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Chimborazo volcano adventure

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Hike along historic trade routes in the shadow of Mount Chimborazo, an extinct volcano dominating an Andean landscape of sweeping plains, rural settlements and grazing llamas.

Standing tallest of all within the corridor of soaring peaks known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes, the extinct volcano of Chimborazo is Ecuador’s highest mountain. Its snow-capped form looms up out of sweeping Andean grassland, dominating the skyline and dwarfing the small farmsteads and herds of grazing llama that lie in its shadow.

We can arrange a 3-day adventure hiking in this remote and rugged terrain, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of life in the Andes. The trip begins with a scenic approach from Patate, following a llama trail to a spectacular viewpoint over the volcano.

The next day, you’ll wake in a cosy highland lodge to the sight of Chimborazo rising up to a height of over 6,000m, beckoning you to get out and explore. Today’s walk will follow a historically important trade route, the Camino Real or Royal Road, down the volcano’s southern flank and across a barren desert of ancient volcanic debris to a cluster of rustic settlements and farms.

On the final day, there’s a guided visit to Ecuador’s most important Inca ruin at Ingapirca before continuing on to the graceful city of Cuenca.

Activity Rating: moderate

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  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

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    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

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    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • Sallly
    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

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