Chimborazo Tour From Quito: Hiking and Ascent to Condor Cocha All Included

Embarking on the Chimborazo Tour from Quito promises an unparalleled adventure. This 12-hour excursion takes hikers to Ecuador’s highest peak, Chimborazo, at an impressive 6,310 meters. Along the way, you will explore the Hermanos Carriel Shelter, Whymper Refuge, and the stunning Condor Cocha Lagoon, all while immersed in the unique paramo ecosystem. With moderate fitness requirements, this tour offers breathtaking views and the chance to observe the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this remarkable region. What awaits those who accept this challenge?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Treks And Hiking Tours In Quito.

Good To Know

• The Chimborazo tour focuses on exploring Ecuador’s highest mountain, reaching key landmarks like Hermanos Carriel Shelter, Whymper Refuge, and Condor Cocha Lagoon.
• The 12-hour excursion from Quito includes lunch, a bilingual guide, transportation, and admission for a cost of $160.50.
• A moderate fitness level is required, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible, with infants needing to sit on laps.
• The tour offers the unique opportunity to observe the diverse paramo ecosystem, including vicuñas, Andean condors, and Polylepis trees.
• The tour has received mixed reviews, with praise for the guides’ professionalism and expertise, but some disappointment in the overall experience.

Tour Overview

Visiting the highest mountain in Ecuador, Chimborazo, is the focus of this tour from Quito. The 12-hour excursion brings adventurers to the iconic 6,310-meter peak, the closest point on Earth to the sun.

The $160.50 tour includes lunch, a bilingual guide, transportation, and admission. Travelers will hike to the Hermanos Carriel Shelter at 4,850 meters, then visit the Whymper Refuge at 5,000 meters and the Condor Cocha Lagoon at 5,100 meters.

With a 4.5/5 rating based on 11 reviews, the tour requires a moderate fitness level and isn’t wheelchair accessible. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides, though some found the overall experience disappointing.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with an early start at 6:30 am from Quito.

Guests will hike to the Hermanos Carriel Shelter, situated at an impressive 4,850 meters. After this, they’ll visit the Whymper Refuge at 5,000 meters.

The highlight of the day is the exploration of the Condor Cocha Lagoon, located at 5,100 meters. This natural wonder is a stunning sight, set against the backdrop of the magnificent Chimborazo volcano.

Following the exploration, the group will descend back to the parking lot, before returning to Quito, where the tour concludes.

Physical Requirements

Hiking to the peak of Chimborazo requires a moderate level of physical fitness. This tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Participants should not have any serious medical conditions, such as heart problems. The following table outlines the physical requirements for the Chimborazo tour:

Requirement	Details
Fitness Level	Moderate
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible
Infant Policy	Infants must sit on laps
Medical Conditions	No serious medical conditions

Proper footwear, such as trail runners or trail sneakers, is recommended for this hike. The tour does not require hiking boots, which can be cumbersome.

Customer Experiences

Customers have provided a mix of feedback on their overall experience with the Chimborazo tour.

While some have praised the guides’ knowledge and organization, others have found the experience disappointing.

The tour has received specific praise for guides Daniel and Ruben, who are noted for their professionalism.

• Positive reviews highlight the guides’ expertise and the tour’s efficient planning.

• Mixed reviews suggest the experience may not meet all participants’ expectations.

• Specific praise is given to guides Daniel and Ruben for their professional conduct.

• Reviewers recommend wearing trail runners or sneakers rather than hiking boots.

• The tour’s customer experiences are a blend of positive and mixed feedback.

Notable Features

Notably, the tour offers the unique opportunity to visit Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain and the point on Earth closest to the sun.

At an impressive elevation of 6,310 meters, Chimborazo’s summit is the furthest point from the Earth’s center due to the planet’s oblate spheroid shape.

During the excursion, hikers will explore the Whymper Refuge at 5,000 meters and the stunning Condor Cocha Lagoon at 5,100 meters.

Along the way, they’ll have the chance to observe the diverse paramo ecosystem, which is home to unique flora and fauna like the majestic vicuñas.

This once-in-a-lifetime tour provides an unparalleled chance to take in Ecuador’s natural wonders.

Pricing and Inclusions

The Chimborazo Tour from Quito is priced from $160.50, with the final cost varying based on group size.

The tour includes:

• Lunch
• Bilingual professional guide
• Tourist transport
• Admission ticket
• Exploration of the Condor Cocha Lagoon at an elevation of 5,100 meters.

The tour duration is approximately 12 hours, starting at 6:30 AM and ending back in Quito around 6:30 PM.

It’s important to note that a moderate level of physical fitness is required, and infants must sit on laps.

The tour is operated by El Barak Ecuador Travel and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Operator and Booking

Operated by El Barak Ecuador Travel, the Chimborazo Tour from Quito offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Confirmation is received at booking, and guests can select from available meeting points. The tour includes paramo flora and fauna, such as vicuñas, which are closely observed.

With a moderate fitness level required, this 12-hour excursion from Quito takes adventurers to the highest mountain in Ecuador, Chimborazo, and the picturesque Condor Cocha Lagoon.

While reviews are mixed, the guide team, especially Daniel and Ruben, receive praise for their professionalism and knowledge, making this a worthwhile option for those seeking an Ecuador mountain experience.

Paramo Flora and Fauna

As part of the Chimborazo Tour from Quito, visitors have the opportunity to observe the unique flora and fauna of the paramo ecosystem.

The paramo is a high-altitude grassland found in the Andes mountains, home to a diverse array of plant and animal life.

Some notable species include:

• Vicuñas, a relative of the llama known for their soft, valuable wool
• Andean condors, the largest flying birds in the Western Hemisphere
• Polylepis trees, the highest-dwelling woody plants in the world
• Frailejones, a distinctive flowering plant with silvery, hairy leaves
• Numerous species of hummingbirds, adapted to the high-altitude environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The minimum group size for this tour is not specified. The tour price varies by group size, so the tour operator likely accommodates a range of group sizes, though the exact minimum is not provided in the details.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?

Customers can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. The tour includes lunch, but additional personal snacks and meals are permitted to be brought along.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The 12-hour itinerary, from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, is set and can’t be modified. The tour includes everything you need for the day’s activities.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for participants, though infants must sit on laps. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and travelers should not have serious medical conditions like heart problems to join this moderate hiking adventure.

Can I Rent Any Equipment From the Tour Provider?

The tour provider doesn’t offer equipment rentals, but they recommend that participants bring their own sturdy hiking shoes, warm layers, and other necessary gear for the high-altitude hike and exploration of Condor Cocha Lagoon.

The Sum Up

The Chimborazo Tour from Quito offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Ecuador’s highest peak and the stunning paramo ecosystem. With an immersive itinerary, moderate physical requirements, and all-inclusive pricing, this tour provides adventurous hikers an unforgettable experience. Travelers can expect breathtaking views, diverse flora and fauna, and a comprehensive introduction to this remarkable natural wonder.