Hiking to the Chimborazo Volcano Ice Mine

Join us for a hiking experience to the Chimborazo Volcano Ice Mine, focusing on an ancient profession in the Ecuadorian Andes.

Hiking to the Chimborazo Volcano Ice Mine

At 7 am, pick-up will be from your hotel in Riobamba, followed by travel to Cuatro Esquinas, located at an altitude of 14,271 feet (4,350 metres), which serves as the starting point for our hike to the ice mine of Chimborazo Volcano.

We will embark on a 6-mile (10-kilometre) hike, observing endemic plant life and wildlife such as llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas in the Andes valleys. As we encounter these animals, we will share informative facts, including details about the growth of vicuñas' incisors.

Upon reaching the Chimborazo ice mine, a historic location where local workers have extracted ice blocks for centuries, we will take a break for a picnic lunch consisting of a sandwich, a piece of fruit, and juice. Afterwards, we will begin our return journey, aiming to drop you off at your hotel in Riobamba by 4:30 pm.

Ice Extraction

For those opting for this added experience, a demonstration of ice extraction will be provided by an industry expert. This session will cover the history of the business and the methods local workers used to transport and sell ice in the area.