How to get to Chimborazo from Riobamba
From Riobamba station to Ecuador’s highest mountain.
Ecuador’s national Tren Ecuador railway service has been suspended since 2020. The Ice Train (Riobamba–Urbina) is not running at present. Riobamba station can be visited; reach the Chimborazo reserve by road. Always confirm availability before travelling.
Get off at Riobamba station (Ice Train (Tren del Hielo)). From there, from Riobamba, a tour or taxi (~1 h) to the Chimborazo reserve entrance.
About the place
Chimborazo (6,263 m) is the highest mountain in Ecuador and, measured from the centre of the Earth, the farthest point from the planet’s core. The historic Riobamba station was the departure point of the Ice Train, which climbed to Urbina (3,609 m), the highest point on the line, in search of Baltazar Ushca, the last ice merchant of Chimborazo. The train no longer runs, but the Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve — with its herds of vicuñas and two mountain refuges — is reached by road in a little over an hour from Riobamba.
Getting there from key points
| From | How to get there |
|---|---|
| Riobamba (centre) | Organised tour or taxi, ~1 h to the reserve |
| Riobamba (terminal) | Riobamba–Ambato bus, get off at the Arenal junction |
| Ambato | Bus toward Guaranda via the Arenal, ~1 h 30 min |
| Quito | Bus to Riobamba (~4 h) plus a tour to the reserve |
Step by step
Start at Riobamba station, the railway’s great central station, to learn its history.
Book a tour or take a taxi (~1 h) to the Chimborazo reserve entrance; Riobamba–Ambato buses also drop you at the junction.
From the gate, a 4x4 or a hike takes you up to the Carrel refuge (4,800 m) and the Whymper; watch vicuñas on the páramo.
Useful information
Frequently asked questions
Does the train run to reach Chimborazo volcano?
The Ice Train (Riobamba–Urbina) is not running at present. Riobamba station can be visited; reach the Chimborazo reserve by road. Always confirm availability before travelling.
Which is the nearest station?
The nearest station is Riobamba, on the Ice Train (Tren del Hielo) route.
How do I get there from Riobamba (centre)?
Organised tour or taxi, ~1 h to the reserve.
How much does it cost?
Entry to the reserve is free (Ecuador’s protected areas); guided tours and the 4x4 to the refuge are paid separately. The Ice Train, when it ran, cost about $20–$35.
Where can I see more attractions near the railway?
See all attractions near Tren Ecuador.
Índice de contenidos
Updated: July 2026