Ecuador · Active volcano

Tungurahua

Known as the “Throat of Fire”. Steep slopes, changeable weather and varied volcanic terrain.

5023 mDifficulty 7/102 days / 1 night

Altitude5023 m

Approach to the refuge1100 m · 4.5 km

Refuge to the summitabout 1100 m · 4 km

Refuge-to-summit timeabout 5 h

Difficulty7/10

Departs fromRiobamba

Description

Known as the “Throat of Fire”. Steep slopes, changeable weather and varied volcanic terrain.

It is climbed in two days: approach to the refuge on the first day and the summit climb in the early morning. Crampons and ice axe are not used on this mountain, but trekking poles are essential.

What's included

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

Transport

Mountain equipment (no crampons or ice axe)

Refuge accommodation

National park entry permit

Technical equipment provided by Greenstep

Semi-rigid high-mountain boots

Waterproof jacket and pants

Gaiters

Harness

Carabiner

Gloves

Helmet

Headlamp (batteries not included)

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)

Food for your dinner (we prepare it at the refuge, but it is not included)

Trekking poles (not included: you can rent them from us, at an additional cost)

○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. Distances and elevation gains are approximate.

Day 1

Departure from Riobamba

We leave Riobamba at the time agreed with the guide team and head to the national park control gate.

Day 1

Approach to the refuge

Hike to the refuge: 1100 m of elevation gain and 4.5 km of distance.

Day 1

Refuge: settling in and dinner

We settle into the refuge and prepare dinner. Food is not included: you bring it (see Essentials).

Day 2 · early morning

Summit climb

We leave the refuge for the summit: about 1100 m of elevation gain and 4 km more of trail, in approximately 5 hours.

Day 2

Descent and return

We return to the refuge to collect our belongings, go down to the park entrance and from there to the meeting point in Riobamba.

Important notes

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

Gallery

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