Chimborazo Volcano Day Trip from Quito with Pickup

Summary

Quito to Chimborazo: wild landscapes, high-altitude hikes, and local warmth

You’ll travel from Quito into Ecuador’s highlands with a local guide, passing volcanoes before hiking up Chimborazo’s slopes to Condorcocha lagoon at 5,100 meters. Expect wild vicuñas darting through volcanic plains and moments of real silence above the clouds. Lunch in Ambato rounds off your day before heading home—there’s something about that mountain air that stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

“If you see a vicuña, make a wish,” our guide Marco said as we rattled out of Quito before sunrise. He grinned in the rearview mirror, like he’d made this drive a hundred times but still found it funny. I was half-awake and honestly didn’t know what a vicuña looked like yet — but by the time we left the city behind and the volcanoes started popping up along the road, I was wide awake. The air felt thinner already, or maybe it was just nerves about hiking at altitude.

The drive to Chimborazo isn’t short — four hours give or take — but there’s something hypnotic about watching the patchwork fields and distant peaks roll by. Marco pointed out Cotopaxi and Tungurahua, names I’d only seen on maps before. We stopped for coca tea at a tiny roadside place where the woman behind the counter handed me my cup with both hands, smiling shyly. The tea tasted earthy and sharp; my fingers tingled a little after. Maybe it helped with the altitude? Hard to say, but I liked that moment.

At the first refuge (4,800 meters!), everything felt quieter except for the wind scraping over rocks. My boots crunched on volcanic gravel as we climbed toward Condorcocha lagoon. It’s not an easy walk—Marco kept an eye on us, telling stories about climbers who’d come here from all over. We saw two vicuñas darting across the slope—so yeah, I made my wish (not telling). The sky kept shifting between sun and sudden clouds; sometimes you couldn’t see anything but white mist swirling around your face. That silence up there is different from anywhere else I’ve been—like your thoughts echo louder than usual.

We stopped for lunch in Ambato on the way back—nothing fancy, just hot soup and rice with chicken—but after that cold air it tasted better than most meals I can remember. Marco joked that if you finish your plate in one go at altitude, you’re officially Ecuadorian. I tried but failed spectacularly; he laughed so hard he almost spilled his own soup. The ride back to Quito was quiet—I watched shadows stretch across fields until we hit city lights again. Sometimes when I close my eyes now, I still feel that wind on my cheeks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chimborazo Volcano full day tour

• Pick up from Quito hotels
• Travel along Avenue of the Volcanoes
• Observe Ilinizas, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua volcanoes
• Arrive at Arenales refuge
• Walk from first refuge (4800m) to Condor Cocha lagoon (5100m)
• Observe local flora and fauna including Vicuña
• Travel to Ambato for lunch stop
• Return to Quito city

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Quito to Chimborazo?

The tour takes about a full day, including roughly four hours each way by private transport plus time for hiking and lunch stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this Chimborazo tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in Quito’s main tourist areas; airport hotels may have an extra charge.

How difficult is the hike to Condorcocha lagoon?

The walk is short but demanding due to high altitude; starting at 4,800 meters up to 5,100 meters.

What animals can you see during this tour?

You may spot vicuñas (wild camelids) along with other Andean fauna in the reserve area.

Is lunch included in this Chimborazo volcano day trip?

No, lunch is not included; there is a stop at a restaurant in Ambato where you can buy food.

Can travelers be picked up from Riobamba or Ambato instead of Quito?

Yes, pickups are possible from Riobamba or Ambato upon request; drop-off will be there too if needed.

What should I bring for this high-altitude hike?

Bring winter clothing and prepare for snow or cold weather conditions during parts of the walk.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes; infants and small children can join and ride in a pram or stroller if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Quito (other cities available), private transportation through Ecuador’s volcanic highlands, entrance fees to Chimborazo Reserve, and guidance from a local expert throughout your hike—all before returning home after lunch in Ambato (meal not included).