National park · Ecuador
Chimborazo National ParkParque Nacional Chimborazo
Enter Chimborazo for $0 (register at the 4300 m gate), take the short road hike to the first refuge (≈3 h) for a day trip, or join a guided summit climb (≈9–10 h, $450‑600) in the dry season; avoid July‑August thunderstorms.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
150 km² (58 sq mi)58 sq mi (150 km²)
approximate
Established
2000
Best months
Jun, Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 8Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Ecuador ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an Ecuadorian consulate.
- Ecuador ↗The Galápagos has its own entry controls: a transit control card bought at the airport before departure, a national park entrance fee, and inspections for food and plants. Check official Galápagos rules before booking.
- Ecuador ↗Several coastal provinces (including Guayas, where Guayaquil is) are under official warnings and periodic states of emergency; read your government's advice before routing through them.
- Andean Highlands ↗Quito sits at about 2,850 m; give the first day to acclimatisation before any hike above 3,500 m.
- Andean Highlands ↗Ecuador uses the US dollar; carry small notes and coins for buses and markets.
At a glance
- Country
- Ecuador
- Area
- 150 km² (58 sq mi)58 sq mi (150 km²)
- Approximate protected area of the Reserva de Producción Faunistica Chimborazo.
- Established
- 2000
- Best months
- Jun, Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Riobamba
Chimborazo National Park protects the high‑altitude ecosystems around Ecuador’s highest peak, offering glacier views, vicuña habitats and mountaineering routes.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteProtected wildlife reserve for vicuñas, llamas and alpacas.
Size and age
150 km² (58 sq mi)58 sq mi (150 km²) · national park since 2000
Approximate protected area of the Reserva de Producción Faunistica Chimborazo.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Riobamba.
Why go
- Highest point on Earth measured from the planet's centre.
- Glacier‑capped summit with striking alpine scenery.
- Opportunity to see vicuñas on the lower slopes.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprGo
- MayGo
- JunBest
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanRainy season, trails muddy.
- FebRainy season.
- MarTransition, fewer crowds.
- AprImproving weather.
- MayStart of dry season.
- JunDry, clear skies.
- JulThunderstorms possible.
- AugRainy, higher risk of landslides.
- SepDry, good visibility.
- OctDry, cooler.
- NovDry, occasional showers.
- DecShorter days, occasional rain.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VicuñaAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Llamas and alpacasAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| 4300 m entrance gate | Registration point, parking, information desk. | Open daily; free entry. |
| First refuge (4800 m) | Basic shelter, water source. | Reachable on foot (≈3 h) or by taxi from gate. |
| Summit area (6263 m) | Glacier‑covered peak, viewpoint. | Guided ascent only. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are centre of the Chimborazo massif; specific trail points are approximate.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (registration at 4300 m gate) | Free | person | Free but must register. |
| Bus ticket to Chimborazo entrance (Riobamba → gate) | US$3.8 | person | As of Aug 2026. |
| Guided summit climb (group of ≥2) | US$450–600 | person | Price varies by agency; includes guide and equipment. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Summit permit permit or guide
Park registration permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$3.80
- US$450–600
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for any ascent above 5000 m and for summit attempts.
- Camping
- Not allowed above the first refuge; only designated shelters may be used.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited throughout the park.
- Litter
- Pack out all waste.
- Glacier travel
- Only with a certified guide and proper equipment.
Where to stay
Near the park
Riobamba
Budget hostels, mid‑range hotels, and guesthouses; 30 km (19 mi) from the gate.Budget hostels, mid‑range hotels, and guesthouses; 19 mi (30 km) from the gate.
Near the park
Guaranda
Small hotels and family rooms; similar distance.
Safety
Altitude sickness medium
Glacier crevasses high
Thunderstorms medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Entrance gate reachable by vehicle; short paved road to first refuge.
- Higher altitude sections are steep and require good fitness.
Visiting lightly
- Use registered guides to support local tourism and conservation.
- Carry out all waste; do not disturb wildlife.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Chimborazo?
Entry registration is free; you only need to pay for transport (≈$3.80 bus ticket) and, if you want to summit, a guide ($450‑$600).
What are the best hikes in Chimborazo?
The road hike to the first refuge (≈3 h) is suitable for most visitors. The guided sunrise summit (≈9‑10 h) is the main mountaineering route.
When is the best time to visit Chimborazo?
The dry season June to September offers clear skies and stable weather; avoid July‑August thunderstorms for summit attempts.
Do I need a guide to reach the summit?
Yes. Summit attempts above 5000 m require a licensed guide and proper equipment.
Can I camp in the park?
Camping is only allowed in designated shelters such as the first refuge; wild camping is prohibited.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Chimborazo National Park
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