Chimborazo Climbing Glaciers Near The Equator
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Outdoors.
Chimborazo: Climbing Glaciers Near the Equator
Summary
Think the summit of Everest is the furthest point from Earth's center? Think again. You'll need to head to Ecuador's Mount Chimborazo for that honor.
Exploring Chimborazo
Climbing Mount Chimborazo's glaciers isn't excessively technical. It's mountaineering, yes, but not overly demanding in terms of skill. On my first climb to 20,600 feet, I brought crampons and an ice axe with minimal prior experience?"just a practice session on a small local hill. Some sledding parents probably wondered why I looked so out of place.
Starting at 15,000 feet, thanks to our guide, the final 5,600 feet were tough not because of skill, but due to the thin air. Missing oxygen makes every step a challenge.
The Chimborazo Graveyard
Near the first refuge, the graveyard serves as a somber reminder of the mountain's unpredictability. Chimborazo's altitude brings random rockfalls and rapidly changing weather. On the hike to the second refuge, the eerie sound of falling rocks and ice echoed above us.
El Refugio Edward Whymper, named after the Englishman who first summited, is a simple hut at 16,000 feet. It's technically heated, but only if someone has lugged wood up to its altitude. A fire will raise the temperature by a mere three degrees.
We drank "mate de coca," a coca leaf tea, for warmth and acclimatization. After a short hike and a quick meal, I caught an hour's sleep before our ascent began at 11 PM.
About Mount Chimborazo
Mount Chimborazo, located about 100 miles south of the Equator, benefits from Ecuador's near-perfect climate. The highlands enjoy spring-like temperatures year-round, while the summit remains bitterly cold.
The peak of Chimborazo is the point on Earth furthest from its center, due to the planet's equatorial bulge. It’s also the closest you can get to the sun while standing on Earth.
Climbing Chimborazo
Paco, my guide, was skeptical about my lightweight gear. My compact sleeping bag and 13-ounce frameless backpack didn’t impress him. Temperatures fell below freezing, but I stayed warm, as I assured him I would.
With language barriers?"Paco spoke no English and my Spanish was basic?"communication faltered. He expected a seasoned mountaineer, and I thought the hut fee was included in his guide price.
Though he frowned at my make-do gear, including a homemade ski mask and paper-thin rain suit, we pushed on. Traveling with only carry-on luggage on a courier flight, I had no other choice. My pack was initially 12 pounds, but everything I wore helped lighten the load as we climbed.
Hiking on Glaciers
At the hut, mountaineering began as we donned crampons. This was only my second experience, the first being that sledding hill. In harsh weather, my simple thermometer registered just 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The key wasn't the cold, but the exhaustion from movement. Sitting still provided bursts of energy, lulling me into thinking the summit was just within reach.
We faced crevasses and ice, my exhaustion made worse by Paco's constant encouragement. I ‘quit’ multiple times at various altitudes, only to be persuaded to continue by Paco's fibs about the summit’s proximity.
The Summit of Mount Chimborazo
Reaching the summit at dawn, I was exhausted. Paco, invigorated at 20,600 feet, was unaffected. Waiting for us was Joe, a young Californian who lived on borrowed gear and shared my noodles.
Under the brilliant blue sky, we saw Cotopaxi 70 miles away, enjoying the breathtaking view for a few moments. Handshakes followed, but we needed to descend quickly?"Chimborazo tends to ‘wake up’ around 9 AM.
Paco led the way, his watch a constant reminder. By the time we reached the hut as rocks fell behind us, I understood the urgency. The adventure ended with a photo that mercifully hid my shaking knees.
Helpful Tip
To climb Mount Chimborazo affordably, wait until you reach Ecuador to arrange your trip. Hotel managers in Riobamba can help find a guide. Joining a group is also cost-effective.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Chimborazo Climbing Glaciers Near The Equator.
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