Abraspungo Trekking

Carihuayrazo is located just north of Chimborazo and rises out of the valley of Abraspungo. Its tongue-twisting name means "man of strong wind" or "mountain with much wind".

Set in a quintessential Andean landscape with llamas, alpacas, vicunas, and local Indians tending their flocks, you'll also get a taste of the mountain cultures of Ecuador.

The climb is relatively easy and can be done by people with no previous mountaineering experience. This is your chance to climb a 5.000 m plus mountain if you are in at least average physical condition.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Quito - Hacienda Posada la Estacion
Depart from Quito by private bus on the Pan-American Highway, passing Latacunga and Ambato until you will reach the Acclimatisation centre "Posada la Estacion" at 3.680 m in the hills of Urbina. This is a 4 hours journey with many stops and superb views through the Avenida de los Volcanes. In the afternoon you can do some easy walks in the surroundings of the Acclimatisation centre before you have a good dinner and can relax a bit. -/L/D

Day 2: Hacienda Posada la Estacion – Abraspungo Valley
After breakfast you start your trekking in direction to the Abraspungo Valley. You will walk for approximately 5-6 hours uphill, until you reach your camp in Plazapamba. Your naturalist guide will inform you about the diverse high altitude fauna and flora. If the weather is good, you will have excellent views on the volcanoes Altar and Tungurahua. The Tungurahua is still very active at the moment and with a little luck you will see one of its eruptions. B/L/D

Day 3: Plazapamba – Carihuayrazo
Today you hike for approximately 6 hours through the Abraspungo Valley. Picnic lunch on route. You set up your camp at 4.800 m at the base of the Carihuayrazo near to the Laguna Negra. Good views of Chimborazo und Carihuayrazo. Excellent photographic opportunities! B/L/D

Day 4: Climb of Carihuayrazo – Rio Blanco – Quito

Early breakfast and climb of Carihuayrazo mountain. Lunch at the summit. Afterwards you descend again and hike from the mountain to the village of Rio Blanco. At the nearby Guaranda – Ambato road your car awaits you. From here you drive to Ambato and then on the Pan-American highway north back to Quito in 4 hours. End of the trip. B/L/-

B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / D: Dinner

Prices per person 2011

• USD 718 - with minimum 4 people
• USD 995 - with minimum 2 people
• USD 1,765 - with one person

Included

• Private transportation
• All meals during the tour
• Collective camping (1 or 2 pers. tents, dining tent, toilet tent, camping chairs, tables, dishes, mattresses etc.)
• Certified local guide (English/Spanish other languages upon request and if available)
• For climbing: mountain boots, ice axe, crampons, harness, rope
• Horses or donkeys during the trek
• All features according to the program

Not included

• International flight
• Accommodation and food supply in Quito
• Personal equipment
• Tips
• Travel insurance

What to bring with you

Sleeping bag, trekking shoes, raincoat, rucksack, torch, sunhat, sun block, and camera.

Note: Although this is a moderate trek, it could be very hard if you are not properly acclimatized. You need to be ready and prepared to walk on trails as well as on cross-country terrain, marsh and forests. Do not expect to find well-marked trails like in the Alps or the National Parks of the USA.