Every year on June 3rd, Chimborazo Day celebrates the highest point on Earth. It’s also a day to lace up the hiking boots and hit the closest trail.
#ChimborazoDay
Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador. The mountain measures 20,000 feet. This is less than Mount Everest, which is more than 29,000 feet. While technically Chimborazo is not the highest mountain in the world, it is the highest point on earth. How can this be? It all depends on how the mountains are measured. Chimborazo is located on the Earth’s bulge at the equator. Because this mountain is measured from Earth’s center, instead of sea level, it is the closest point to the moon.
Here are some other interesting facts about Chimborazo:
- Located in the Andes Mountains, it is only the 39th highest peak in its range.
- It ranks as the 16th most prominent mountain in the world
- The mountain is a dormant volcano that last erupted 1,400 years ago.
- The upper elevations are covered with glaciers.
- The word Chimborazo either means “women of snow” or “mountain of ice.”
- It contains four major summits.
- The mountain is subject to severe weather and avalanches, making it difficult to climb.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, many attempts were made to climb the mountain. An English climber named Edward Whymper made the first successful assent in 1880. Today, when most people climb the mountain, they take the El Castillo Route. This route ascends 4,250 feet up the west side. It takes between 8 and 12 hours to climb the mountain on this route and up to 5 hours to climb back down.
HOW TO OBSERVE CHIMBORAZO DAY
Many people in Ecuador celebrate this day by visiting Chimborazo. You don’t have to travel to Ecuador to participate, though! Here are some other ways to take part:
- Watch videos and read articles about Chimborazo.
- Learn about other famous mountains like Matterhorn, Mount Fuji, Denali, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Enjoy the day hiking or spending time in the great outdoors with your family or friends.
- Watch a movie that features mountain climbing, such as Touching the Void, North Face, The Wildest Dream, and Meru.
Spread awareness for the highest point on earth with #ChimborazoDay.
CHIMBORAZO DAY HISTORY
Our research team is still looking for the history of this fun day.