Chimborazo mountaneering summit ascent, 2 days

Extreme Trekking | Mountain Biking | Mountain Climbing | Scuba Diving | White water rafting & kayaking | Other Adventures

Sample itinerary

Chimborazo's normal route is relatively non technical, though at times, route conditions may require the use of hands for climbing short sections of rock outcrops and ledges. Experience in glacier travel is highly recommended to reduce the risks associated with high altitude climbing.

The Ascent:

We start as early as possible (midnight) as the climb will take between 7 to 8 hours, and about half that descending via the same route. Leaving the hut we head toward the left side ridge. The first part is on lateral moraine, when the season has been dry. Below the rock wall we make an uprising traverse toward the glacier tongue.

From here we start using all of our climbing gear, ie; ice axe, rope, crampones, etc. The route zigzags upward until we reach the ridge over the rock arete named "Castillo" (castle). Once there, we go straight up through the steep slope ahead.

To overcome two steeper icy portions with an angle of about fifty degrees, crampon front points will be used. Crossing some crevasses we continue until reaching the Veintimilla summit, which is about 40 meters lower than the main one.

The snow surrounding and between both summits is usually very soft and at this altitude it takes a lot of energy to wade through such deep snow. Usually it is very clear early in the morning so we'll have a wonderful view of the Ecuadorian Andes within a deep blue sky and orange sun background.

"Congratulations and keep on enjoying the mountaineering!!!" After a few minutes on the summit we start descending because, as you know, hazardous conditions increase as the direct sun melts the ice and snow bridges.

The main rule for glacier climbs is "early on and early off

Tour operators offering this adventure:

Ecuador tours and Galapagos cruises : www.latintrails.com