Chimborazo Summit Trek

Trek Chimborazo

Located 150 km (93 miles) south/southwest of Quito, Chimborazo is the highest peak in Ecuador and the point on the Earth's surface closest to the sun due to the Earth's equatorial bulge of more than 8000 metres.

A non-technical limited exposure trek. Although the very physically demanding approach makes Chimborazo a classic big climb, it is achievable by novice (but very fit) trekkers. Good planning, careful supervision by our guides and acclimatisation are essential to avoid the problems of Altitude Sickness and frostbite.

There are five summits on Chimborazo, Wymper 6310 m / 20,703 ft, Veintimilla 6267 m, Northern 6200 m, Polytechnic 5500 m and Nicolas Martinez 5500 m. The standard routes are the Veintimilla and Wymper routes from the refuge on the western side of the mountain. Only 4 expeditions have reached all 5 summits in one trek, the third group was an expedition by our guides.

Which Summit to go for ? It very much depends upon the group as most of our climbs are small groups of 3 or 4 climbers typically. If they want the "normal route", that's what they get, but there are all sorts of options of course with 5 tops. Why not go for all 5 ?

The normal route is up the scree slope to the left of the Thielman Glacier, then climb the snow ramp (El Corredor). Up to the main glacier, then angle left up a steep snow field to a pass above an outcrop called El Castillo. From El Castillo we head NW towards Veintimilla and on another 1km over easy snow to Whymper Peak.

When to climb ? You can climb this mountain at any time of year, but the dry season over June to early September is the best period. During November and December long spells of bad weather are possible. Late December is good, but air tickets cost more at this time of year.

Outline Itinerary

Days 1 - 4 Acclimatise to the altitude at first whilst taking it easy in Quito and then some gentle trekking on the hills that line the Avenue of Volcanoes, such as Cotopaxi.

Day 5 We trek to the refuge on Cotopaxi's flank at 4,795m / 15,729 ft. We eat early in the afternoon and we sleep early at the refuge.

Day 6 Wake up at midnight for a light breakfast and the final equipment check. We leave the refuge at about 01.45, passing a group of uniform slopes and ice ramps of 30 and 35 degrees, later reaching a glacier platform. We will start climbing its slopes of 35 and 45 degrees, from the top of which there is only a 15 minute climb to reach Ecuador's second highest summit: Volcan Cotopaxi. After our approximate ascent time of 7 hours, we descend to the refuge around 9 or 10 am.

Day 7 We will move on to Chimborazo and arrive at the refuge on Chimborazo at 3 or 4 in the afternoon. From here a forty minute walk with full packs will take us to the Whimper hut on the Chimborazo flank at 15,151 feet for dinner and overnight.

Day 8 Breakfast at a more civilised time of 8 am. This day will be spent acclimatising for the higher altitude by taking a short trek around the ridge for 2 or 3 hours. Camp at Whimper hut . Again we will sleep early (7:00 pm).

Day 9 We rise at 00.30 for breakfast and the final equipment check, leaving the hut just after 01:00. We move immediately to the massive glacier on Chimborazo's southwest face where we first traverse moderately angled ice slopes. We climb through a series of ice falls and up steep ice ramps, climbing freely on moderate grounds and belaying up the steep pitches. We will rope together to cross crevasses before finally making it to the summit. From this vantage point we have magnificent views of the eastern and western Cordillera. Climbing time is 8 to 9 hours and we will be back at the refuge around 12.00. Return to Quito.

Price Indication per person: USD700 - USD1980 depending on group size. Email & state group size for current price

Scheduled start dates: 15^th July and 5^th August 2008 – The normal route to Whymper.

Excluding International airfare and Quito accommodation, which we can arrange.

You can book as an individual, with the price you pay being dictated by the group size, 8 weeks away from departure. The maximum size of the group on this trek is 8.

What is included
Transportation to and from the trek and climb area. Transportation to and from the airport to central Quito. group camping and climbing gear, including tents and ropes are supplied. Personal climbing equipment: Harness, ice axe, crampons, boots. An English speaking mountaineer leader and guide for every two participants. Safety equipment - oxygen and radio. All meals whilst trekking and climbing. Mountain huts as detailed for food and lodging. See below for information about Quito hotels.

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Quito and does not include international airfare and departure taxes. Accommodation in Quito (but we can arrange this for you - to suit your budget). Food whilst travelling to and from the trek / climb area by vehicle. Personal insurances, visa fees (if any), vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks. Climbing helmet.

Quito Hotels
We have not included any hotel accommodation in this itinerary for flexibility reasons, but we are able to arrange this for you once we know your requirements. Please ask for details.

Visas
A visa is not currently required for UK / USA passport holders.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.