The 2-Day Chimborazo Summit Expedition offers a thrilling challenge for experienced climbers seeking to conquer Ecuador’s highest peak. Departing from Quito, this private tour provides transportation, meals, and expert guidance to ensure a safe and successful ascent. With specialized mountaineering gear and a focus on acclimatization, you will have the opportunity to witness breathtaking vistas and achieve a profound sense of accomplishment. However, the journey is not for the faint of heart, as the expedition requires a high level of physical fitness and technical climbing skills. For those up for the challenge, the memories and camaraderie forged on the mountain will be truly unforgettable.
This experience made our list of the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Quito.
Key Points
- A 2-day guided expedition to summit Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain, with private transportation, mountaineering equipment, meals, and certified guides.
- Requires strong physical fitness and proper acclimation, not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions.
- Includes adventure video, life insurance, and entry permits in the starting price of $675 per person.
- Pickup and drop-off available from accommodations in Quito or Riobamba, with a 4-hour travel time to the reserve.
- Reaching the summit offers breathtaking views of the Andes and a profound sense of accomplishment.
Expedition Overview
The Mauna Expeditions’ 2-Day Chimborazo Summit Expedition allows adventurers to tackle the summit of Ecuador’s highest mountain.
Priced from $675 per person, this private tour runs from May 23, 2023, to September 15, 2025, with daily departures from 9 AM to 7:30 PM.
Participants will receive private transportation, mountaineering equipment, meals, and certified guides. The expedition includes a stay at Chimborazo’s High Camp and entry permits to the National Park.
With a strong physical fitness level required, the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions.
Participants can expect to receive an adventure video and life insurance as part of the package.
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Inclusions and Equipment
Included in the Mauna Expeditions’ 2-Day Chimborazo Summit Expedition are private transportation and a comprehensive set of mountaineering equipment.
Participants will receive a helmet, harness, ice axe, mountaineering boots, and crampons, as well as shared equipment like ropes, carabiners, and cords.
All meals for both days are included, and climbers will stay at Chimborazo’s High Camp with meals provided.
The expedition also includes certified mountain guides, with a ratio of one guide for every two people, entry permits to the National Park, and an adventure video of the entire experience.
Life insurance is also covered.
While gratuities aren’t specified, this expedition offers a well-rounded package for a successful summit attempt.
Meeting and Pickup Details
Pickup for the 2-Day Chimborazo Summit Expedition is available from participants’ places of stay in either Quito or Riobamba.
The travel time is 4 hours from Quito and 1 hour from Riobamba to the Chimborazo reserve. The meeting point is at the Tribuna de los Shyris in Quito, and the activity ends back at the same location.
- The expedition provides private transportation throughout the trip.
- The meeting point is located at Ruta Parque La Carolina, Quito 170135, Ecuador.
- The activity concludes with the return to the original meeting point.
Health and Safety Guidelines
This expedition isn’t wheelchair accessible, but does have convenient access to public transportation nearby.
Travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart conditions and other serious medical issues aren’t recommended to participate. A strong level of physical fitness is required for this challenging summit attempt.
Guides assess each climber’s abilities to ensure their safety throughout the trek. Participants should be prepared for high-altitude conditions and the potential for altitude sickness.
Safety protocols are strictly followed, and proper mountaineering equipment is provided. Climbers must adhere to the guidance of experienced guides to maximize their chances of reaching the summit successfully and returning safely.
Acclimation and Preparation
Climbers embarking on the Chimborazo Summit Expedition must allot sufficient time for proper acclimation to the high-altitude environment. This includes:
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Spending at least 1-2 days in Quito (9,350 ft) to adjust to the elevation before the trek.
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Following a gradual ascent plan to reach the high camp at 16,400 ft, allowing the body to adapt.
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Hydrating well, avoiding alcohol, and resting as needed during the acclimation process.
Adequate preparation is crucial for a safe and successful summit attempt.
Consulting with the experienced guides on the best practices for acclimation and pacing will ensure climbers are well-equipped to tackle the challenging Chimborazo ascent.
Summit Attempt and Descent
On summit day, climbers depart the high camp before dawn, embarking on the challenging final push to the Chimborazo’s lofty crest.
Roped together, the team navigates steep slopes and treacherous terrain, using their ice axes and crampons to maintain traction on the icy surface. As they ascend, the air grows thinner, and the physical strain becomes more demanding.
Reaching the summit, climbers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Andes. After a brief celebration, the group begins the descent, carefully retracing their steps.
The return to base camp is a test of endurance, but the sense of achievement and the memories made will last a lifetime.
Memorable Experiences
Scaling Chimborazo’s mighty summit offers climbers a profound sense of accomplishment, as they conquer one of Ecuador’s most iconic peaks.
The expedition affords breathtaking vistas, unforgettable camaraderie, and a deep connection to nature:
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Reaching the summit provides a triumphant moment, with unparalleled panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers stretching to the horizon.
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Bonding with fellow adventurers over shared challenges and the thrill of the climb creates lasting memories and forges lifelong friendships.
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The sheer power and grandeur of Chimborazo instills a profound appreciation for the natural world and one’s place within it.
These memorable experiences make the Chimborazo summit expedition a truly transformative adventure.
Recap
The 2-Day Chimborazo Summit Expedition offers an exhilarating challenge for experienced climbers. With expert guidance, essential gear, and a focus on acclimatization, participants can conquer the highest peak in Ecuador and create lasting memories. The expedition’s inclusive package and emphasis on safety ensure a profound sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit, cementing it as a must-do adventure for any avid mountaineer.
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