CHIMBORAZO ICE HARVESTER TREK
ITINERARY
DEPARTURE: 08:00 a.m. / This activity takes approximately 5 hours in the mountains, reaching an altitude of 4,800 meters above sea level. There, we become part of the traditional ice extraction expedition, witnessing how this demanding work is carried out with dedication and enthusiasm. The harvested ice is then transported by mules to the markets of Riobamba, where it is sold for the preparation of juices, ice cream, and also used in fish markets.
We begin by traveling in a 4x4 vehicle to the Nicolás Martínez Glacier sector, the historic route followed by the scientist Alexander von Humboldt in 1802 during his unsuccessful attempt to climb Volcán Chimborazo. At an altitude of 4,300 meters above sea level, we start our hike, which takes approximately one and a half hours to reach the work site of Baltazar Ushca, the last ice harvester of Chimborazo.
We have lunch with the ice harvester and then observe the process of this arduous work for about 2 to 3 hours before returning to Riobamba.
RETURN: 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.
NOTE: This tour is available only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, according to the ice harvester’s work schedule.
Difficulty: Difficult – very good acclimatization and glacier experience are required.
Includes: Mountain equipment / Specialized guide / Transportation / Meals / Accommodation in mountain huts.
What to bring: Thermal clothing / Snacks / Energy drinks.
HORSEBACK RIDE TO THE ABRASPUNGU WATERFALLS
ITINERARY
DEPARTURE: 09:00 a.m. / Following the ancient Inca trail, surrounded by mountains covered with colorful crops, we ride on horseback for approximately five hours to the site known as “Encañonado de las Abras,” located between Volcán Chimborazo and Volcán Carihuairazo.
We ride for about two hours to the banks of the Mocha River, where we take a short break before continuing on foot for approximately one hour, reaching an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level. There, carefully hidden among the mountains, we find the waterfalls formed by the melting ice of the majestic Chimborazo, revealing a breathtaking natural landscape.
There are excellent opportunities for photography in this small piece of paradise, where the waterfall stands out in the background, inviting meditation and relaxation.
After spending time enjoying the surroundings, we have a picnic. Following a short rest, we return to Riobamba or to your usual destination.
RETURN: 04:00 p.m.
VISIT THR CHIMBORAZO REFUGES
ITINERARY
DEPARTURE: 08:00 a.m. / Feeling a bit like the scientists Alexander von Humboldt and Edward Whymper in their quest to reach the eternal snows, we set out to cross part of the Andes mountain range. This scenic drive begins in the city of Riobamba or from La Posada La Estación, offering opportunities to observe a great variety of flora and fauna typical of the high-altitude páramo ecosystem, until we reach the first refuge on the white slopes of the magnificent Volcán Chimborazo, located on the western side of the volcano at an altitude of over 4,800 meters above sea level.
Along the route, we can easily observe wild vicuñas. Their reintroduction led to Chimborazo being declared the Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo on October 26, 1987.
This activity takes approximately 8 hours and is carried out in private transportation. Once we arrive at the first refuge, we begin a hike that takes about two hours to reach the second refuge (5,000 meters above sea level). Depending on the visitors’ physical condition and interest, it is possible to continue along the route to reach the glaciers, located at approximately 5,200 meters above sea level.
After a short rest, we begin the descent to the first refuge, where we enjoy a well-deserved, energizing lunch. We then return in private transportation to the city of Riobamba or to La Posada La Estación de Urbina.
RETURN: 04:00 p.m. or 05:00 p.m.
CHIMBORAZO GLACIER HIKE
ITINERARY
DEPARTURE: 09:00 a.m. / From Riobamba, we travel by 4x4 vehicle for approximately one hour, crossing high-altitude páramo landscapes above 4,000 meters above sea level. Along the way, we learn that nature is an endless source of energy that we must protect and preserve.
We then begin a hike that lasts around three hours, reaching 4,800 meters above sea level. As we ascend, it is easy to notice how the vegetation gradually changes in color and splendor until we reach a ridge. There, we make a strategic stop to admire the magnificent surroundings, where herds of vicuñas can be seen in their natural habitat. We truly understand why our country is considered megadiverse.
We will be surrounded by volcanoes: on one side Volcán Carihuairazo, and forming a chain on the other side are Volcán El Altar, Volcán Tungurahua, and Volcán Sangay—volcanoes that remain constantly active and are part of Parque Nacional Sangay.
Overwhelmed by such beauty, we take a well-deserved break to enjoy a delicious “Mountain Lunch,” after which we begin our descent back to the city of Riobamba.
RETURN: 4:00 p.m.
TREKKING THE VICUÑA TRAIL
(2 DAYS)
ITINERARY
DAY 1
DEPARTURE: 09:00 a.m. / We depart from Riobamba by transportation to the Andean páramo at approximately 3,000 meters above sea level. From there, we begin a hike through high-altitude crops such as onions, potatoes, beans, quinoa, lupins, and many other products cultivated in the highlands. The landscape gradually transitions into páramo terrain that leads us to the slopes of the snowcapped Volcán Chimborazo.
We follow the trail used by vicuñas, a South American camelid that, after disappearing from the Ecuadorian Andes, was reintroduced with the support of governments such as Peru and Chile. Today, they inhabit the higher elevations of Chimborazo (from 4,500 meters above sea level and above).
After 4 to 5 hours of hiking, and with the assistance of mules and porters carrying the equipment, we arrive at the campsite located at 4,300 meters above sea level, surrounded by a stunning natural setting formed by the “Colossus of the Andes” and its nearby neighbor, Volcán Carihuairazo.
Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
DAY 2
DEPARTURE: 07:00 a.m. / After an energizing breakfast, we begin the hike toward the glaciers of Chimborazo, following a steep trail. We continue for 3 to 4 hours to reach the glacier zone at approximately 5,000 meters above sea level. If weather conditions allow, we will be able to admire the impressive volcanoes of Ecuador’s Central Andes: the active Volcán Tungurahua and Volcán Sangay, the majestic Volcán El Altar, and Carihuairazo.
After a cold lunch, we begin our descent back to the campsite and then continue by vehicle to the city of Riobamba.
RETURN: 04:00 p.m.
DISCOVER THE ATILLO LAGOONS (2 DAYS)
ITINERARY
The Atillo Lagoons are a lacustrine complex of approximately 60 lagoons that form part of Parque Nacional Sangay. They are renowned for their beauty and natural surroundings, serving as a habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna, where endemism prevails.
DAY 1
DEPARTURE: 09:00 a.m. / Departing from the city of Riobamba, we head west, passing through several small towns such as San Luis, whose main celebrations take place on August 5th in honor of the Virgin of the Snows and on August 25th in honor of Saint Louis, King of France.
Continuing along the route, we reach Punín, where in 1923 a skull dating from 4,000 to 5,000 years before Christ was discovered in the Punín ravine, identified as belonging to a Homo sapiens.
We proceed through towns such as Flores, where an indigenous market is held every Sunday, and Cebadas, where local women organized themselves, received European technical assistance, and now produce and sell a variety of cheeses using European technology.
Finally, we arrive at this paradisiacal site known as the Atillo or Colay Lagoons, set in a magical landscape along the road leading to Macas.
We take a short tour around the lagoons and enjoy a brief hike.
Dinner and overnight stay in tents or in indigenous huts.
DAY 2
DEPARTURE: 08:00 a.m. / Breakfast. Optionally, you may take a mountain hike to observe different types of vegetation from both the páramo and the Amazon regions, or hike to a natural viewpoint from where, on a clear day, you can observe Volcán Sangay, which remains constantly active.
Around midday, we return to the campsite to enjoy a delicious lunch, after which we begin our journey back to the city of Riobamba.
ATILLO – OZOGOCHE ADVENTURE (2 DAYS)
ITINERARY
There are more than sixty lakes in the surroundings of Atillo - Ozogoche, fog is a constant visitor to the area and local legends tell of the tribute of birds called cuvivies that every year at the beginning of September hundreds of them fall into the water and die in what has been interpreted as a mass suicide.
DAY 1
Drive from Riobamba to Lake Atillo (approximately 3 hours), located within Parque Nacional Sangay.
Begin the hike in Colay (3,500 meters above sea level), ascend Baypungo Hill (4,300 meters above sea level), and reach the Ventanas Pass. We then continue toward Lake Magtayan, where we set up camp (approximately 5 hours of hiking in total).
Dinner and overnight camping.
DAY 2
After breakfast, we hike from the campsite to Lake Cubillina and then continue to the Ozogoche community for lunch.
Return to Riobamba (approximately 2 hours by vehicle; 3 hours of hiking).
End of the tour.
Horses are used to transport equipment and camping gear.
RUTA SIMON BOLIVAR
Estación de Urbina – Mechahuasca – Refugio Carrel
Distancia: 18 km.
Dificultad: Media
Tiempo aproximado de recorrido: 5 a 6 horas
La travesía inicia en la Estación Urbina ubicada a 3664 msnm, la estación del tren más alta del Ecuador. Se atraviesa por el Portal Andino y valles con sembríos de variados colores y pajonales. Se disfruta de la belleza del paisaje andino y la quebrada de la Abras, formación geológica que separa a las provincias de Chimborazo y Tungurahua. Finalmente se llega a la Cascada de las Abras a una altura de 4100m. Desde ese punto también se puede apreciar los glaciares del Chimborazo y los Volcanes Carihuayrazo y el Tungurahua.
RUTA TEMPLO MACHAY
Refugio Carrel – Templo Machay – Casa Cóndor
Distancia: 8 km.
Dificultad: Media
Tiempo aproximado de recorrido: 5 a 6 horas
Inicia en el Refugio Carrel, es una caminata donde se atraviesa un sitio conocido como la Catedral, que son grandes formaciones rocosas que asimilan las cúpulas de una iglesia. También se puede apreciar durante el recorrido la mina de hielo, donde en el pasado se extraían bloques para la comercialización en la ciudad de Guaranda y sus alrededores. Una vez en el Templo Machay, cueva de formación natural donde los antiguos indígenas de la región la usaban como centro ceremonial y de veneración al Nevado Chimborazo. Este sitio es considerado para la realización de rituales sagrados donde varias congregaciones indígenas en la actualidad realizan el agradecimiento a la madre tierra.
RUTA AGUJAS DE WHIMPER
Refugio Carrel – Refugio Whimper – Agujas de Whimper
Distancia: 2.5 km.
Dificultad: Media Alta
Tiempo aproximado de recorrido: 3 a 4 horas
Inicia desde Refugio Carrel a una altitud de 4800 msnm y llega hasta las Agujas de Whymper a 5300 m de altitud, pasando por el segundo Refugio, también llamado Whymper. Desde ese sitio se tiene una vista espectacular de la cordillera y los Nevados: Tungurahua, los Altares, los Cubillines y el Volcán Sangay, pudiendo en esta experiencia acercarse lo más posible al glaciar del Nevado Chimborazo.
RUTA MINA DE HIELO DEL TEMPLO MACHAY
Refugio Carrel – Mina de Hielo
Distancia: 8 km.
Dificultad: Media
Tiempo aproximado de recorrido: 6 a 7 horas
El recorrido inicia desde el Refugio Carrel atravesando por el Templo Machay hasta llegar al sitio de las minas de hielo perpetuo del Nevado Chimborazo a 5200 msnm. Una vez allí y si se tiene un poco de suerte tener la posibilidad de conocer a la persona que se dedica a cosechar el hielo para comercializarlo en Riobamba para la preparación de jugos de frutas en uno de los mercados principales de la Ciudad.
RUTA BOSQUE POLYLEPIS
Refugio Carrel - Bosque Polylepis
Distancia: 3 km.
Dificultad: Baja
Tiempo aproximado de recorrido: 3 horas
El recorrido inicia en el Centro de Servicios Turísticos El Arenal ubicado al noreste de la Reserva Chimborazo a una altura de 4350 msnm. Durante el recorrido se puede apreciar un desierto en el páramo de los andes ecuatorianos, así como también una gran biodiversidad propia del lugar hasta llegar a un pequeño reducto de árboles de la especie del polylepis conocido vulgarmente como el árbol de papel.
CAMINATAS 2 A 3 DÍAS
RUTA VICUÑA TREK
Estación de Urbina – Mechahuasca – Refugio Carrel
Día 1: Urbina - Urkuhuasi - Mechahuasca
Distancia: 30 km.
Dificultad: Media
Tiempo aproximado de recorrido: 5 a 6 horas diarias
La travesía inicia en la Estación Urbina ubicada a 3618 msnm, la estación del tren más alta del Ecuador. Se atraviesa por el Portal Andino y valles con sembríos de variados colores y pajonales. Se disfruta de la belleza del paisaje andino y la quebrada de la Abras, formación geológica que separa a las provincias de Chimborazo y Tungurahua. Finalmente se llega a la Cascada de las Abras a una altura de 4200m. Desde ese punto también se puede apreciar los glaciares del Chimborazo y los Volcanes Carihuayrazo y el Tungurahua.
Día 2: Urkuhuasi - Mechahuasca - Refugio Carrel
Distancia: 13 km.
Dificultad: Media Alta
Tiempo aproximado de recorrido: 5 a 6 horas
Inicia desde el Refugio de Urkuhuasi ubicado a una altura de 4150, se atraviesa la quebrada de las Abras conocida con el nombre de Traguñan, hasta llegar a la localidad de Mechahuasca ubicado a 4300 msnm, comunidad indígena de la Provincia de Tungurahua. Se inicia el ascenso rodeando al Nevado Chimborazo pasando por diferentes pisos climáticos que van desde el páramo andino, la puna hasta llegar a la zona de glaciares en el Refugio Carrel a 4800msnm.
CAMINATAS 2 A 3 DÍAS
RUTA LOS ALTARES
OPCIÓN 1: Riobamba - Quimiag- Chanag - Inguisay - Los Altares
Día 1: Inguisay Bocatoma - Campamento Machay
Distancia: 7 km.
Dificultad: Media Alta
Tiempo aproximado de recorrido: 5 a 6 horas diarias
La caminata inicia en la localidad de Bocatoma Inguisay. A una altura de 3429 msnm atravesando encañonado de pajonales y bosques andinos como polylepis (yahual) quishuar y arbustivos nativos que están dentro del Parque Nacional Sangay la segunda área protegida más grande del Ecuador declarada por la UNESCO como patrimonio natural de la humanidad. Se llega al campamento de Machay donde se procederá a cenar y tener una charla interpretativa de la zona y describir el itinerario para el día siguiente.
Día 2: Campamento Machay - Campamento Italiano
Distancia: 4 km.
Dificultad: Media Alta
Tiempo aproximado de recorrido: 5 a 6 horas
Se desayuna e inicia la caminata hacia el campamento italiano a una altura de 4300 msnm visitando a las 6 lagunas de diferentes colores. Durante el recorrido se puede apreciar el Volcán Sangay, Los Cubillines y el Nevado Chimborazo, así como la flora y fauna silvestre. Box Lunch durante el recorrido. Por la tarde se puede admirar el atardecer andino para la instalación del campamento. Cena y descanso.
Día 3: Campamento Italiano - Chañag - Riobamba
Distancia: 12 km.
Dificultad: Media Alta
Tiempo aproximado de recorrido: 6 a 7 horas
Se desayuna e inicia la caminata de regreso a la comunidad de Chañag y retorno a la ciudad de Riobamba.
OPCIÓN 2: Riobamba - Hacienda Releche - Laguna Amarilla
Día 1: Hacienda Releche - Refugio Collanes
Distancia: 7 km.
Dificultad: Media Alta
Tiempo aproximado de recorrido: 6 a 7 horas diarias
La caminata inicia en la Hacienda Releche ubicado en el Cantón Penipe, Parroquia Candelaria a una altura de 3300 msnm, el sendero de la travesía es una camino de herradura donde se apreciar el paisaje montañoso y admirar el valle poblado de sembríos agrícolas de la zona así como el Capac Urcu con sus 7 picos y diferentes alturas y en el centro del Capac la apreciada laguna amarilla. Por la tarde se llega al Refugio Collanes donde se procederá a cenar y tener una charla interpretativa de la zona y describir el itinerario para el día siguiente.
Día 2: Refugio Collanes - laguna Amarilla - Riobamba
Distancia: 10 km
Dificultad: Media Alta
Tiempo aproximado de recorrido: 6 a 7 horas
Después del dasayuno, se inicia la caminata a la famosa laguna amarilla ubicada a una altura de 4250 msnm. Desde ahí se puede apreciar los valles, arboles de polylepis - yagual, y la majestuosidad del Cóndor Andino. Posteriormente de realizar fotografía y una paqueña caminata alrededor de la laguna se retorna a la ciudad de Riobamba.