Trek the Chimborazo Nature Reserve

Trekking tour in Riobamba

Tour Price : $500 Duration : 5 days Languages: English, Deutsch, Espanol

We will explore the flora and fauna of the Chimborazo Reserve during this five-day trek on the flanks of Chimborazo and through the broad valley of the Rio Mocha.
This journey takes us through one of Ecuador's most unique protected areas — the Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo. The reserve was created to safeguard the fragile páramo grasslands, which are interspersed with glacial lakes, peat bogs, shrublands, and small forest patches.

The Chimborazo Reserve is best known for its wild Andean camelids. Here you can see herds of vicuñas and guanacos roaming freely in their natural habitat. These graceful animals are a highlight of any visit, especially when spotted against the dramatic backdrop of Chimborazo itself.

Besides camelids, the reserve is home to white-tailed deer, mountain rabbits, Andean foxes, and pumas. You may also encounter wild horses and feral donkeys in more remote corners of the park.

Birdlife here is incredibly diverse. From the high-altitude grasslands, look for the Ecuadorian Hillstar — a hummingbird uniquely adapted to life at extreme elevations. The skies above are also patrolled by the mighty Andean Condor, a breathtaking sight as it soars over the peaks.

The plant life in the reserve is just as remarkable. The páramo ecosystem hosts a variety of unusual species including cushion plants, mosses, lichens, and bromeliads that survive in harsh alpine conditions.

You’ll also find rare patches of Polylepis woodlands — some of the highest-altitude forests in the world. These ancient trees grow slowly and only exist in protected and hard-to-reach areas due to past deforestation for firewood and construction.

Other native tree species include the Puma Maqui and Gynoxys, which dot the landscape and offer shelter to birds and mammals. These isolated groves play an important role in preserving local biodiversity.

The high-altitude peaks of Chimborazo and Carihuairazo lie within the reserve.
Chimborazo stands tall at 6,310 meters (20,702 feet) — the highest point in Ecuador. Due to its location near the equator, Chimborazo’s summit is the farthest point from the center of the Earth.

Carihuairazo lies about 10 km (6 miles) northeast of Chimborazo. It once stood as a massive volcano but was largely destroyed during a period of intense activity. Today, all that remains is a 1.5 km wide caldera open to the east.

The area offers incredible views, varied terrain, and a chance to walk through a true high-altitude wilderness. Whether you're interested in wildlife, geology or simply enjoying the silence of nature — this trek has something for everyone.

Additional information