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18978 Hits
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77.48% Score
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8 Votes
Page Type:
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Hut/Campground |
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Lat/Lon:
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1.52324°S / 78.83821°W |
Season:
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Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
Elevation:
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13123 ft / 4000 m |
Overview
Chimborazo Hill Star refuge.
The refuge is located on the southwestern flanks of Chimborazo volcano which at 6,310 m (20,702 ft) is Ecuador’s highest volcano and the furthest point from the center of the earth due to the earth’s equatorial bulge.
It was used as a Base Camp for the early expeditions to Chimborazo and as the starting point for the several treks around the volcano.
The Refuge is part guesthouse, part museum. Each wall, mantelpiece, shelf and table is covered with photos, relics from the surrounding indigenous communities and assorted climbing paraphernalia.
The construction of the refuge was made with materials from the páramo and wasteland. It is decorated with beautiful ceramic tiles, wooden structures and floors, and with photographs, engravings and objects from the Natural and Alpine History of Chimborazo. Each bedroom is named after a famous mountaineer, scientist or traveler from the XIX Century that once visited this mountain.
The refuge is owned by Expediciones Andinas – Marco Cruz. It is perfect for acclimatization before ascending Chimborazo or nearby Carihuayrazo.
Getting there
From the new Terminal de buses Quitumbe located at the south of Quito, take any of the southbound buses to Riobamba (USD. 3,75 – 3:30 hours).From Terminal Terrestre de Riobamba take one of the several buses that go to Guaranda, but ask the driver to drop you off at Estrella Del Chimborazo or Marco Cruz lodge, 5 minutes before Casa Condor (there's a signed turnoff at the right side of the road and a big wooden gate). It is located 20 minutes after passing the town of San Juan.
Facilities
Cabaña Condor.
Cabins (Condor and Curiquingue)
2 Cabins with 8 double bedrooms, 4 per cabin, 2 per floor.
4 full bathrooms, 1 per floor shared by two bedrooms.
Electricity, hot water, heater.
Small living room on the second floor of each cabin.
Comfy and warm bed covers (you don’t need a sleeping bag)
Main Cabin
Restaurant and lounge area
Fire place
Kitchen
Shelves with slippers for guests
There’s a capacity for 30 persons in the dining room. National and International cuisine is served.
A bit of history
The historical Tambo de Totorillas (a roadside inn) was once located in this place, along the Old Royal Road between Quito and Guayaquil.The refuge was rebuilt combining its traditional vernacular architecture with modern comfort and facilities.
Transportation
Cerro Chalata
Rates
USD. 30,00 – USD. 50,00 for overnight, depending on number of guests.Attractions
Guests have the opportunity to see llamas and alpacas from very close while they graze in the surroundings. They have been re-introduced to the valley where once they were numerous.The main attraction here though is the climb to the nearby hill, Cerro Chalata (4,200 m / 13,776 ft) which I highly recommend. It’s summit is the best spot in the area, with stunning views of the surroundings as well as Chimborazo southwestern face, Altar and Sangay volcano in the Amazon (most of the times erupting).