The Chimborazo of Ecuador is one of the most active volcanoes in Ecuador and is located in the western mountain range of the Andes. This mountain is considered the highest peak in Ecuador. In this article you will find relevant information about the Chimborazo volcano, we will present you with available tours, maps, climbing routes, and updated weather information.
Chimborazo is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world due to its frequent activity. Currently, in 2023, Chimborazo is “Potentially active” according to reports from the National Geophysical Institute of Ecuador.
If you are planning to travel to Ecuador and visit Chimborazo, here is some important information for your trip. Remember that at Responsible Travel we can make your visit to Chimborazo in Ecuador an incredible experience.
General information about Chimborazo Ecuador
In the following table, you will find relevant information about the Chimborazo volcano updated to 2023.
| Nome | Cotopaxi |
| Coordinates | 0,683º S; 78,436º W |
| Height | 6,263 meters (20,548 feet) above sea level. |
| Diameter | 20 km |
| Type of volcano | Strato composite volcano |
| Last eruption | 5th Century – 7th Century |
| State | Potentially active |
| Recent Activity | Hydrothermal activity |
| Monitoring | Seismicity, deformation, thermal waters |
How is Chimborazo in Ecuador taller than Everest?
Chimborazo is not actually taller than Mount Everest in terms of elevation above sea level. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level. Chimborazo, on the other hand, is only 6,263 meters (20,548 feet) above sea level.
However, Chimborazo – Ecuador is located in the equatorial region of the Earth, which is also known as the bulge of the Earth. This is because the Earth is not a perfect sphere, but is slightly wider at the equator than it is from pole to pole. This means that the summit of Chimborazo is actually farther from the center of the Earth than the summit of Mount Everest.
Specifically, the summit of Chimborazo is 6,384.4 kilometers (3,967.1 miles) from the center of the Earth, while the summit of Mount Everest is 6,382.3 kilometers (3,965.8 miles) from the center of the Earth. This means that Chimborazo is 2,163 meters (7,096 feet) farther from the center of the Earth than Mount Everest.
So, in terms of distance from the center of the Earth, Chimborazo in Ecuador is the tallest mountain in the world. However, in terms of elevation above sea level, Mount Everest is still the tallest mountain.
Chimborazo Tour: How to visit Chimborazo National Park in 2023
Activities to do in Chimborazo
Among the most common tours to visit Chimborazo are the following:
Hiking in Chimborazo Ecuador: You can opt for a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The most popular trails lead to the peaks of Chimborazo, Carihuairazo, and Tungurahua.
Mountain biking: Chimborazo National Park is a popular destination for mountain biking. You can rent a bike but you should check availability. Responsible Travel will help you with everything you need for your tour.
Bird watching: Chimborazo National Park is a popular destination for bird watching. There are more than 100 species of birds living in the park, including condors, eagles, and hawks.
Climbing Chimborazo: Is Chimborazo hard to climb?
The Chimborazo climbing tour is an incredible experience that will allow you to challenge yourself and reach the highest peak in Ecuador. The tour lasts approximately 3 days and 2 nights and requires good physical condition and mountaineering experience.
The requirements to climb Chimborazo are as follows:
- Minimum age of 18 years old
- Good physical condition
- Mountaineering experience
- Medical health certificate
- Adequate mountaineering equipment, including boots, crampons, helmets, harnesses, ropes, carabiners, and other equipment specific to climbing Chimborazo.
The cost of the tour to climb Chimborazo varies depending on the tour company you choose, but generally includes the following:
- Transportation from Quito to Chimborazo
- Mountain guide
- Mountain Equipment
- Food and lodging
- Mountain Insurance
The price of the tour to climb Chimborazo generally ranges from 1200 USD to 3000 USD (depending on your package).
The Chimborazo climbing tour starts in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. From Quito, you will travel by bus to Chimborazo. The trip takes approximately 4 hours.
Once you arrive at Chimborazo, you will check in at the base camp. The base camp is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level.
On the second day of the tour, you will climb to the summit of Chimborazo. The climb to the summit takes approximately 10 hours.
On the third day, you will descend from the summit of Chimborazo and return to base camp.
Climbing Chimborazo is an incredible experience that will allow you to challenge yourself and reach the highest peak in Ecuador. The tour is physically demanding, but it is an experience you will never forget.
Recommendations to visit Chimborazo in Ecuador
If you are going to visit Chimborazo we recommend you do it with a tour like Responsible Travel because we will take care of coordinating and making sure that all the activities you want to do are fulfilled.
In addition, a tour to Chimborazo with Responsible Travel ensures that your stay and money are not wasted as you can buy tours in other places that do not offer everything you need or are overpriced.
Clothes to visit Chimborazo
Here are some tips on appropriate clothing for visiting Chimborazo:
- Wear comfortable, breathable clothing
- Bring an extra layer for cold weather
- Wear hiking shoes or boots
- Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun
- Bring a bottle of water and snacks
Here is a list of specific clothing to bring:
- Pants or leggings.
- Long sleeve T-shirts or sweaters
- Waterproof jacket
- Hat
- Gloves
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Hiking pole
It is important to dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing according to the weather. If it’s too hot, you can take off a layer. If it is too cold, you can put on another layer.
Now you are ready to travel to Chimborazo, pack your bags, and don’t forget to book your tour with Responsible Travel.
