This high altitude trek through the Abraspungo – Chimborazo Area is suited for those who are in good shape and enjoy mellow hiking through the Andes.
This trek starts at 3200m and leads up into the vallay called Abraspungo, passing through agriculture land. This valley was created by glacier carving in the past and now separates the sister mountains of Chimborazo and Carihuairazo.
During this hike you will reach a maximum height of 4000m before dropping back down to 3000m. The entire trek follows dry trails and leads through a wonderful paramo region known for its own distinct high alpine wildlife. On nice clear days this trek offers great views of the all-powerful and impressive Chimborazo as well as other snow-capped volcanoes in the lower lying valleys.
We leave Quito in the morning and drive south on the Pan-American till we arrive after a 4-hour ride at Urbina, a small rural village close the old railway track, halfway between Ambato and Riobamba. Close in the vicinity on a local farm we set up camp. In the afternoon we will explore the farming area and its many animals.
After breakfast we begin our adventure leaving the farming community of Urbina and hikeing up the valley of Abraspungo. The valley leeds to the pass between Chimborazo and Carihuairazo.
This stretch takes 5 hours on a well-constructed trail, crossing some small creeks until we finally reach a place called Siete Vueltas, at an altitude of 3800m. Here we will sleep at the Urcu Huasi refuge. Later in the afternoon we hike around the surrounding hills to explore the area and get to know the interesting plants and observe birds, like eagles or the famed caracaras. We also get a better and closer look of Carihuairazo with its rugged top.
On this last day, we will hike up to the refuge of Chimborazo. The road leads through a region with sparse vegetation but populated by the beautiful vicuñas, the most graceful of the Llamas animals. From there we will have the massive glacier of Chimborazo right in front of us. After lunch we set out for the 4 hour drive by jeep back to Quito.
All Gulliver cars come with advanced satellite tracking devices to control position and speed, or for extra safety in an unlikely case of an accident (does not apply for subcontracted transportation services). Every car has full insurance. We always make sure to fulfill the highest security and safety standards for all our clients.
Good luck, have fun and enjoy your adventure!!