Hiking to the Chimborazo Volcano Ice Mine

Join us as we go hiking to the Chimborazo Volcano Ice Mine and learn 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, 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 plant life endemic to this part of Ecuador and admire the llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas that populate these valleys of the Andes. Fun facts about these animals will be shared, such as the continuous growth of vicuñas' incisors.

We will then arrive at the Chimborazo ice mine, a historic site providing work for local ice workers for centuries. These workers extracted ice blocks for sale.

While at the ice mine, we'll take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch, which includes a sandwich, a piece of fruit, and juice. We will then begin our return journey, dropping you off at your hotel in Riobamba by 4:30 pm.

Ice Extraction

If you choose this option, you'll attend a demonstration of ice extraction by an industry expert. We will explore the business and how locals historically walked for hours to sell the product in the local area.