Chimborazo Volcano hike from Baños: Glacier trek with lunch

Chimborazo sits closer to the sun than any other point on Earth, and you climb to the glacier that proves it.

A full-day hiking experience departing Baños at 8:30 a.m., climbing Chimborazo to two mountain stations at 4,800 and 5,041 meters above sea level, with a private guide in English or Spanish, private transportation from town, and a box lunch included. The trek passes through indigenous farmland and a small glacier lagoon on the descent. Children are welcome from age 9. The day demands moderate fitness and acclimatization time at altitude.

The experience

Chimborazo Volcano sits in Riobamba, Ecuador's highest mountain and the point on Earth farthest from the planet's center, which makes it the closest to the sun. The day starts in Baños at 8:30 a.m., and the three-hour drive there is part of the experience: you pass indigenous crops, flocks of sheep, vicuñas, and adobe houses with straw roofs before arriving at the reserve entrance. After registering, the hike begins at the first station and climbs to the first benchmark at 4,800 meters above sea level, where acclimatization matters before moving higher.

The trek continues to the second base at 5,041 meters. When it rains, a short 10-minute walk from this point reaches a small lagoon sitting just steps from the glacier itself: close enough to see the ice without a technical climb. The descent takes about 40 minutes, and then you eat lunch before returning to the vehicle for the drive back to Baños. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the whole day, and the operator includes photos from the trek.

This is a full commitment: 10.5 hours door to door means no other major activity fits the same day. Bring warm clothes, closed-toe hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket, gloves, sunscreen, snacks and water. Moderate fitness is required, and the altitude demands respect. The hike is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Baños.
• admission to the reserve.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• a box lunch.
• and photos from the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (9 to 11 years) · Under 9: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Please enter Hostel Transilvania and let one of the staff know, you are waiting to be picked up for this activity.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Kajol Lavan Travel

Is this one for you?Book this when you're based in Riobamba or willing to travel there for a full day. The round-trip from Baños takes several hours, so it doesn't combine with other activities that day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (9 to 11 years). Under 9: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What time does the hike start and how long is the whole day?

Departure from Baños is 8:30 a.m., and the full experience takes 10.5 hours including the three-hour drive each way, the climb, and lunch.

How high do you climb on Chimborazo?

The trek reaches two stations: the first benchmark at 4,800 meters above sea level, then the second base at 5,041 meters, with acclimatization time built in between.

What is included in the tour?

Private transportation from Baños, admission to the reserve, a live guide in English or Spanish, a box lunch, and photos from the day are all included.

Is there a glacier to see on this hike?

Yes. A short walk from the second station reaches a small lagoon located just steps from the glacier, visible when conditions allow.