written 12 July 2016
217silvestre
Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Hi! Did you book your reservation online? Was it with a long time in advanced?
Written 23 June 2016
No, I just happened to run into the owner at a cafe.
Written 29 August 2016
Hola gracias por la info, tienes el telefono del guía, o como hiciste para hacer cumbre?
Written 18 March 2016
Andean Adventures run by John. Google Andean Adventures Riobama. He is fantastic and his staff are total pros who take the safety, success, and comfort of their guests very seriously. Don't climb with anyone else.
Written 6 June 2017
I need a challenge. Im a 28 year old male who plays a lot of sport and in reasonable physical/fitness condition. I have not done any previous "mountaineering" per se (an intro to glacier hiking in NZ) and a handful of day hikes. Based on the latest reports of the area etc, is it a good idea to do the Chimborazo summit? Am I biting off more than I can chew? Advice and previous experience greatly appreciated! Cian
Written 20 January 2015
Just summited Chimbo 2 days ago. Really great climb. John with Andean Adventures made it so easy to do. You need to bring almost nothing and he provides the gear. Heavy clothing, crampons, boots, axe, gloves, goggles, coats, all of it. His guides are really great and John carefully oversees everything. You have to acclimate or you will not really have a chance at making it. The gear and guides cannot do that for you. We did 2 other peaks and spent the full recommended time to acclimate. I made it to the full second summit and I am 60 years old. A great climb, great tour operator in John (best by far and nearly the lowest in price!), great mountain and wonderful and friendly country. Loved Ecuador! Bryan
Written 5 June 2017
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