Chimborazo Volcano

The summit of the Chimborazo is the furthest point from the center of the Earth, as it is crossed by the Equatorial line, where the Earth is wider.

Thus, if measured from the center of the Earth, the Chimborazo would be the highest mountain on the planet.

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The Majestic Chimborazo has attracted adventurers and scientists such as Humboldt and Whimper and has inspired artists and writers. The Chimborazo is the Colossus of the mountains of the region, however, it does not stand alone.

On a clear day, other impressive snow-capped mountains can be admired: the Altar, the Carihuairazo, and the Sangay active volcano. Also close are the Ilinizas and the Tungurahua Volcano which has been in eruption since 1999.

During Humboldt's visit to South America in the year 1802, he named the region as the Avenue of the Volcanoes.

The Chimborazo volcano is located in the province of same name of the volcano and it has the largest concentration of indigenous population in Ecuador. Ecuadorian Indians worshiped the Chimborazo volcano as a God.

Many of them still preserve their way of life, dress, food, and traditions, with the obvious influence of the domination of the Incas and Spanish.

Unfortunately many of them live in conditions of poverty and they owe only small parcels of land. However, they are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of tourism and mountain climbing.

Some of them have started to work as mountain guides and glad to share not only their knowledge about the Chimborazo volcano and other surrounding mountains, but also their legends, which have been transmitted by oral tradition.

Riobamba City is the capital of the province of Chimborazo. From here, it is possible to arrange trips to the surrounding mountains. In the city you can encounter Indigenous people sharing with mestizos and a minority of white population.

The history of the city is marked by the fact that it is the link between the Coast and the Highlands.

Riobamba's importance in the last few centuries was highly due to the presence of the train station, the main means of communication in Ecuador at the time.

Today, the train is no longer an important means of transportation, but is a unique tourist attraction.

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From the Riobamba station, the train parts to the most impressive track of the railway through the "Avenue of the Volcanoes", which ends up at the Nariz del Diablo (The Devils's nose).

Visit Chimborazo volcano, an incredible adventure is waiting for you in this spot of Ecuador.

Ecuador Recommended Reading:

Footprint Ecuador & Galapagos Handbook
From the Galapagos Islands that inspired the theory of evolution, to a valley where people live forever, from the centre of the earth to the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Ecuador excites and amazes at every turn. (One of the best books I ever read about Ecuador)

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