To her knowledge, the oldest to achieve the summit was 69 and the youngest 15. This is a trek for the experienced mountaineer, whatever the age. Those who attempt the eight-hour ascent need to begin with a few days at high altitude to grow accustomed to the thin air. Reaching the lower of the two refuges, at 16,150 feet, requires no more exertion than booking a taxi in Riobamba however. Expect the ride to the refuge to take a little longer than the hour optimistically estimated in some tourist information.
Hotels can arrange a group trip.
As the approach road turns to dirt, there is a benignity about the distant Chimborazo that contrasts with the intimidating thrust of Altar. The road threads through multiple shades of green. The afternoon sun lends a Tiffany glow to fields precariously woven into the steep slopes. Small settlements and farms nestle into the earth, with red and purple ponchos and dark felt hats revealing their indigenous inhabitants. From High to Low in Ecuador Climbing thrills and rainforest riches in South America's equatorial zone.