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Carihuairazo
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Carihuairazo is an extinct volcano located in the Western Cordillera of Ecuador, standing in close proximity to the majestic Chimborazo. Reaching an elevation of 5018 meters, it is one of the significant peaks in the country, though it is often overshadowed by its much taller neighbor. The name Carihuairazo originates from the Quichua language, meaning 'Man of the Snow', reflecting the extensive glaciers that historically covered its summit. In recent decades, the volcano has experienced a significant retreat of its glacial ice, serving as a stark indicator of climate change in the Andes. The volcanic structure features a heavily eroded caldera that is open to the northeast, shaped by millennia of ice action and natural erosion. The mountain is part of the Chimborazo Wildlife Production Reserve, where vicuñas can be seen grazing across the expansive páramo grasslands. For mountaineers, Carihuairazo serves as a handy acclimatization peak before attempting higher summits like Chimborazo. Reaching its top provides remarkable views of the central Ecuadorian 'Avenue of the Volcanoes' and the surrounding highland valleys.
- Location: Ecuador
- Top sights: Tzunantza · Cruzmaqui · Iglesia Católica de Santa Lucía Arriba Bellavista
- Nearby: Saquisilí (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 124 | 146 | 162 | 162 | 129 | 111 | 89 | 75 | 67 | 109 | 113 | 113 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access is mainly via the Pan-American Highway near Ambato, from where local gravel roads lead closer to the slopes of the heavily eroded volcanic mountain.
Best season
The most reliable weather conditions for mountaineering typically occur from December to January and again from June to August to safely avoid unseasonal snowstorms.
Terrain & paths
The terrain combines sweeping páramo grasslands with steep rock formations and remaining glaciers, requiring basic technical climbing skills in the highest upper sections.
What to bring
Complete glacier gear including crampons, ice axes, and rope security is mandatory for a summit push, alongside very warm, windproof expedition-grade clothing.
Parking
Vehicles can be parked in nearby mountain villages or at designated starting points for hikers before the actual trek into the higher altitudes officially begins.
Safety
The weather in the immediate vicinity of Chimborazo can change extremely quickly; dense fog and intense cold present a serious risk of getting lost without a proper guide.
Time needed
A summit attempt typically requires an intensive two-day itinerary with an overnight stay in a high camp to begin the steep ascent well before the morning glacier melt.
Geography
Facts
- Carihuairazo is located about 150 km southwest of Quito.
- The name is derived from 'Cari' (man) and 'Huairazo' (wind/snow).
- Scientists predict its glaciers may completely disappear by 2030.
- The mountain features three main peaks: Josefina, Central, and Mocha.
- The first documented ascent of the peak was recorded in 1880.
- The volcano has remained inactive throughout recorded history.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Carihuairazo (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Carihuairazo difficult to climb?
It is considered a technically easy summit and is often used for acclimatization before tackling neighbor Chimborazo.
How high is the mountain?
The summit reaches an altitude of 5,018 meters above sea level.
Are there glaciers there?
Yes, Carihuairazo has glacier remnants, though they have shrunk significantly due to climate change.
When is the best time for a climb?
The best months are June to August, as well as December and January, when the weather is more stable.
Do you need special equipment?
Yes, crampons, an ice axe, and a rope are necessary for crossing the glacier zones.
Carihuairazo: where is it located?
Carihuairazo is located in Ecuador.
Carihuairazo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tzunantza, Cruzmaqui, Iglesia Católica de Santa Lucía Arriba Bellavista.
Carihuairazo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Carihuairazo: why is it worth visiting?
Carihuairazo is an extinct volcano located in the Western Cordillera of Ecuador, standing in close proximity to the majestic Chimborazo.
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Nearby cities
Ambato
The city of flowers and fruits, famous for its annual festival of the same name.
Riobamba
Often called the Sultana of the Andes, surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes.
Saquisilí
Saquisilí is an authentic Andean town famous for hosting one of the most vibrant and expansive indigenous markets in Ecuador every Thursday.
Latacunga
A colonial town near the Cotopaxi volcano, known for the Mama Negra festival.
Guaranda
The city of seven hills, nestled in the steep valleys of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Azogues
A colonial city in the Andes known for its majestic Franciscan church.
Gualaceo
The gateway to the east from Cuenca, known for hand-woven ikat textiles and leather goods.
Quito
The high-altitude capital of Ecuador, known for its well-preserved colonial historic center.
History & landmarks
The Treehouse
A famous wooden observation deck with a swing dangling over a deep canyon near the Tungurahua volcano.
Sanctuary of the Virgin of Holy Water
A neo-Gothic Catholic basilica in the spa town of Baños, attracting pilgrims from all over South America.
Pujilí
Pujilí is a picturesque town in the Cotopaxi province, renowned for its indigenous markets and vibrant Corpus Christi celebrations.
Alausí
Alausí is a charming heritage town in the Andes, globally famous as the starting point for the dramatic "Nariz del Diablo" train journey.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Dew
A spectacular church built directly into the steep cliffs above the small town of Biblián.
Temple of the Fatherland
A massive museum and monument on the slopes of Pichincha, where the decisive battle for Ecuador's independence took place.
Cañar
Cañar is an Andean town renowned for its vibrant indigenous culture and its proximity to Ingapirca, Ecuador's most important Inca ruins.
Nature
More places
La Fabril Textile Ambato
A major textile company in Ambato, the center of the Ecuadorian textile industry.
Tungurahua
Tungurahua is a highly active volcano above the town of Baños, known for its frequent ash eruptions and lava flows.
Llanganates National Park
The mysterious Andean páramos and cloud forests of the Llanganates are famous for the legend of the lost Inca gold of Atahualpa.
Chimborazo Cement Plant
One of the largest cement plants in the country, playing a crucial role in the construction sector of the Andean region.
Chimborazo
Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador and the farthest point on Earth from the Earth's center.
Iglesia de la Balbanera
The oldest Catholic church in Ecuador, built from volcanic rock to mark the first Spanish village in the country.
🗺️
Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve
A protected area on Ecuador's highest mountain, created specifically for the protection of vicuñas, alpacas and llamas.
Illiniza
The Illinizas are twin volcanoes in the Andes; Illiniza Sur is glacier-covered and technical, while Illiniza Norte is a rocky peak.