Fun things to do in Provincia del Chimborazo

Though one could be quite content to do small walks around the hostel with Chimborazo so nearby, the Vicuña Trail is the real attraction of this region. Climbers access the area via Guaranda which leads to Refugio Whymper at 5000m so this is the domain of backpackers. It is a two to three day trek that brings you around beautiful mountain lakes nestled between Chimborazo and its little brother, Carihuayrazo. There is also a vicuña reserve in the close by and hence the name of the trail. It can be done as a circuit that brings you from Urbina (where the hostel is located) to another small village off the Pan American Highway, called Doce de Octubre. Alternatively, you can go through the vicuña reserve on a dirt road, cutting across the park and wind up on the road to Guaranda. We did not get to do the hike due to poor weather but from what I’ve read it is not marked and you need some route finding abilities and a good map. You can hire guides and/or pack animals at the hostel or buy a guidebook like Kunstaeltter’s “Trekking in Ecuador” or the similar one by Bradt.