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Downhill en el Chimborazo | Desciende desde el volcán más alto de los Andes

Experience the Chimborazo Extreme AdventureEcuador’s highest volcanoon a full-day tour from Baños de Agua Santa.

Trek to Refugio Whymperhike to Condorcocha Lagoon, and enjoy an adrenaline-filled downhill bike ride to San Juan (only up to the point allowed by Chimborazo National Park). 

 Explore glaciersAndean flora and fauna, and immerse in local Andean villages and culturein a tour packed with mountain adventurenature, and thrills. 

Note: 
The itinerary can be adapted to your needs. 
Contact us for more information and customize your adventure with our travel advisors. 

Itinerary Downhill en el Chimborazo | Desciende desde el volcán más alto de los Andes

GENERAL INFORMATION

Tour Duration: Full Day (approximately 10 hours)

Tour Type: Mountain adventure, trekking, downhill cycling, nature

Tour Mode: Private tour

Departure From: Hotel or selected pickup point within Baños de Agua Santa

Average Altitude: 4,800 – 5,041 m / 15,748 – 16,538 ft

Vehicle Distance: 70 km / 43 miles

Average Temperature: 8°C – 18°C / 46°F – 64°F

Difficulty Level: Medium to high (downhill cycling experience required)

 

DETAILED ITINERARY 

Departure from Baños (08:00 AM): 
Pickup from your hotel or designated pointDuring the 70 km / 43 miles drive, enjoy Andean villagespotato and corn fields, vicuñas and llamas, and stunning rural landscapes. 

Ascent to Refugio Whymper: 
Arrival at 4,800 m / 15,748 ft. Acclimatization and explanation of Andean flora, fauna, glaciers, and Chimborazo geology. 

Hike to Condorcocha Lagoon: 
45–60 minutes trekking to 5,041 m / 16,538 ft, with photo opportunitiesglacier observationAndean birds, and breathtaking mountain views. 

Downhill Bike Ride: 
Exciting descent to San Juan village via external Chimborazo routes. 


Note: The ride is allowed only up to the point authorized by Chimborazo National Parkrespecting regulations and safety. Dirtmud, and rocky trails with stops for hydration and sightseeing. Prior mountainbiking experience required. 

Lunch: 
Served at the refuge or as full box lunchdepending on date. Typical Andean food included. 

Visit Andean Villages: 
Cultural tour in San Juan and surroundingslearning about local traditionscrafts, and agriculture. 

Return to Baños: 
Private vehicle transfer, arriving around 6:00 PM. 

Included Services

    Private transport from Baños 

    Certified professional guide 

    Guided hike to Refugio Whymper & Condorcocha Lagoon 

    Downhill bike & equipment 

    Lunch or full box lunch 

Not Included Services

    Travel insurance (recommended) 

    Additional drinks 

    Tips 

    Personal expenses 

Map of Tour Location

Additional Information of Downhill en el Chimborazo | Desciende desde el volcán más alto de los Andes

BEST TIME TO DO THE CHIMBORAZO DOWNHILL AND TREKKING TOUR

The Chimborazo Downhill & Trekking Tour from Baños de Agua Santa is a high-altitude adventure designed for travelers seeking adrenaline, extreme landscapes, and direct contact with Andean nature. This experience combines trekking above 5,000 meters with an exciting downhill biking ride in one of Ecuador’s most extreme environments.

Chimborazo is Ecuador’s highest volcano at 6,263 m (20,548 ft), and tourist activities typically reach elevations between 4,800 and 5,100 meterswhere oxygen levels are significantly lower and conditionsare more demanding. 

 

Average altitude: 4,800 – 5,041 m / 15,748 – 16,538 ft 
Total durationApproximately 10 hours 
Downhill biking distance: 15 – 20 km / 9 – 12 miles (depending on route and conditions) 
Difficulty level: Medium – high 
Climate: Cold high-mountain conditions (0°C to 10°C / 32°F – 50°F), strong winds, intense UV radiation, and rapidly changing weather

MOST STABLE SEASON

June – September | December – February

Lower probability of heavy rainfall in the Andes

Clear views of Chimborazo, glaciers, and surrounding landscapes

Safer conditions for both trekking and downhill biking

Drier and more stable terrain (less mud and slippery rocks)

These months are considered the best for high-altitude activities in Ecuador, including mountaineering on Chimborazo.

Recommended for: 
Travelers looking for better weather conditions, safety, and clear panoramic views

 

RAINIER SEASON

March – May | October – November

Higher chances of rain, fog, and occasional snow

More technical terrain: mud, wet rocks, and reduced traction

Lower visibility in some sections

More challenging and physically demanding experience

Weather conditions can change rapidly during these monthsaffecting both trekking and biking.

Recommended for: 
Experienced riders or mountain travelers looking for a more technical and adventurous challenge

 

PRE-TOUR PREPARATION

Get a good night’s sleep before the tour (essential for high altitude)

Stay well hydrated (helps reduce altitude sickness risk)

Eat a light meal before departure

Avoid alcohol the day before

Ideally spend 1–2 days acclimatizing at moderate altitude (Baños, Riobamba, etc.)

Be prepared for reduced oxygen levels above 4,800 m

The hike to the refuge and lagoon typically takes 45 to 60 minutes depending on fitness level and altitude conditions.

 

SAFETY DURING THE TOUR

Certified guides accompany the entire experience

Technical briefing before the downhill ride

Constant supervision during trekking and biking

Professional downhill bikes with suspension and reliable braking systems

Mandatory safety equipmenthelmetgloves, and protective gear

Routes adapted based on weathergroup level, and National Park regulations

The downhill route includes dirt roadsrocky sections, and technical terrainrequiring prior mountain biking experience.

Clothing and footwear:

Thermal base layer (essential)

Waterproof and windproof jacket

Comfortable pants or спортив wear

Thermal gloves (important for cold downhill conditions)

Closed-toe shoes with good grip

Personal protection:

Sunscreen SPF 50+ (very strong UV radiation at altitude)

UV-protection sunglasses

Buff, scarf, or thermal hat

Lip balm

Gear and personal items:

Water bottle (minimum 1 liter)

Energy snacks (chocolate, nuts, energy bars)

Camera or smartphone

Small backpack

Useful extras:

Extra clothing (for weather changes)

Additional rain protection

Personal medication

Altitude sickness medication (optional)

 
 

GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS 

Stay hydrated and follow the guide’s instructions at all times 

Acclimatize at the first refuge before hiking or biking downhill 

Respect local flora, fauna, and Andean cultural sites 

Support local artisans and communities along the route 

Avoid overexertion during high-altitude trekking or biking 

 

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE 

Full-day Chimborazo Volcano adventure from Baños 

Trekking to Whymper Refuge (4,800–5,041 m / 15,748–16,538 ft) 

Stunning views of glaciersAndean landscapes, and Condorcocha Lagoon 

Downhill bike ride to San Juan village (only up to the point allowed by Chimborazo National Park) 

Scenic trails through Andean villagescultivated fields, and dirt roads 

Interaction with local communities and Andean culture 

Lunch at the refuge or a complete box lunchdepending on availability 

Learning about Andean flora, fauna, and mountain history 

Funchallenge, and connection with high-altitude nature 

Unforgettable memories from a full-day Chimborazo tour with downhill biking 

BOOKINGS AND PAYMENTS 

Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to confirm the reservation. 

Remaining balance: Full payment must be completed before the tour starts. 

Payment methods: Bank transfer, credit cardor secure online payment platforms. 

Seasonal pricingPrices may vary depending on the time of year. 

 

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS 

30 days in advance: 50% refund (administrative fees deducted). 

15 days in advance: Non-refundable. 

Force majeure: Date rescheduling or travel credit will be offered. 

No-show: Non-refundable under any circumstances. 

 

TRAVEL CONDITIONS 

The itinerary may change due to weather conditionslogisticsor safety reasons. 

Passengers must inform us of any medical conditions or allergies. 

valid identification document (ID or Passport) is mandatory. 

Travel insurance is recommended. 

Minors must travel accompanied by a responsible adult. 

Children up to 3 years old: 30% discount. 

Children up to 2 years old: Free of charge (no extra bed guaranteed). 

Children 12 years and olderAdult rate applies. 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL AND CULTURAL RESPONSIBILITY 

Full respect for nature and local communities. 

Littering or damaging natural areas is strictly prohibited. 

Support local commerce by purchasing directly from artisans. 

Respect indigenous customs and sacred areas. 

 

TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY 

Vehicles that meet all legal and safety requirements. 

Certified guides and drivers. 

Strict compliance with safety regulations at all times. 

 

ASSISTANCE AND COMMUNICATION 

Support available throughout the entire tour. 

Timely updates in case of changes or emergencies. 

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Next Adventure Ecuador Agencia de Turismo Ecuador
Next Adventure Ecuador Agencia de Turismo Ecuador
Next Adventure Ecuador Agencia de Turismo Ecuador
Next Adventure Ecuador Agencia de Turismo Ecuador
Next Adventure Ecuador Agencia de Turismo Ecuador
Next Adventure Ecuador Agencia de Turismo Ecuador
Next Adventure Ecuador Agencia de Turismo Ecuador
Next Adventure Ecuador Agencia de Turismo Ecuador
Next Adventure Ecuador Agencia de Turismo Ecuador
Next Adventure Ecuador Agencia de Turismo Ecuador
Next Adventure Ecuador Agencia de Turismo Ecuador

Travel Tips

Here you will find updated and detailed information about the requirements for traveling: entry documents, visas, vaccines, medical insurance and other important aspects that you must take into account. Review our tips and make sure you meet all the necessary requirements to enjoy your stay to the fullest.

Traveler's Guide What to do in case of emergency?