Ecuador · The country's highest mountain

Chimborazo

6263 m. The closest point to the sun.

6263 mDifficulty 9/10Requires experience and acclimatization

Altitude6263 m

Elevation gainabout 1400 m

Climbing timeabout 8 h

Difficulty9/10

Departs fromRiobamba

Description

Also known as the closest point to the sun, Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador. Physically, it is considered the most demanding in the country because of the long, demanding ridge needed to reach its summit.

Previous experience is required for this climb, along with very good fitness and being acclimatized. To prepare, we suggest climbing another snow-capped peak first, such as Cotopaxi: it will help with your physical preparation and acclimatization. Reaching its summit and standing at the closest point to the sun is one of the biggest challenges for mountaineers, and a unique, unforgettable experience.

Want to get to know the mountain before you climb? Its name, its history, the refuge and the gear, in one guide.

Read the Chimborazo guide

What's included

High-mountain guide (minimum 1 per 2 participants; we adjust it to your group)

Transport

Equipment

Refuge accommodation

Reserve entry permit

Dinner, breakfast, hot drinks and a snack before the summit climb

○Accommodation at High Camp (5300 m): optional, at extra cost and with prior arrangement with the Greenstep teamOptional

Technical equipment provided by Greenstep

Semi-rigid high-mountain boots

Waterproof jacket and pants

Gaiters

Crampons

Harness

Carabiner

Safety line (on Chimborazo)

Gloves

Helmet

Headlamp (batteries not included)

Ice axe

Sleeping bag for temperatures below 0 °C

50 L backpack

Essentials

What you need to bring.

Base layer (thermal lycra)

Mid layer (fleece or down)

Base-layer gloves

Double socks: one compression and one merino wool

Summit pack (30 L maximum)

Hydration

Energy bars or dried fruit and nuts

Sunscreen

UV protection glasses

Buff, balaclava or cap (not cotton)

○Trekking shoes: you can use the high-mountain boots we already includeOptional

You bring it; it is not included. Without these items the summit climb cannot take place.

Itinerary

Approximate times. There is no fixed return time: it depends on the group's pace.

Day 1

Departure from Riobamba and transfer

We leave Riobamba at the time agreed with you and head to the refuge (or to High Camp, if you arranged that accommodation).

Day 1

Refuge: dinner and rest

Refuge accommodation, with dinner and hot drinks. Accommodation at High Camp (5300 m) can also be arranged, at an additional cost and with prior arrangement with the Greenstep team.

Day 1 · night

Summit climb

We leave the refuge (or High Camp) at approximately 10 pm to 11 pm. The climb takes about 8 hours, with 1400 m of elevation gain, and we must reach the summit by 7:00 am at the latest.

Day 2

Descent and return

We descend and return to Riobamba. There is no fixed time: it depends on how long each person takes to come down.

Important notes

We depart from Riobamba. We can also arrange transport from other cities at an additional cost: ask a Greenstep team member.

Gallery

Other expeditions

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