M5b : 5 days / 4 nights
                   ( Carihuairazo & Chimborazo)



Day 1     We leave Quito at 9 a.m. and drive south to Ambato. From there we take the road towards Guaranda and before reaching Piedra Colorado, we take a turn towards the mountain. We drive on a secondary road till we reach the huts serving as the station for the vicuña breeding farm. If allowed we establish our base camp in one of the rooms or put up tents closer to the mountain. 


Day 2     Today we explore the Abraspungo region, which separates Chimborazo from Carihuairazo. We spend most of the time around an altitude of some 4000m, which ideally serves us for our acclimatization process. The valley offers a rich fauna and flora which we get to know on our hikes.


Day 3     At night we get up and after a quick breakfast we begin our hike towards the base of the mountain. Reaching the ice field we put on our ice climbing gear and ascend to the Maxim peak. Weather permitting we have a splendid view of Chimborazo. After enjoying it we descend back and after packing up, drive to the refuge of Chimborazo.


Day 4      We spend the day resting at the second refuge at 5000m. Short hikes in the area can be undertaken. After an early diner, we go up to our rooms to catch some sleep  before we get up at 11pm for breakfast and to get ready for the midnight climb.


Day 5     We begin our climb at midnight and reach the summit in 7 to 8 hours. Depending on weather conditions we spend up to half an hour on top and then begin the 4-hour descent back to the refuge. We arrive in Quito late afternoon.