Hiking to the Chimborazo Volcano Ice Mine from Riobamba

Join us as we go hiking to the Chimborazo Volcano Ice Mine and learn all about an ancient traditional profession in the Ecuadorian Andes. It'll be an experience like no other!

Duration

9 hours 30 minutes.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.

Included

Hotel pickup and drop off
Transport by minibus
English–speaking guide
Picnic lunch
Ice extraction demonstration (optional)

When to book

You can book up to 2 days in advance if there are any seats left. Book now and guarantee your spot.

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Minimum age

Not permitted for anyone under 15 years

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Join us as we go hiking to the Chimborazo Volcano Ice Mine and learn all about an ancient traditional profession in the Ecuadorian Andes. It'll be an experience like no other!

Hiking to the Chimborazo Volcano Ice Mine

At 7 am, we'll pick you up from your hotel in Riobamba and travel to the village of Cuatro Esquinas. This municipality, which is located at an altitude of 14,271 feet (4,350 metres), will be the starting point for our hike to the ice mine of the Chimborazo Volcano.

During our 6-mile (10-kilometre) hike, we'll discover the plantlife endemic to this part of Ecuador and admire the llamas, alpacas and vicuñas that populate these aris valleys of the Andes. We'll also share lots of fun facts about these animals as we spot them, such as the fact that vicuñas' incisors grow at a continuous rate...

We'll then arrive at the Chimborazo ice mine, a beautiful and historic place that's provided work for the local ice workers for centuries. These workers extracted the ice blocks which went on to be sold.

While we're here, we'll take a break and refuel with a picnic lunch that'll include a sandwich, a piece of fruit and juice. It'll then be time to set off on our return journey and drop you off at your hotel in Riobamba for 4:30 pm.

Ice Extraction

If you choose this option, you'll attend a demonstration of ice being extracted by an industry expert. We'll discover what this business consisted of and how the locals used to walk for hours to sell the product in the local area.