Welcome, adventurous souls, to another exciting exploration with Summit Stoke! Today, we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries surrounding two of the world’s towering peaks – Chimborazo and Everest. While Everest might be a truly iconic name in the mountaineering world, Chimborazo, Ecuador’s gem, boasts a unique claim to fame that might just surprise you.

Chimborazo’s Pinnacle: The Closest Point to the Sun

Many mountaineers dream of conquering Everest, the highest point on Earth above sea level. However, did you know that the peak of Chimborazo holds a distinct title of its own? It is the closest point to the sun on our planet, and here’s why:

Understanding Earth’s Oblate Spheroid Shape:

To comprehend this phenomenon, we need to delve into a bit of geography and physics. Earth is not a perfect sphere; it’s an oblate spheroid. The planet bulges at the equator due to its rotation, making the equatorial region slightly farther from the Earth’s center compared to areas near the poles.

Chimborazo’s Equatorial Location:

Chimborazo, situated near the equator in Ecuador, benefits from Earth’s oblate spheroid shape. While Everest may be taller above sea level, Chimborazo’s peak is the farthest point from the Earth’s center when measured from the equator. This unique positioning makes Chimborazo’s summit the closest point to the sun on Earth – about 2,160 m farther than Everest’s summit.

The Thrill of Chimborazo: A Genuine Wilderness Experience

In the heart of the Andes, Chimborazo emerges as the epitome of real adventure. The main distinction lies in the untouched wilderness that surrounds this magnificent peak. Unlike the Himalayas, where big commercial expeditions dominate, Chimborazo offers a pristine, wild environment that allows you to connect intimately with nature. Around the slopes of Chimborazo it’s very common to find wild Vicuñas, Andean Foxes and Rabbits. Summit Stoke proudly embraces the ethos of climbing in true alpine style, leaving nothing but footprints in the snow as we ascend the heights of Ecuador’s iconic peak. 

The Andes: Where Real Adventure Still Exists

Escape the crowds and experience the raw beauty of the Andes. Summit Stoke’s expeditions take you far away from the well-trodden paths, allowing you to savor the thrill of genuine exploration. Climbing in the Andes means no fixed ropes, no noisy helicopters, and no hordes of people disrupting the tranquility of the mountains. The Andes, a realm where true adventure still thrives, stands in contrast to the well-trodden paths of many popular Himalayan peaks. Here, amidst the breathtaking Andean landscapes, Summit Stoke beckons you to experience an authentic mountaineering adventure far removed from big, commercialized expeditions, fixed ropes, helicopters, and bustling crowds associated with Everest.

Climbing Chimborazo: Tailored for Adventurous Souls

Add Chimborazo as an optional 2-day extension to our Intermediate and Advanced expeditions or send us an email for a private, tailor-made tour embracing the authentic spirit of alpine climbing in Ecuador. When properly acclimatized it takes 2 days to climb Chimborazo. The general success rate for climbing Chimborazo is quite low due to various factors. This is a mountain that you should not underestimate. At Summit Stoke we always go the extra mile to make our Chimborazo ascends succesful for our climbers by using High Camp which gives you a head start compared to the climbers who start at the refuge as well as only working with the best and most knowledgable guides. 

Mind, Body, and Spirit: Elevating the Mountaineering Experience

Summit Stoke’s commitment to a holistic mountaineering journey transcends the thrill of the climb. Our expeditions include yoga and breathwork classes at altitude, enabling you to connect with yourself and the untouched environment that surrounds you. Immerse yourself in the Andean wilderness with us and Come Back Different.

Leaving Only Footprints: Our Commitment to Sustainability:

At Summit Stoke, we believe in responsible and ethical travel. Our commitment goes beyond the thrill of the climb; we aim to leave not only footprints behind, but an empowering legacy for women of the Andes. We are currently in the process of establishing our NGO, which will receive a percentage of our profits and sponsorships to fund free mountaineering trips and courses for local women in the Andes.

Empowering Local Women: Scholarships for Education and Mountain Guiding:

The NGO associated with Summit Stoke doesn’t just stop at providing trips. We are passionate about empowering local women in the Andes. Our future scholarship program will ensure that aspiring mountaineers can receive a full education to become internationally certified mountain guides. This not only opens up new opportunities for these women but also contributes to the sustainability and growth of the local community.

Conclusion:

In the battle of Chimborazo vs. Everest, the answer depends on what aspect of mountaineering that captivates your heart. Climb Chimborazo with us, and discover the heights you never knew you could reach – physically, mentally, and spiritually. Climb Chimborazo  with us and reach towards the sun!

Stay stoked Legends.