The Ultimate Guide to Climbing Chimborazo and Cotopaxi

If you’re drawn to towering peaks and off the beaten path adventures, few places rival the high volcanoes of Ecuador. A Chimborazo climb isn’t just about ticking off a summit. It’s about standing on the furthest point from the center of the Earth and testing your limits in one of the most dramatic high altitude landscapes on the planet.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to climb Chimborazo and Cotopaxi from preparation and difficulty to logistics, timing, and cost. Whether you’re curious about how hard it is to climb Chimborazo, or you’re wondering how long it takes to climb Mount Chimborazo, you’re in the right place.

Why Climb Cotopaxi and Chimborazo

Cotopaxi and Chimborazo are two of the most iconic volcanoes in South America. Both offer a true mountaineering experience with glacier travel, crampon use, and the chance to summit above 6000 meters. But each has a different character.

Cotopaxi at 5897 meters is Ecuador’s second highest peak and often serves as the perfect acclimatization climb. Its nearly perfect cone and active status make it both scenic and thrilling.
Chimborazo, standing at 6263 meters, is the highest mountain in Ecuador and due to the equatorial bulge the closest point on Earth to outer space.

At Life Happens Outdoors, our expedition is designed to tackle both peaks with a progressive and carefully structured itinerary led by experienced IFMGA certified guides.

How Hard Is It to Climb Chimborazo

If you’ve asked yourself is Chimborazo hard to climb, the answer is yes but with the right approach, it’s absolutely achievable.

The main challenge is the altitude. Chimborazo’s summit is higher than any point in Africa or Europe and requires proper acclimatization.
The terrain involves snow, ice, and rock, so you’ll be wearing crampons and using an ice axe. No prior technical experience is necessary. Our guides will teach you everything you need to know.
Strong fitness and good cardiovascular conditioning are essential. You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but you should be comfortable with long days in the mountains.

So while the Chimborazo climb difficulty is real, it’s not out of reach for determined trekkers with a sense of adventure.

How Long Does It Take to Climb Chimborazo

A Mount Chimborazo climb from Riobamba typically involves a one night stay at the high camp followed by a summit push that starts around midnight. However, at Life Happens Outdoors, we’ve built a 10 day itinerary that includes both Cotopaxi and Chimborazo with two additional acclimatization climbs earlier in the trip.

This means:

• You summit four peaks in total
• You gain altitude gradually for better safety and success
• You benefit from multiple contingency days in case of weather changes

The result is a safer and more successful expedition that maximizes your chance of standing on both summits.

When Is the Best Time to Climb Chimborazo

Thanks to its equatorial location and consistent high altitude weather, it’s possible to climb Chimborazo year round. That said, the most popular months are:

• June to August
• November to February

These periods tend to offer clearer skies and more stable climbing conditions. But successful climbs are possible year round. At Life Happens Outdoors, our expeditions are scheduled to align with the best possible weather windows, while our itinerary includes contingency days to adapt to real time mountain forecasts.

Where Is Chimborazo Located

If you’re wondering if you wanted to climb Mount Chimborazo, which country would you need to go to, the answer is Ecuador.

Chimborazo sits in the central Andes above the city of Riobamba. Your journey typically begins in Quito, the capital, from where we transfer to the highlands.

How Much Does a Chimborazo Climb Cost

The Chimborazo climb cost varies depending on your itinerary and operator. At Life Happens Outdoors, our premium expedition is priced at £4890 GBP and includes:

• 4 summit climbs including Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
• IFMGA certified guides with a 2 to 1 ratio on Chimborazo
• 10 day expedition including acclimatization and weather buffers
• Boutique hotel stays in Quito and Riobamba
• All meals, ground transport, and technical equipment
• A dedicated LHO team leader and expedition photographer

You’re not just buying a climb. You’re investing in a complete and deeply transformative experience.

What Makes the LHO Experience Unique

Our Cotopaxi and Chimborazo guided climb is built on the belief that the outdoors changes lives. Here’s what makes our expeditions different:

• Small group sizes with personalized support
• Epic photography of your journey captured by your team leader
• A 10 day journey designed to maximize success and safety
• A community first approach that connects you with likeminded adventurers
• Support from the moment you sign up to the moment you’re back home

This is not a tour. This is a mountain experience that changes you.

Final Thoughts

The Chimborazo mountain climb is more than a physical challenge. It’s a test of endurance, a journey through some of the planet’s most beautiful landscapes, and a chance to grow in ways you never imagined.

Whether it’s your first big mountain or your next summit in a long line of adventures, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo will leave their mark. And with the right team behind you, the summit is closer than you think.

Join the Adventure

Curious about how to climb Cotopaxi and Chimborazo with us
Full trip details, dates, and inclusions are here.