Carihuairazo

The wildly eroded and spires and crags of Carihuairazo sit 10km to the north-east of Chimborazo, in extreme visual counterpoint to Chimborazo's snowy, harmonious serenity.

Climbing Carihuairazo is just a walk - you need full ice equipment to tackle the glaciated route to the summit. But it is a superb climb with close-up views of Chimborazo and its glaciers as well as more distant peaks - some of the best in Ecuador and more likely to be enjoyed at some point during the climb. 

Attractive approach and exit walks, a day slogging on ice and rock to the rotten and exposed summit ridge. 3 days in and out, camping the only option. Could be combined with the longer circuits described in our Chimborazo Area page.

It can be persistently cloudy here, so you can be denied the best of the views if you are unlucky.

This is demanding walking in remote mountains with uncertain weather, where altitude can cause real problems. Come fully prepared, including proper acclimatization.

This page is at an early stage of development. Please help us by making suggestions and sending photos! Thank you!

For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Chimborazo Area walk page.