Training for Chimborazo
Training for Chimborazo – The Poor Man´s Everest and the closest point from Earth to the Sun
Chimborazo is a currently inactive stratovolcano in the Cordillera Occidental range of the Andes. Its last known eruption is believed to have occurred around 550 A.D.
With a peak elevation of 6,263 m (20,548 ft), Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador. Chimborazo is not the highest mountain by elevation above sea level, but its location along the equatorial bulge makes its summit the farthest point on the Earth’s surface from the Earth’s center.
How long does it take to Climb Chimborazo?
The expedition takes 2-3 days, give or take the acclimatization process and adjusting to the altitude prior the climb, the actual climb takes 7 hours, thus, is only one push and attack to the summit, this is done during the night, therefore the minimum time you need is 2 days and 1 night.
This graphic illustrates the different routes to the summit, the direct and shortest route, start from Whymper refuge, unfortunately, this refuge is only open on request, and is managed by a local tour operator, who controls the opening of the place.
Currently, most climbers are starting from Carrell refuge at 4800 m as conditions in the mountain, have been worsened due to the glacier melting, due to global warming, thus guides take the longer route to the glacier for the summit attack, we suggest at least a day prior for acclimatization to high altitude.
For safety reasons, there is a maximum of two people per mountain guide by law. If you are climbing solo it will be only yourself and the ASEGUIM certified mountain guide.
How to prepare yourself for Chimborazo?
- Endurance
Training for Chimborazo is all about endurance if you live at sea level, and this is your personal challenge, running long
distances will give you the resistance your body needs for the actual climb.
At least one or two days at high elevation will allow your body to get used to the altitude, you can also trek a smaller mountain, such as Carihuairazo or Cotopaxi, this will take you about 5 days in total.
- Chimborazo High camp.
More and more climbers are choosing this new option, which starts at 5300 m, again the climb takes 2 days, but starting at this elevation cuts the attack time in almost half, making it even possible to climb the mountain in the afternoon, here is a short video of a rare Summit done by our clients at Sunset 6 pm.