Hermanos Carrel Refuge from Riobamba: Private Chimborazo Transfer

Three hours at 4,845 meters to hike self-guided trails without technical climbing gear.

A private transfer from Riobamba to Hermanos Carrel Refuge on Chimborazo Volcano takes you to 4,845 meters, where the driver waits while you spend three hours exploring on marked, self-guided routes. You can reach Whymper Refuge at 5,000 meters and Condor Cocha lagoon at 5,100 meters without a guide or climbing equipment. The service includes a detailed map and video for navigation, air-conditioned transport, bottled water and WiFi on the drive back to Riobamba.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 60 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Riobamba to Chimborazo and back to Riobamba 07:00 Private transport service: you travel only with your own group, with no strangers. Duration: 6 hours. You have 3 hours to explore the beautiful Chimborazo. Water is complimentary for all passengers. Route: Riobamba – Chimborazo – Riobamba. Waiting time: 3 hours. Pickup is included.

Baños to Chimborazo and back to Baños 07:00 Private transport service: you travel only with your own group. Duration: 8 hours. Water is complimentary for all passengers. Route: Baños – Chimborazo – Baños. Waiting time: 3 hours. Pickup is included.

What’s included

• Round-trip private transport from Riobamba or Baños.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• WiFi on board.
• detailed map and video for self-guided navigation.

Times

• Every day 07:00

Before you book

Group Private

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. You can choose from 44 pickup points.

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Infant seats available Pets welcome Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Transporte en Taxi Riobamba

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Need assistance?Message us on WhatsApp or by email›

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 8 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

The experience

Hermanos Carrel Refuge sits at the base of what you came to climb. The transfer picks you up from your hotel, park or terminal in Riobamba at 8 a.m., arrives at the reserve entrance by 9:10 a.m. after registration with your passport, and reaches the refuge by 9:30 a.m. From there, the marked trails branch upward: Whymper Refuge stands 155 meters higher, and Condor Cocha lagoon sits another 100 meters above that. The paths are established and signed. No guide narrates the route, and no technical equipment is needed. You move at your own speed, stop when you want, and turn back when you choose.

The driver stays at the refuge for three hours. At 12:30 p.m., the return journey to Riobamba begins. The vehicle is air-conditioned, carries bottled water and offers WiFi during the drive. You'll receive a detailed map and video before the trip so you know the terrain and can navigate confidently. High-altitude hiking demands preparation: bring cold-weather clothing, sunglasses for snow glare, sunblock, candy or glucose for altitude effects, and your original passport for reserve registration.

Choose the Baños departure if you're staying in that region. The Riobamba pickup works if you're based in or passing through the city. Either way, the logistics are built around independent exploration. You set the pace and the route.

Top questions

Can I reach Whymper Refuge and Condor Cocha lagoon on the same day from Hermanos Carrel?

Yes. Both sites sit on marked trails above the refuge. Whymper Refuge is 155 meters higher and Condor Cocha lagoon is another 100 meters above that. You have three hours to explore both, and the trails are self-guided with no technical climbing required.

What happens during the three hours the driver waits at the refuge?

The driver remains at Hermanos Carrel while you hike. You're free to explore the marked trails at your own pace, turn back whenever you want, and take as much time as you need at each stop. The return to Riobamba begins at 12:30 p.m.

Do I need climbing experience or special gear for this route?

No technical climbing equipment is required. The route is high-altitude hiking on established, marked trails. You'll need proper cold-weather clothing, sunglasses, sunblock and candy for altitude effects, but not ropes, harnesses or climbing skills.

What's included in the transfer, and what should I bring?

The service includes round-trip transport from Riobamba or Baños, bottled water, air-conditioned vehicle and WiFi on the return drive. You must bring your original passport for reserve registration, cold-weather clothing, sunglasses, sunblock and high-altitude snacks. A detailed map and video are provided before departure.

What time does the pickup happen, and when do I return to Riobamba?

Pickup is at 8 a.m. from your hotel, park or terminal in Riobamba. You arrive at the reserve entrance by 9:10 a.m., reach Hermanos Carrel by 9:30 a.m., and the return journey begins at 12:30 p.m., bringing you back to Riobamba by approximately 1:40 p.m.