You are not currently logged in.

Travel Guides

Chimborazo Park Travel Guide

Travel to Chimborazo Park - Home to the Spectacular Volcano

Ratings:: Be the first to rate this.

Reviews:: Be the first to write a review

Located in the Cordillera Occidental of the Andes of central Ecuador, 150 kilometres south-southwest of the capital Quito, this park is the site of a uniquely insensible geographical marvel, the misty peak of Mount Chimborazo. Its summit is generally regarded as the spot on the surface farthest from the centre of the Earth measuring 6 384.4 kilometres from the Earth's core to the peak. Chimborazo's majestic summit rises 2 500 metres above the surrounding highlands with a 20 kilometre wide base.

Several theories regarding the origin of the name Chimborazo exist. After one theory it is a combination of the Cayapa Schingbu for Women and the Colorado/Quichua Razo for Ice/Snow resulting in Women of Ice. After another theory Chimbo is Jivaro for Throne of Master/God resulting in Icethrone of God. The locals also used to call the mountain Urcorazo, with the Quichua Urco for Mountain resulting in Mountain of Ice. For the local indigenous mysticism, the Chimborazo represents Taita (Father) whereas neighbouring Tungurahua is seen as Mama, Taita Chimborazo, and Mama Tungurahua.

Attractions in Chimborazo Park

Travellers can enjoy visiting nearby cities namely Riobamba, Ambato, and Guaranda. Chimborazo is surrounded by the Reserva de Produccion Faunistica Chimborazo which forms a protected ecosystem to preserve the habitat for the Andes native camelids Vicuna, Llama, and Alpaca.