Things to Do in Chimborazo, Ecuador

Chimborazo Province in Ecuador is home to the country's highest peak, Mount Chimborazo, which at 6,263 meters is the closest point on Earth to the sun due to the planet's equatorial bulge. This dramatic Andean region offers some of Ecuador's most spectacular high-altitude landscapes, indigenous culture, and outdoor adventures. The provincial capital Riobamba serves as the gateway to this remarkable area, known as the 'Sultan of the Andes' for its commanding presence over the surrounding páramo ecosystem. The region is renowned for its indigenous Puruhá culture, traditional markets, and the famous Devil's Nose train ride that winds through breathtaking mountain scenery. Visitors come to experience world-class mountaineering, witness vicuñas and other high-altitude wildlife in their natural habitat, and explore one of South America's most pristine páramo environments. The area offers a perfect blend of adventure tourism and cultural immersion, with opportunities to stay in traditional haciendas and interact with local communities who have called these highlands home for centuries.

Top Things to Do in Chimborazo

Mount Chimborazo Climbing

Attempt to summit Ecuador's highest peak and the closest point on Earth to the sun, standing at 6,263 meters above sea level. This challenging climb requires proper acclimatization and technical mountaineering skills, but even reaching the first refuge at 4,800 meters offers incredible views and a sense of achievement. The mountain is famous for being climbed by Alexander von Humboldt in 1802, and today attracts climbers from around the world.

Booking Tip: Book with certified ASEGUIM guides, expect to pay $200-400 per person for guided attempts. Best climbing season is June-September and December-February. Ensure your guide provides proper equipment and has rescue insurance. Allow 3-4 days for proper acclimatization.

Devil's Nose Train Ride

Experience one of the world's most dramatic train journeys on the historic Trans-Andean Railway, featuring the famous Devil's Nose switchback section that descends 500 meters in just 12 kilometers. The train zigzags down an almost vertical wall of rock in a spectacular feat of engineering, offering breathtaking views of the Andes. This UNESCO World Heritage railway connects Riobamba to Sibambe through some of Ecuador's most stunning mountain scenery.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost around $35-45 and should be booked in advance, especially on weekends. Trains typically run Thursday-Sunday. Choose seats on the right side for best Devil's Nose views. Bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly during the journey.

Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve Vicuña Watching

Explore the Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve, home to Ecuador's only population of wild vicuñas, as well as llamas, alpacas, and Andean condors. This 58,000-hectare reserve protects unique páramo ecosystem at altitudes between 3,800 and 6,310 meters. Visitors can observe these graceful camelids in their natural high-altitude habitat while learning about conservation efforts and traditional Andean relationships with these animals.

Booking Tip: Entry costs $2-5 per person. Best wildlife viewing is early morning or late afternoon. Hire local guides from nearby communities for $20-30 per day. Bring warm clothes, sun protection, and altitude sickness medication. 4WD vehicle recommended for access roads.

Traditional Hacienda Stays

Experience authentic Andean culture by staying at historic haciendas that have been converted into boutique accommodations. These working farms offer insights into traditional highland life, horseback riding across the páramo, and opportunities to participate in daily activities like sheep herding and quinoa harvesting. Many haciendas also offer spectacular views of Chimborazo and surrounding peaks.

Booking Tip: Hacienda stays range from $80-200 per night including meals. Book directly with properties for best rates. La Andaluza and Hacienda Abraspungo are highly recommended. Many include activities like horseback riding and cultural demonstrations. Reserve well in advance during peak season.

Guano and Penipe Cultural Tours

Visit traditional Andean villages known for their artisan crafts and indigenous culture. Guano is famous for its carpet weaving and leather goods, while Penipe offers insights into rural highland life and serves as a base for exploring the eastern slopes of Chimborazo. These communities provide authentic cultural exchanges and opportunities to purchase directly from local artisans.

Booking Tip: Community-based tours cost $15-25 per person and can be arranged through Riobamba tour operators or directly with communities. Saturday markets offer the best selection of crafts. Consider staying overnight in community accommodations for $10-20 per person to support local families.

Getting There

The main gateway to Chimborazo Province is Riobamba, located 200 kilometers south of Quito. Regular buses run from Quito's Quitumbe Terminal to Riobamba, taking approximately 4 hours and costing $4-6. From Guayaquil, buses take about 5 hours and cost $6-8. The closest airport is in Quito, from where you can rent a car for the scenic 3.5-hour drive through the Avenue of Volcanoes. Many visitors also arrive via organized tours from Quito or as part of multi-day Andes itineraries. The roads are generally good, but a 4WD vehicle is recommended for accessing remote areas around Chimborazo itself.

Getting Around

Within Riobamba, taxis are plentiful and cost $1-3 for city rides, while buses cost $0.25. For exploring Chimborazo and surrounding areas, renting a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended as many attractions are accessed via unpaved mountain roads. Local tour operators offer transportation to major sites like the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve and can arrange multi-day packages. Buses connect Riobamba to nearby towns like Guano ($0.50, 30 minutes) and Penipe ($1, 45 minutes). For serious mountaineering or remote area exploration, hiring a local guide with transportation is essential for both safety and navigation.

Where to Stay

Riobamba city center

La Andaluza Hacienda area

Urbina near Chimborazo base

Guano village

Penipe countryside

Alausí for train access

Food & Dining

Riobamba offers the best dining variety in the region, with traditional highland cuisine featuring cuy (guinea pig), hornado (roasted pork), and locro de papas (potato soup). The central market provides authentic local experiences and budget meals for under $3. Mid-range restaurants around Parque Maldonado serve both Ecuadorian and international cuisine for $8-15 per meal. The historic haciendas offer excellent farm-to-table dining experiences featuring locally-sourced ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Don't miss trying fresh trout from highland streams and locally-produced dairy products including excellent cheese and yogurt from the high-altitude pastures.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Chimborazo is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when skies are clearest for mountain views and climbing conditions are optimal. These months offer the most stable weather for outdoor activities, though temperatures remain cold at high altitudes year-round. The wet season from March to May and October to November brings afternoon rains and clouds that can obscure mountain views, but also transforms the páramo into a lush, flower-filled landscape. For mountaineering specifically, avoid the wettest months of April and November when conditions can be particularly challenging and dangerous.

Insider Tips

Acclimatize gradually - spend at least one night in Riobamba (2,750m) before attempting high-altitude activities around Chimborazo

Pack layers and warm clothing even during dry season, as temperatures can drop below freezing at high altitudes regardless of season

Book Devil's Nose train tickets online in advance and arrive early to secure the best seats on the right side of the train for optimal views of the famous switchback section

Things to Do in Chimborazo