Description

Chimborazo is Ecuador’s highest peak at 6268m.

Due to Chimborazo’s proximity to the equator and the effect of the equatorial bulge, its summit is actually the furthest point from the centre of the earth and therefore the closest point on earth to space.

Due to this, it is a very popular summit, though due to it altitude and harsh weather conditions, is a tough summit to reach.

It is important that before attempting to climb, you consider your level of acclimatisation as many local guides and companies seem to give misinformation to get you to sign up.

If you are not acclimatised properly you run the risk of not enjoying your adventure, not summiting but more importantly you will be putting yourself at risk.

Check out the acclimatisation process I went through here: https://www.jamieramsay.net/blog/acclimatisation-for-ecuadorian-3-summits/ Due to the shrinking glacier and less snowfall the route to the summit has changed over the last few years.

For many, the climb starts at the Whymper Refugio (5000m), however, a new high altitude camp as recently opened at 5350m offering a better staging point for the summit.

Here you can have a full dinner, snacks before ascent and breakfast on your return. Note - You must have your guide with you in the national park.

You drive to Refugio Carrel (4800m) and hike to the High Camp.

From the High Camp, you are roped together as you traverse across the mountain before heading up to the start of the glacier.

You reach a small sheltered area where you attach your crampons.

From here you head up towards the Glacier via a 5-10m scale up a rock face.

Once on the Glacier, the route becomes pretty steep with small zig zags making the route as direct as possible.

This area is exposed and depending on the wind can be very cold, as a result rest stops are few and far between.

To reach the summit of Chimborazo you must pass an initial summit about 40m lower than the actual top.

From here you descend slightly before rising to the final summit.

Chimborazo is quite a brutal mountain and is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

For this climb you will either be using your own kit or that provided by your guide.

Essentials include, double boots, ice axe, trekking poles, crampons, harness, carabiners and helmet.

For a better idea of kit needed, check out the mountaineering section of www.jamieramsay.net/kit We would recommend Andean Summit Adventure - http://www.andeansummitadventure.com/ For weather monitoring, we would recommend - https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Chimborazo/forecasts/6267