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Ecuador🇪🇨 | national parksChimborazo National ParkEarth’s bulge, vicuñas, 5,000 m refuge, Carihuairazo | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Chimborazo
👍 Recommendednational park ranked #7
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Chimborazo National Park lets you drive a rented pickup or hire a taxi to 4,800 meters in a morning, because a gravel road climbs right to the first refuge. It sits in the central highlands of Ecuador, southwest of Riobamba. The smarter move is to sleep in Riobamba the night before, since the road is open early and the clouds usually close in by midday. The mountain is the point where the Earth bulges farthest from its center, and vicuñas graze below it. Trails are open and wide, though the cold is relentless and the summit needs a guide. Crowds stay thin outside weekends. At the Condor Cocha stop a vendor sold me a mug of hot colada morada for US$1, and I drank it hunched against the wind. Chimborazo National Park suits curious hikers and acclimatized climbers, and bores anyone wanting lush forest or big mammals.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #7 national park in EcuadorWhy Chimborazo should be on your travel list

Chimborazo National Park works for backpackers who want a big mountain without a big tour bill. You can reach the Hermanos Carrel Refuge at 4,800 meters on your own by taxi or a ride from Riobamba, then walk up to the Whymper Refuge at 5,000 meters on a clear gravel path. That is a self-guided day at altitudes most people never touch, and nobody needs to hold your hand. The park also gives you a rare wildlife encounter: herds of vicuñas roam the páramo near the entrance, and you can walk among them at your own pace. Those who prefer a challenge can add a guided summit bid later, but the lower slopes already deliver high-Andes scenery for the price of a taxi ride and a warm jacket. It rewards independent travelers who plan their acclimatization.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Chimborazo

  1. Chimborazo Summit (6,263 m): The park’s defining sight and the point on Earth farthest from the planet’s center. Climbing it requires a certified guide and glacier experience, but the huge icy dome is visible from the road on clear mornings.
  2. Whymper Refuge: At about 5,000 meters, this is the high point most walkers reach. The climb from the lower refuge is steady, on loose scree, and the view down over cloud banks is superb.
  3. Hermanos Carrel Refuge: The first refuge at about 4,800 meters, with a basic cafe and a place to warm up before heading higher. It is the usual start for mountaineers.
  4. Vicuña Reserve: Soft-footed camelids reintroduced from Bolivia, Peru and Chile graze on the open páramo along the entrance road. Watch from a distance and they tolerate you.
  5. Templo Machay: A rock shelter and
… read more 👉
  1. Chimborazo Summit (6,263 m): The park’s defining sight and the point on Earth farthest from the planet’s center. Climbing it requires a certified guide and glacier experience, but the huge icy dome is visible from the road on clear mornings.
  2. Whymper Refuge: At about 5,000 meters, this is the high point most walkers reach. The climb from the lower refuge is steady, on loose scree, and the view down over cloud banks is superb.
  3. Hermanos Carrel Refuge: The first refuge at about 4,800 meters, with a basic cafe and a place to warm up before heading higher. It is the usual start for mountaineers.
  4. Vicuña Reserve: Soft-footed camelids reintroduced from Bolivia, Peru and Chile graze on the open páramo along the entrance road. Watch from a distance and they tolerate you.
  5. Templo Machay: A rock shelter and small hiking area near the park entrance, with short trails through boulders and stunted trees. It makes a good acclimatization stop.
  6. Condor Cocha: A small meltwater lagoon at about 5,100 meters, a short, steep climb above the Whymper Refuge, tinted orange by minerals.
  7. Carihuairazo: Chimborazo’s jagged neighbor, visible from the park and popular with serious climbers. Its ridges make a striking backdrop.
If time is short, skip Templo Machay and spend the hours on the refuge climb.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Chimborazo National Park

Chimborazo Private Transfer from Riobamba – Carrel Refuge Visit

Chimborazo Private Transfer from Riobamba – Carrel Refuge Visit

5.0(8) 5h
From €54
per personViator
"Private Chimborazo Tour for 2 people"

"Private Chimborazo Tour for 2 people"

5.0(6) 8h
From €73
per personViator
Chimborazo Volcano and Condor Cocha Lagoon Day Tour

Chimborazo Volcano and Condor Cocha Lagoon Day Tour

4.0(2)
From €127
per personViator
Riobamba's Heritage Walking Tour

Riobamba's Heritage Walking Tour

0.0(0) 3h
From €50
per personViator
Chimborazo Summit - 2 Days Private Tour

Chimborazo Summit - 2 Days Private Tour

0.0(0) 48h
From €419
per personViator
3-Day Altar Volcano Trekking Tour to Laguna Amarilla from Riobamba

3-Day Altar Volcano Trekking Tour to Laguna Amarilla from Riobamba

0.0(0) 72h
From €476
per personViator
2 days - Trekking snowy the Altar Volcano & Yellow Lagoon Visit

2 days - Trekking snowy the Altar Volcano & Yellow Lagoon Visit

0.0(0) 48h
From €264
per personViator
Full-Day Ghost Hideout Tour from Riobamba

Full-Day Ghost Hideout Tour from Riobamba

0.0(0) 6h
From €145
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Dry Season (June to September): Chimborazo National Park gives its steadiest summit views now, with mornings often crisp and clear. Highs reach 10 to 14°C (50 to 57°F) at the refuges, nights drop to -5 to 0°C (23 to 32°F). Climbers and Ecuadorian holidaymakers arrive in numbers, so refuge beds and guides cost the most.
  • December to February: A second drier window, slightly warmer, with some afternoon cloud. Quieter than July and August, and a good time for climbing attempts.
  • Wet Months (March to May, October to November): Cloud and drizzle often hide the summit by midday, and snow or ice conditions get unpredictable. Expect 5 to 10°C (41 to 50°F) by day. Lodging is easier to book and sometimes discounted.
  • Daylight: Close to the equator, daylight stays near 12 hours all year, so start hikes early
… read more 👉
  • Dry Season (June to September): Chimborazo National Park gives its steadiest summit views now, with mornings often crisp and clear. Highs reach 10 to 14°C (50 to 57°F) at the refuges, nights drop to -5 to 0°C (23 to 32°F). Climbers and Ecuadorian holidaymakers arrive in numbers, so refuge beds and guides cost the most.
  • December to February: A second drier window, slightly warmer, with some afternoon cloud. Quieter than July and August, and a good time for climbing attempts.
  • Wet Months (March to May, October to November): Cloud and drizzle often hide the summit by midday, and snow or ice conditions get unpredictable. Expect 5 to 10°C (41 to 50°F) by day. Lodging is easier to book and sometimes discounted.
  • Daylight: Close to the equator, daylight stays near 12 hours all year, so start hikes early before afternoon clouds roll in.
Book summit guides for a dry month at least a few weeks ahead, and plan arrival days at altitude for acclimatization.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
ecuador-national-park-chimborazo-national-park
© Google | Turismo Riobamba

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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Ecuador

Riobamba, about 30 to 40 minutes by road from the park entrance, is the best base for most backpackers. Hostels and guesthouses there run US$10 to 20 for a dorm bed or simple private room, with US$25 to 50 for comfortable hotels. It has the buses, tour agencies, markets and restaurants you need, plus guides who arrange summit climbs and transport.
Inside the park, two mountain refuges sit on the flank of the volcano: Refugio Carrel (4,800 m) and Refugio Whymper (5,000 m). Beds cost roughly US$25 to 45 a night with a meal option, and they suit climbers starting a night ascent or anyone wanting to … read more 👉
Riobamba, about 30 to 40 minutes by road from the park entrance, is the best base for most backpackers. Hostels and guesthouses there run US$10 to 20 for a dorm bed or simple private room, with US$25 to 50 for comfortable hotels. It has the buses, tour agencies, markets and restaurants you need, plus guides who arrange summit climbs and transport.
Inside the park, two mountain refuges sit on the flank of the volcano: Refugio Carrel (4,800 m) and Refugio Whymper (5,000 m). Beds cost roughly US$25 to 45 a night with a meal option, and they suit climbers starting a night ascent or anyone wanting to acclimatize. Expect cold rooms, thin air and early wake-ups.
Along the road from Ambato, a few rural lodges and community guesthouses near the park, such as around Urbina and the Chimborazo communities, offer rooms at about US$15 to 40, often with a fireplace and breakfast. Ambato is another option if you are arriving from Quito or Baños, and Guano has a few small stays closer to the mountain.
Best hostels in Ecuador


Best quality hotels in Ecuador

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

Budget around US$45 to 60 per day for Chimborazo National Park, with a US$55 total once you count lodging, food and transport in high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance FeeUS$0 to 5Entry for foreigners is low or free at the gate, with extra charges for some services and vehicles.
Accommodation (high season)US$12 to 25Dorms or simple rooms in Riobamba, with refuge beds at US$25 to 45.
Accommodation (low season)US$10 to 20Often easier to negotiate in the wet months.
Local TransportUS$10 to 20Buses from Riobamba to the park road are cheap, but most visitors take a shared or private taxi to the refuges at US$25 to 40 split among passengers.
Food and SuppliesUS$8 to 12Set lunches in Riobamba cost US$3 to 5, and snacks and water are needed for the park.
Guides and GearUS$0 to 5Day hikes
… read more 👉
Budget around US$45 to 60 per day for Chimborazo National Park, with a US$55 total once you count lodging, food and transport in high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance FeeUS$0 to 5Entry for foreigners is low or free at the gate, with extra charges for some services and vehicles.
Accommodation (high season)US$12 to 25Dorms or simple rooms in Riobamba, with refuge beds at US$25 to 45.
Accommodation (low season)US$10 to 20Often easier to negotiate in the wet months.
Local TransportUS$10 to 20Buses from Riobamba to the park road are cheap, but most visitors take a shared or private taxi to the refuges at US$25 to 40 split among passengers.
Food and SuppliesUS$8 to 12Set lunches in Riobamba cost US$3 to 5, and snacks and water are needed for the park.
Guides and GearUS$0 to 5Day hikes need none, but summit guides cost about US$200 to 300 and gear rental is extra.
Total Daily BudgetUS$55Per person, per day, in high season.


source: ecuador.travel
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsBest hikes in Chimborazo national park

Chimborazo National Park offers high-altitude walking on open páramo, scree, and volcanic sand, with thin air that makes every hill feel steeper than it looks. Wildlife includes vicuñas, Andean foxes, and the occasional condor, while the dominant feature is the glaciated cone above you.
  • Carrel to Whymper Refuge: About 1 km one way, roughly 45 minutes up and 20 down. Moderate to hard because of altitude, on loose gravel with a steady incline.
  • Templo Machay loop: Short walks of 1 to 2 hours near the entrance through boulders and shrubs. Easy, and useful for acclimatizing.
  • Condor Cocha lagoon: About
… read more 👉
Chimborazo National Park offers high-altitude walking on open páramo, scree, and volcanic sand, with thin air that makes every hill feel steeper than it looks. Wildlife includes vicuñas, Andean foxes, and the occasional condor, while the dominant feature is the glaciated cone above you.
  • Carrel to Whymper Refuge: About 1 km one way, roughly 45 minutes up and 20 down. Moderate to hard because of altitude, on loose gravel with a steady incline.
  • Templo Machay loop: Short walks of 1 to 2 hours near the entrance through boulders and shrubs. Easy, and useful for acclimatizing.
  • Condor Cocha lagoon: About 100 meters above the Whymper Refuge, at roughly 5,100 meters, on the same scree path. Hard because of the altitude.
  • Chimborazo summit route: A guided climb of about 8 to 10 hours starting at night from Whymper Refuge. Very hard, requires crampons, ice axes, and prior acclimatization.
Getting to Chimborazo National Park without a car is manageable. Buses from Riobamba toward Guaranda can drop you at the park turnoff, and taxis or tours cover the final climb. Crowds peak on weekends and holidays, but most visitors stop at the refuges. Entry is free, but signing the registration book at the entrance is mandatory. Bring layers, sun protection, and plenty of water.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Altitude is the main issue at Chimborazo National Park, since the entrance sits above 4,000 m and the refuges reach 4,800 to 5,000 m. Spend a couple of days at 2,800 to 3,500 m first, walk slowly, drink plenty of water and descend if headaches or nausea worsen. Weather changes fast, with wind, fog and freezing rain even in dry months, so carry a windproof shell, warm layers, gloves, a hat and sun protection, since UV is intense. Trails are mostly open and stony with little shade, and fog can hide paths, so stay on marked routes. Glaciers and the summit call for a licensed guide, crampons and ice experience. Vicuñas roam the park and are harmless, so keep a respectful distance. Take cash for fees and bring food and water, as there is little available inside.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Two to three days works well for Chimborazo National Park, including one day to acclimatize in Riobamba at about 2,750 m. A single day lets you reach the refuges at 4,800 to 5,000 m and walk the base trails or the Hieleros path. Summit attempts need an extra two days for acclimatization and a night climb.
Yes, you can reach Chimborazo National Park without a car, though public transport only goes part of the way. Buses from Riobamba toward Guaranda pass the park road, but you will need to walk or hitch the last stretch. Most backpackers split a taxi or join a tour from Riobamba for about US$25 to 40 per vehicle, with the trip taking around 45 minutes.
Chimborazo National Park has no entrance charge, and you sign in at the gate with your passport. Climbing the summit needs a certified guide, whose fee runs roughly US$200 to 300, plus refuge beds at US$25 to 45. Bring cash, since cards are rarely accepted at the entrance or the refuges.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Ecuadorian national parks near Chimborazo

Explore more nearby:

  • Sangay National Park—Active ash plume, Atillo lagoons, Ozogoche ducks, Alao springs| 88 km away
  • Los Illinizas—Twin summits, ridge scramble, Nuevos Horizontes hut, La Virgen trailhead| 91 km away
  • Cotopaxi National Park—Symmetrical cone, Limpiopungo loop, scree refuge, snowline| 96 km away

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Chimborazo National Park suits fit, patient walkers who like thin air, big skies, and empty tracks, and it frustrates anyone short on layers or acclimatization days. I would spend two nights in Riobamba first, bring a windproof shell and gloves, and plan the refuge climb for early morning.

✈️ When did I visit Ecuador?
Ecuador I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Ecuador, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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