The Wild Road to Edward Whymper Refuge

Refugio Edward Whymper is a high mountain hut at an elevation of 4,855m (15,928ft) above sea level, located in Chimborazo, a province in the central Ecuadorian Andes. It's one of the highest roads in the country. 

Refugio Edward Whymper

Why is it called Edward Whymper Refuge?

Located in the Cordillera Occidental of the central Ecuadorian Andes, the refuge is named after Edward Whymper, the British climber who, in 1880, made the first ascent of Chimborazo with the Swiss Carrel brothers as guides. It was built by Dirección Nacional de Turismo del Ecuador (DITURIS) in June 1979 and is owned by the Ministerio de Turismo del Ecuador.

How to Climb the Chimborazo Stratovolcano?

Near the hut, there is a parking lot for travelers on their way to Chimborazo, a stratovolcano with an elevation of 6,263m above sea level. The summit of Chimborazo is considered the point on Earth's surface that is farthest from the Earth's center.

Is the Road to Edward Whymper Refuge Unpaved?

The road to this large, well-built, and well-maintained mountain hut (also known as Carrel Brothers Refuge) is unpaved but in surprisingly good condition. Mist and fog are common in this area, making it easy to get lost if you're unsure of the parking lot's location. A 4WD, high-clearance vehicle is necessary. Your vehicle needs to be in good condition, and you should prepare for a loss of power due to the high altitude.

How Long is the Road to Edward Whymper Refuge?

Make sure your gas tank is full before setting out. The remote and exposed road to the refuge is steep, stretching 7.2 km (4.47 miles) in length. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 485 meters, with an average gradient of 6.73%..
Pic: Juan Carlos Zamora C

 

 

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