Scaling the World's Second Tallest Mountain — Sherpa-Free

What is the tallest mountain on Earth? It turns out that this query is more contentious than one might initially assume.

When measured from the average sea level, Mount Everest, standing at 29,032 feet (8,849 meters) tall and located on the boundary between Tibet and Nepal, undeniably ranks as the planet's tallest peak.

However, if you measure a mountain from its base to its summit, the 33,500-foot (10,211-meter) Mauna Kea, an inactive shield volcano located on the Big Island of Hawaii, would actually rise highest.

However, another competitor for the title of the tallest mountain emerges: Mount Chimborazo, an extinct stratovolcano located within the Cordillera Occidental range of the Ecuadorian Andes.

When measured from sea level, Chimborazo stands approximately 8,500 feet below Everest which reaches up to 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) but interestingly enough, its summit extends an additional 6,800 feet closer towards space compared to Everest because of how close it is to the equator. This makes Chimborazo technically the spot on Earth farthest away from our planet’s core, bringing you nearest to the cosmos when standing atop it.

If you think about the Earth as a small blue speck floating in space, it's the only spot where you could stand and be equally distant from every point at the furthest edge of that tiny sphere," says Derek Van Westrum, who works as a physicist for NOAA. National Geodetic Survey the government bureau responsible for mapping and charting

The cause stems from Chimborazo’s position, situated at 1.5 degrees south of the equator.

Van Westrum points out that the planet, much like many humans, has a slight bulge around its middle. "The Earth consists of rocks and is mostly spherical, but due to its rotation, it swells at the equator," he states.

The centrifugal force generated by the planet’s continuous spin compresses the rock, allowing Chimborazo to be farther from Earth’s center compared to taller mountains above sea level in the Himalayas or even those in the Andes—all situated closer to the poles.

Recently, Ecuador has seized upon this interesting statistic to highlight Chimborazo as a rising tourist attraction. The concept is that, distinct from Everest or Aconcagua (which stands as the tallest peak in the Andes), this remarkable mountain is not only geographically accessible but also affordable for typical adventure seekers. These travelers often venture about four hours south from Quito right into the heart of its snow-covered slopes.

Climbing Chimborazo

Chimborazo ranks as number 39 ^th The highest mountain in the Andes, based on measurements from sea level, experienced a short period of recognition as such during the early 19th century. ^th century when it was believed to be Earth's tallest mountain.

The story began with the prominent German geographer and explorer Alexander von Humboldt, who attempted to climb Chimborazo in 1802. He reached approximately 19,300 feet before making his way down into the mountainous region he would subsequently call the Avenue of the Volcanoes.

Nevertheless, his extensively read narratives detailing his conquest of this towering Andean peak lured numerous European adventurers to Ecuador. Notable among these was the British climber Edward Whymper. After achieving fame with the first recorded climbs up the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc in the Alps in 1880, he went on to become the first documented individual to reach the summit of Chimborazo.

Each year, roughly 500 climbers try to reach the peak, as stated by Santiago Granda, who serves as the Undersecretary of Promotion. Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism He mentions that slightly more than half of them reach the summit due to various elements such as elevation, readiness, and harsh climatic conditions.

The primary hiking period runs from late September through February, during which time the climate becomes more pleasant and the mountains are often covered with a heavy blanket of snow. However, Granda mentions that what makes the Ecuadorian Andes special compared to many other climbing destinations is that it remains accessible throughout the entire year.

The country's tallest mountains have fairly mild climates despite being situated within tropical regions, and they experience minimal differences in day length throughout the year. Many summits can be readily reached from major highland urban centers like Quito or Cuenca. For instance, Chimborazo stands roughly midway between these two cities along the Pan-American Highway.

increasingly, individuals are beginning to come here to train and get ready for major challenges at Chimborazo," explains Granda. "You are farther from the Earth's center and nearer to the stars than you'll ever be when standing on this planet — and that serves as a significant attraction.

Those planning to reach the peak of the mountain usually do so within two days, unlike the approximately two months required for climbing Everest. Naturally, climbers also need around a week of acclimation activities beforehand, according to Christian Valencia, CEO of Quito-based company. Activexpedition , which organizes climbing expeditions to the peak.

Valencia suggests starting with less challenging summits like Cayambe, Iliniza Sur, or Cotopaxi for acclimatization purposes. After ascending during the day, make sure to descend back down to lower altitudes every evening to help your body adjust more comfortably. Additionally, before tackling Chimborazo, he emphasizes the importance of training with crampons and ice axes since this ascent requires specialized climbing skills.

Merchants of ice and Incan sacrifices

Similar to other Ecuadorian outfitters, Valencia provides more relaxed excursions to Chimborazo.

Hikes reaching heights of up to 17,000 feet (5,180 meters) usually come after four days of previous adjustment at the adjacent lodge-to-lodge facilities. Quilotoa Loop Visitors to Chimborazo can subsequently explore the stonework Whymper Refuge, the reflective Condor Cocha Lagoon, and experience the tropical glaciers. Which serve as indicators of global warming .

Many visit these glaciers expressly to encounter Baltazar Ushca, the last hielero (ice merchant) of Chimborazo.

For generations, indigenous Ecuadorian men used to work as ice vendors, delivering glacial chunks to the settlements beneath them until the advent of refrigeration. Today, this eighty-year-old is the sole individual still transporting these icy blocks downhill to the adjacent city of Riobamba, where they are mixed into a renowned beverage known as the neck-breaker.

Other visitors head to Chimborazo for its distinctive Alpine setting. "Some Ecuadorians experience snow for the very first time here," observes Granda. "Thus, even though they might not aim for the peak, they visit for the lake, which has turned into quite a sought-after location."

The mountain serves as a sanctuary for 8,000. rewilded vicuñas , the wild progenitors of domesticated alpacas, and home to the planet’s largest hummingbirds, which dart about a flowering evergreen bush named chuquiraga There are also groves of twisted trees. queuña , capable of thriving at elevations greater than those sustained by any other trees.

Another attraction is the mountain's history from before Columbus' time.

Chimborazo served as the location for ritualistic sacrifices of young girls and boys during the time of the Incas. These acts were believed to please the deities and ensure a bountiful crop yield. Even today, local indigenous communities hold great respect for Tayta Chimborazo, also known as "Father Chimborazo," viewing him as a potent force. apu , or mountain deity. Tales tell of his intense affair with the smaller but more dynamic Tungurahua volcano.

Valencia states that the mountain holds significant importance for all Ecuadorians and can be found depicted on the country's coat of arms.

It doesn't matter if I visit multiple times," he remarks. "That intense energy remains each time I return.

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