Carihuairazo-Chimborazo

Carihuairazo-Chimborazo is a 7-day mountaineering expedition in Ecuador that pairs two Andean summits: Carihuairazo, a mixed trekking-and-glacier peak, and Chimborazo (6,263 m), the highest point in Ecuador and the closest point on Earth to the sun. Starting from Quito, the itinerary builds in careful acclimatization through Riobamba and multiple nights at Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge, setting climbers up for a strong summit push. Guided by certified ASEGUIM guides, it's a serious high-altitude adventure for well-prepared climbers.

The expedition includes a summit of Carihuairazo, a dedicated acclimatization rest day, and the main Chimborazo ascent toward the Whymper summit via the Carrel Refuge and Camp 1. Climbers ascend under the stars across snow and ice fields, aiming to reach the top at sunrise. The pace is demanding, with pre-dawn starts, long climbing days of 6 to 10 hours, and time spent at extreme altitude, so a high level of fitness and mountaineering readiness is essential.

The price includes ASEGUIM guides, transportation, meals at the refuges, water and snacks, mountain refuge accommodation, climbing permits, adventure insurance, and climbing gear. Guests need to bring their own backpack (a 20–30 liter attack pack), sunglasses, snow goggles, inner layer gloves, and personal items such as socks, and should budget for tips (suggested $10 or more) and international airfare to Ecuador, arranged separately. Optional add-ons include return transport to Quito or a transfer to Baños.

Location: Quito, Ecuador (climbs at Carihuairazo and Chimborazo, with accommodation in Riobamba and at Chimborazo Basecamp).

Duration: 7 days.

Activity Type: Guided high-altitude mountaineering with two summit climbs — Carihuairazo and Chimborazo (6,263 m) — led by ASEGUIM guides. Involves pre-dawn and nighttime ascents, mixed trekking and glacier terrain, and long climbing days of 6 to 10 hours at extreme altitude, with a dedicated acclimatization rest day built in. A high level of physical fitness and mountaineering preparation is required.

Accommodation: Hotel in Quito, hotel in Riobamba, and multiple nights at Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (3,900 m), with the final ascent staged from the Carrel Refuge/Camp 1 (5,300 m).

• Trip Price: $1,475 per person (deposit $780 per person)
• Group option (2 or more participants): $1,275 per person (deposit $400 per person)
• Return to Quito (add-on): $35 per person
• Transfer to Baños (add-on): $50 per person

Deposit: $780 per person to reserve (or $400 per person on the group option).

Day 1 — Quito

Arrival and welcome in Quito, with a transfer to the Quito basecamp hotel. Overnight in Quito.

Day 2 — Quito to Riobamba

Free time to explore Quito's attractions at your own pace. At 3:00 p.m., transfer to Riobamba, a drive of about 3 hours. Breakfast included. Overnight at a hotel in Riobamba.

Day 3 — Chimborazo Basecamp

Meet at the office at 10:00 a.m. for a mandatory briefing and technical gear fitting, then take a private transfer (about 45 minutes to an hour) to Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge. Breakfast and lunch are included, with dinner served at the lodge at 6:00 p.m. Overnight at the basecamp lodge.

Day 4 — Carihuairazo Summit

Depart at 1:00 a.m. for a short drive to the Carihuairazo trailhead, beginning the ascent between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m. The climb combines high-altitude trekking with a final glacier push, with a summit window between 6:00 and 8:00 a.m. Descend back to Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge for breakfast and time to rest and recover. Overnight at the basecamp lodge.

Day 5 — Free Day

A free day at Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (3,900 m) dedicated to rest, recovery, and further acclimatization before the next climb. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Overnight at the basecamp lodge.

Day 6 — Chimborazo High Camp

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and relax in the lodge with views of Chimborazo. Guides arrive around 1:00 p.m. for a warm lunch and final gear check, then drive to the Carrel Refuge car park (4,850 m) by 3:00 p.m. Those continuing to Camp 1 (5,300 m) begin a slow two-hour acclimatization ascent. Dinner is served at 5:00 p.m. before resting ahead of the summit push. Overnight at the refuge or Camp 1.

Day 7 — Chimborazo Summit (6,263 m)

The summit push begins late at night, ascending under the stars across snow and ice toward the Whymper summit, a climb of 6 to 10 hours. The summit window is between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m., timed for sunrise from the highest point in Ecuador. After summit photos, descend carefully to Camp 1 for a warm breakfast, then pack up and return to Riobamba (2,750 m), marking the end of services.

• ASEGUIM Guides
• Transportation
• Meals on refuge
• Water and snacks
• Mountain Refuge
• Climbing Permits
• Adventure Insurance
• Climbing Gear

• Back Pack

        Attack pack 20 -30 lters

• Sun Glasses

        Snow gogles

• Inner layer gloves
• Tips

        suggested $10 or more

• Personal items (socks)