Full Day Chimborazo Volcano & Balbanera’s Church From Guayaquil

Set out on a captivating journey to the heart of Ecuador’s natural wonders with a full-day tour to Chimborazo Volcano and Balbanera’s Church from Guayaquil. This small-group excursion promises breathtaking vistas, culture, and an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers. From the challenging ascent to the second refuge for stunning views of the towering volcano to the historical significance of the iconic Balbanera’s Church, this tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the diverse riches that make Ecuador a true gem. Don’t miss the chance to savor a delightful traditional Ecuadorian lunch and gain insights into the region’s captivating heritage.

This experience made our list of the 14 Best Full-Day Tours In Guayaquil.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Guayaquil offers a scenic drive to Chimborazo Volcano, a challenging 650-foot ascent to the second refuge, and a visit to the historic Balbanera’s Church.
• The tour is rated 5.0 out of 5 stars and is ideal for nature enthusiasts with limited time, with a small group size of up to 15 participants.
• The itinerary includes a traditional Ecuadorian lunch and round-trip transportation, ensuring a comfortable and comprehensive cultural experience.
• The Chimborazo Volcano ascent provides stunning vistas of the snow-capped peak and the Ecuadorian landscape, while the Balbanera’s Church visit offers insights into the country’s history and architecture.
• The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the event and operates in all weather conditions, making it a convenient and flexible option for travelers.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Guayaquil offers the opportunity to explore the majestic Chimborazo Volcano and visit the historic Balbanera’s Church.

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, this tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts with limited time. Operated by Perfect Destiny, the small group size is limited to a maximum of 15 people.

The itinerary includes a scenic transfer to Chimborazo Volcano, a 650-foot ascent to the second refuge, and a visit to Balbanera’s Church.

The tour also includes lunch at a traditional Ecuadorian restaurant, round-trip transportation, and hotel pick-up and drop-off within the urban perimeter.

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour departs from Guayaquil at 3:00 am, allowing participants to embark on a scenic transfer to the majestic Chimborazo Volcano. Upon arrival, adventurers will ascend 650 feet (200 meters) to the second refuge, where they can marvel at the stunning vistas. The itinerary also includes a visit to Balbanera’s Church, a historical landmark. Lunch at a traditional Ecuadorian restaurant is provided before the return journey to Guayaquil.

Itinerary Breakdown
Departure	3:00 am	Guayaquil
Scenic Transfer	to Chimborazo	Volcano
Ascent	650 ft (200 m)	to 2nd Refuge
Balbanera’s Church	Visit
Lunch	Traditional	Ecuadorian
Return	to Guayaquil

Chimborazo Volcano Ascent

Adventurers on this tour will embark on a challenging ascent to the second refuge of the majestic Chimborazo Volcano.

The journey begins with a 650-foot (200-meter) climb from the base, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped peak. Along the way, travelers will witness the stunning Ecuadorian landscape, including vast grasslands and glacial formations.

Despite the physical demands, the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the second refuge, situated at an elevation of approximately 5,000 meters, is truly rewarding. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the refuge and soak in the awe-inspiring vistas before descending back down the mountain.

Balbanera’s Church Visit

After the challenging ascent to the second refuge of Chimborazo Volcano, the tour now shifts focus to Balbanera’s Church, a historic and significant site in the region.

This 16th-century church is one of the oldest in Ecuador and holds cultural and architectural importance. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the church’s interior, admiring its unique blend of indigenous and Spanish colonial influences.

The guided tour provides insights into the church’s history and significance, enhancing the overall experience. Following the visit, the group will enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch, rounding out the day’s activities before the return journey to Guayaquil.

Traditional Ecuadorian Lunch

After exploring the historic Balbanera’s Church, the group enjoys a traditional Ecuadorian lunch at a local restaurant.

The meal features a variety of regional dishes, allowing participants to savor the distinct flavors of Ecuadorian cuisine. The lunch typically includes hearty stews, grilled meats, and an assortment of vibrant, fresh produce.

Diners have the opportunity to try popular local specialties like "locro de papa" (potato and cheese stew) or "llapingachos" (stuffed potato patties).

The relaxed lunch setting provides a chance to recharge and reflect on the morning’s adventures before the return journey to Guayaquil.

This authentic culinary experience complements the cultural and natural wonders explored throughout the day’s excursion.

Transportation Included

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Guayaquil, making it convenient for participants to focus on the experience without worrying about driving.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off within the urban perimeter are provided, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day.

The professional multilingual guide accompanies guests throughout the journey, offering insights and assistance as needed.

This transportation arrangement allows the tour to operate in all weather conditions, as participants are sheltered from the elements during the scenic transfer to Chimborazo Volcano and Balbanera’s Church.

The inclusion of transportation is a valuable perk that enhances the overall convenience and enjoyment of this full-day excursion.

Confirmation and Cancellation Policy

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this tour, ensuring participants have secured their spot.

The tour company, Perfect Destiny, offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. This provides flexibility for travelers’ plans.

Guests should keep in mind that the tour operates in all weather conditions, so appropriate dress is required.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, the small group size of a maximum of 15 people allows for a more personalized and tailored experience.

Highlights and Reviews

Travelers raving about the tour’s highlights emphasize the scenic drive through the Ecuadorian mountains and the challenging ascent from 4,800 meters to 5,000 meters.

The incredible views from the second refuge are a standout, with reviewers praising the tour as "amazing".

With a perfect 5-star rating based on 2 reviews, the tour seems well-suited for nature enthusiasts seeking an exhilarating experience in a limited timeframe.

The small group size of up to 15 people further enhances the personalized nature of the excursion, which includes a visit to the historic Balbanera’s Church as well as a traditional Ecuadorian lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. It is suitable for people of all ages, though physical fitness and acclimatization to high altitudes may be important considerations for younger or older participants.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for people with disabilities as it is not wheelchair accessible. The itinerary includes a 650-foot (200-meter) ascent to the second refuge, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 15 people. The tour is operated by Perfect Destiny and is ideal for nature enthusiasts with limited time, providing a small group experience.

Can the Tour Start From a Location Other Than Guayaquil?

The tour does not offer pick-up from locations other than Guayaquil. The itinerary specifies that the tour departs from Guayaquil at 3:00 am and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off within the urban perimeter of Guayaquil.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour?

Yes, the tour company offers a private tour option. Travelers can book a private tour to visit Chimborazo Volcano and Balbanera’s Church with a dedicated guide and transportation, tailored to their schedule and group size.

Recap

This full-day tour from Guayaquil offers an opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of Ecuador. Visitors can challenge themselves with a scenic hike up Chimborazo Volcano, visit the historic Balbanera’s Church, and enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch. With a professional guide and small group size, this excursion provides an immersive and enriching experience, allowing travelers to gain insights into the region’s culture and history.