Rising 6,263 meters (nearly 4 miles high), Volcán Chimborazo isnât just the tallest mountain in Ecuador. This inactive stratovolcano is the furthest point on Earthâs surface from the center of Earth. When measuring the height from the earthâs center, rather than sea level, Chimborazo clocks in even higher than Everest.
Summiting Chimborazo is a challenging high-altitude ascent requiring technical ice-climbing gear. Adventurers will also need at least two days to complete the overnight summit. The town of Riobamba acts as the staging ground for this climb. Itâs here that adventure operators are able to assist and guide climbers.
For a less extreme challenge on Chimborazo, itâs also possible to take a short day hike towards the summit. Whether hiking independently or as part of a tour, visitors can ascend to a small pond at an elevation of 5,100 meters high (16,732 feet).