Chimborazo
Chimborazo is the highest and biggest mountain in the country. According to geologists, it was formed by two volcanoes. The older volcano formed the Politecnica summit (5820 m.) and the Nicolas Martinez summit (5,570m.). The younger and higher volcano formed the Veintimilla summit (6,260 m.) and the Whymper summit (6,310 m.) North of Chimborazo, there is no mountain higher in this hemisphere. Also, due to the bulge around the equator, it is the farthest point from the center of the earth, therefore it is the closest place from our planet to the sun.
It was first climbed by the British climber Edward Whymper and the Italian guides Jean A. and Louis Carrel on January 4, 1880. We will spend a full day acclimatizing and practicing our techniques on the nearby glaciers. The climb takes great endurance, but the views upon reaching the summit are well worth the effort. This mountain can be seen from hundreds of kilometers away, therefore on a clear day, it is possible to see much of our country. Depending on the weather, snow conditions, and the technical and physical abilities of the climbers, we choose an appropriate route.
Rock Climbing in Cuenca and its surrounding areas are by far the best options of all Ecuador to practice or learn this activity. We have over one hundred and fifty established routes in six different areas. All of the sites are less than 60 minute drive from Cuenca. The diversity of the environments and the climbing areas is another important feature of the south, including Cajas National Park, which lies at an average altitude of 3800m, all the way down to the desert environment of the Jubones River at an altitude of 1400m.
Ecotrek offers highly knowledgeable guides with extensive experience gained through trips to the climbing hot spots around the world. We provide the equipment necessary to take you on half day or full-day trips to enjoy the magic and beauty of the rocks of the south in a safe way. Our half-day trip is to Sayausi and our full-day trips are to any of the areas described below, depending on the weather, climbing level and preference. Each of the six areas is unique and following is a brief description of each one:
SAYAUSI: The closest natural climbing area to the city. It is only 8 km away from downtown Cuenca. It has 10 routes.
CAJAS: There are over 30 routes in different areas of the park. The weather in Cajas is cold and humid. Most of the routes are face climbs.
COJITAMBO: Located about 25 km, northeast of Cuenca with about 30 routes, it offers long routes and adventure climbing.
PAUTE: Located 30 km northeast of Cuenca, it is the most developed of the areas. It has over 60 different routes, from beginner to advanced climbers. You can enjoy warmer weather there.
GIRON: Located 40 km southwest of Cuenca, it offers steep climbing in an incredible setting.
JUBONES: The warmest and lowest of all, with an altitude of 1400 meters. It is an ideal place when Cuenca has bad weather.