Hiking to the Chimborazo Volcano Ice Mine

Join us for a hike to the Chimborazo Volcano Ice Mine and explore an ancient traditional profession in the Ecuadorian Andes.

Hiking to the Chimborazo Volcano Ice Mine

At 7 am, pickup will be from your hotel in Riobamba, followed by travel to Cuatro Esquinas, located at 14,271 feet (4,350 meters), the starting point for our hike to the ice mine of the Chimborazo Volcano.

During our 6-mile (10-kilometer) hike, we will discover the endemic plant life and observe llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas in these Andean valleys. We will share facts about these animals, including information about the continuous growth of vicuñas' incisors.

Upon reaching the Chimborazo ice mine, a historic site that has employed local ice workers for centuries, we will take a break for a picnic lunch, which includes a sandwich, a piece of fruit, and juice. After lunch, we will return and drop you off at your hotel in Riobamba by 4:30 pm.

Ice Extraction

If you select this option, you will attend a demonstration of ice extraction conducted by an industry expert, learning about the history of this business and how locals historically walked for hours to sell the ice in the area.