Chimborazo High Summit Expedition
A high-altitude expedition on Chimborazo designed to push your limits above 6,000 meters, refine your endurance on glaciated terrain, and advance your progression into extreme altitude environments.
The Details
Expedition Overview
Time: 3 Days/2 Nights
Availability: Year-round (best conditions: June – August, November – February)
Difficulty: Challenging to Difficult
Group Size: Small expedition groups (max 2 climbers per guide)
Expedition Stats
Total Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Total Vertical Gain: 1,700 m / 5,577 ft
Maximum Altitude: 6,263 m / 20,548 ft
Shared Group Expedition
From $550 USD per person/2 climbers per guide
Private Expedition Options
1 Climber (Private): $950 USD per person
Full private guide, high-altitude pacing control, summit-focused support
What This Expedition Represents
This is your extreme altitude stage in the Andes.
You are operating above 6,000 meters, where efficiency, acclimatization, and precision become critical for performance and safety. This is where you prove your ability to operate at the highest elevations in the Andes.
The Logistics
Day 1: Riobamba – Chimborazo Base Camp | Entering Extreme Altitude
We leave Cusco early and travel deep into the southern Andes toward Tinqui. As we climb into higher elevations, the landscape shifts into wide open valleys and snow-covered peaks.
From Tinqui, we continue to the trailhead where the expedition begins. The trek starts gradually through open terrain, small communities, and flowing streams as Ausangate slowly dominates the horizon.
By afternoon, we arrive at Upis Valley where we establish our first expedition camp beneath towering peaks. An optional hike to Upis Lake is available for acclimatization..
Focus: Extreme altitude acclimatization
Elevation gain:
~900 m / 2,950 ft
Elevation loss: ~100 m / 328 ft
Distance: ~4 km / 2.5 miles
Hiking time: ~2–3 hours
Campsite elevation: ~4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Highest point: ~4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Mountain refuge
Day 2: Glacier Training – High Altitude Systems | Preparing Above 5,000 m
We move onto Chimborazo’s glacier to begin training in real high-altitude conditions. The terrain is steeper and more demanding than previous stages, requiring controlled movement and focus.
We refine crampon technique, rope systems, pacing, and efficiency. This is where your body begins to adapt to extreme altitude.
We return to camp to rest and prepare for the summit push.
Focus: Glacier training at extreme altitude
Elevation gain:
~400 m / 1,312 ft
Elevation loss:
~200 m / 656 ft
Distance: ~3–4 km / 2 miles
Hiking time: ~4–5 hours
Campsite elevation:
~4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Highest point: ~5,200 m / 17,060 ft
Difficulty:
Challenging
Accommodation: Mountain refuge
Day 3: Summit Chimborazo | The Highest Point on Earth’s Surface
We begin before midnight, stepping onto the glacier under headlamps. The climb is long, cold, and physically demanding.
Step by step, we move through extreme altitude toward the summit. As the sun rises, the Andes stretch endlessly below.
Reaching the summit is a defining moment—this is the highest point on Earth measured from the planet’s center.
Focus: Summit Chimborazo ascent
Elevation gain:
~1,500 m / 4,921 ft
Elevation loss: ~2,200 m / 7,218 ft
Distance: ~6–8 km / 4–5 miles
Hiking time:
~10–12 hours
Campsite elevation: ~4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Highest point: 6,263 m / 20,548 ft
Difficulty:
Very challenging
Accommodation:
Not included
Ready for your first high-altitude expedition?
We’re here to make this the ultimate adventure for you. Consider us your adventure buddies—ready to guide, inspire, and share every step of the journey. Are you ready to dive in?
