Abraspungo Trek

4 days and 3 nights between Chimborazo and Carihuayrazo mountains

Itinerary

This high altitude trek is suited to anyone, who is somehow in shape and likes an easy hike through the Andes. This trek starts at 3.600m / 11,800 ft. and leads first through a farming area then the valley of Abraspungo which has been carved by glaciers in the past Ice Age and separates Chimborazo and Carihuairazo in the present. The highest point reached is around 4.400m / 14,432 ft. The whole trek is on a non-demanding trail through a wonderful paramo region with its own distinct high alpine vegetation and animals. This trek offers on clear days great views to the mighty Chimborazo, other snow-covered volcanoes in the vicinity and to lower lying valleys. DAY 1. - QUITO – URBINA. We leave Quito in the morning and drive south on the Pan-American highway until we arrive after a 4-hour ride to Urbina, a small rural village close to the old railway track, halfway between Ambato and Riobamba. There in the vicinity on a farm we will spend our first night. The afternoon we spend exploring the farming area with its many animals like horses and llamas. DAY 2. - URBINA – ABRASPUNGO (PLAZAPAMBA). After breakfast we begin our adventure, leaving the farming community of Urbina and hike up the valley of Abraspungo. This stretch takes 5 hours on a good trail, crossing an extended farming area until we finally reach a place called Plazapamba at an elevation of 4.200 m / 13,776 ft. where we will set up our campsite. Later in the afternoon we hike around the surrounding hills to explore the area and get to know the interesting plants and observe birds like the Caracara. DAY 3. - ABRASPUNGO – MECHAHUASCA. In the morning we continue on and after three hours walk the high pass at 4.400m / 14,432 ft. then head down towards the community of Mechahuasca located at 4.200m / 13,776 ft. Here the landscape turns, from the lush green of the first days to a much dryer region. Later we will enjoy impressive views to the foothills of the colossal Chimborazo Mountain. DAY 4. - MECHAHUASCA – REF. CHIMBORAZO – QUITO. After loading our camping gear into the jeep we head up to the refuge of Chimborazo. The road leads through a region with sparse vegetation but populated by the beautiful Vicuñas. As soon as we arrive to the first refuge we hike up to the second hut, which is located at 5.000m / 16,400 ft. From there we have the massive glacier of Chimborazo right in front of us. After lunch there we return by private car to Quito where we arrive after a 4-hour drive.