CLIMB CARIHUAIRAZO IN ECUADOR

Mount Carihuairazo is an extinct stratovolcano in the central Ecuadorian Andes located 10kms from the country's highest mountain Chimborazo. The hike towards the base of Carihuairazo is spectacular and done in the shadow of the towering northern face of Mount Chimborazo. The route up to the summit of Mount Carihuairazo is not technically difficult, which makes this a popular climb for beginners, but it does require a good level of fitness and acclimatization to the altitude.

The trek begins at around 3,500 meters above sea level, and the climb to the summit of Carihuairazo reaches an altitude of 5,020 meters. The trek and climb take about two to three days, depending on the pace of the group and the weather conditions. From the summit, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Ecuadorian Andes, including several nearby volcanoes such as Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Sangay.

The foothills surrounding Carihuairazo are inside the "Reserva de Produccion Faunistica Chimborazo" (Reserve for the Production of Fauna) which has seen one of the continents most successful breeding programs to reintroduce endangered camilids like the Vicuñas into the this area of the Andes where they were previously hunted until their population collapsed. The Carihuairazo trek takes you through a variety of ecosystems, from grasslands to high-altitude forests, where you can observe a diverse range of fauna including Andean foxes, Vicuñas, and a variety of bird species.

The trek and climb require a certain level of fitness and experience, and it is important to be properly prepared and equipped for the challenge. As with any outdoor activity, it is essential to respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact and preserve the area's biodiversity.

Carihuairazo, like many other Andean glaciers, has been experiencing significant glacial retreat over recent decades. This trend is largely due to the effects of climate change, particularly rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, which are causing glaciers around the world to shrink. The retreat of glaciers on Carihuairazo is no exception, and it has been one of the more noticeable examples of glacial loss in the region.

The glaciers on Carihuairazo and other peaks in the Chimborazo region have been shrinking as a result of higher average temperatures in the Andes. As global temperatures have risen, the accumulation of snow and ice on the mountain is no longer sufficient to maintain the glaciers. In fact, glaciers at higher elevations, such as those on Carihuairazo, are particularly vulnerable because they are located near the equator, where temperature increases have a more significant impact on ice melt. Nevertheless, while the glacier around the 5,000 meter mark on Carihuairazo has almost disappeared, this hike and climb affords the most incredible views of the glaciers above 5,000 meters on the neighbouring Mount Chimborazo.

CLIMB CARIHUAIRAZO IN ECUADOR

Mountain Mythology

Glacial Retreat on Carihuairazo

Carihuairazo Climb/Hike Includes:

Carihuairazo Costs

This is a complete gear list you need for climbing Ecuador's peaks:

Ecuador Eco Adventure can provide free of charge the following items:

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