Riobamba
Riobamba is a city in the central highlands of the Andes Mountains in Ecuador at an elevation 2700 meters, not too far south of Chimborazo Mountain.
For people traveling between Quito and Cuenca, Riobamba may be a pleasant stop for a day or two.
It takes
4 hours to get there from Quito,
6hours from Cuenca,
3 hours from Baños
4,5 hours from Guayaquil.
The city is right at Ecuador’s highest mountain, Chimborazo, the center of Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes. With an elevation of 6263 meters above sea level, Chimborazo isn’t just the tallest mountain in Ecuador. The volcano is the furthest point on Earth’s surface, measuring from the center of the Earth.
Because of the Earth’s rotation, the globe isn’t a perfect sphere, but wider at the equator. Chimborazo is located just next to the equator, making it closer to the atmosphere than Everst.
Hiking the volcano is perfectly doable as a daytrip from the city!
This is the way to visit.
To do the daytrip, there are two options to get to Refugio Carrel, the beginning of the trail.
The easiest way to get there is by taxi. Before you get in the car, make sure to discuss with the driver the price and the situation. You want the driver to wait for you up the volcano to get back to the city after the hike. If you don’t do that, he might be gone and you’ll have a hard time finding a ride back. Try not to pay more than 40 to 50 USD for the whole trip, including the waiting. Also, don’t pay until you get back into the city!
Option two is taking the bus to the volcano. At the busterminal, look for the bus to Guaranda but make sure to get off at the Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve.
The good thing is that the bus ride is only 2,5 USD. The bad thing is that the Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve is 10 km walking from Refugio Carrel, which will take you at least two hours to get up there. From Refugio Carrel it is another hour to get to the highest point you can visit without a guide; Condor Cocha, located at 5100 meter.
Furthermore, the bus only goes 3 times per day from Riobamba to Guaranda. This is also the reason why it’s difficult to get back to the city, you might have to wait a long time for the bus after the hike.
So, taxi it is, right?
Even so, if you decide to take the bus anyway, make sure to check the timetable at the bus station to avoid disappointments and problems with your schedule!
I went to the bus terminal at the wrong time (waiting time 2 hours) and ran into 3 other tourists who also didn’t know the bus schedule. We shared a taxi all together to get to Refugio Carrel!
While the trail from Refugio Carrel to Condor Cocha is only 1,3 km, the altitude makes it incredibly difficult to hike. It will take about 60 to 80 minutes to get up there and about half an hour to descend.
If you really want to hike to the summit, 6263 meter high, you need the right equipment and a guide.
What to bring?
Your passport to enter the park!
Water
Snacks
Sunscreen
Sweater
Jacket
Hat
Gloves
Sunglasses
Places to visit in the city:
The The Riobamba Cathedral is located on Plaza Mayor. Parts of the cathedral were built using stones from the former city that was hit by an earthquake in 1797.
Parque Sucre is Riobamba’s most central plaza. The Neptune fountain is the center of the park and was built in 1913.
With clear skies, Parque Abril de 21 is the place you want to hang out and enjoy the views over the city and the volcanoes around. Bring a drink and a snack!
Where to stay
Villa Bonita! Good dorms, beautiful private rooms, good breakfast, wonderful location, amazing host!
