Climbing Cayambe Mountain

2 days

Duration

5/5

Difficulty

The tough climb of the Cayambe Mountain will bring you over impressive glaciers, past pretty ice sculptures and all the way to the highest point on the Equator!

CAYAMBE (5789 m./18.992 ft. high)

Cayambe is Ecuador’s third highest peak and, at 5789 m. / 18.994 ft., the earth’s highest point on the equator line. The ascent of this massive glaciated volcano requires a good acclimatization and some previous mountaineering experience, including the use of crampons and basic ice axe techniques. Tips about altitude sickness.

Short itinerary:

Day 1: Riobamba – Cayambe refuge (4650 m)
Day 2: Cayambe refuge – Cayambe summit – Riobamba

Next confirmed departure date (private tours can start on any date):

Extended itinerary Climbing Cayambe Mountain (5789 m./18.992 ft. high)

Day 1: Riobamba - Cayambe refuge (4650 m)

Departure from Riobamba at 8:00 am by car. We will have lunch on the way and will arrive at the Cayambe-Coca Reserve after 5 – 6 hours. Short hike up to the refuge at 4650 m. / 15.250 ft. Dinner and rest in the rustic Cayambe refuge.

Day 2: Cayambe refuge - Cayambe summit - Riobamba

At midnight we have a light breakfast and prepare to start the ascent on the huge glaciers. We will hike on large snowfields with average slopes of 30 – 40 degrees, and traverse several large crevasses. After about 6 – 7 hours we will reach the summit, which is the world’s highest point on the equator. With clear weather you will have breathtaking views of other fivethousanders and of the Amazon jungle. The descent to the refuge takes about 3 hours. In the afternoon return to Riobamba, with a stop on the way for lunch.
Arrival in Riobamba around 17:00 p.m.

Difficulty: Medium / Advanced
Departure: Any day