Chimborazo Day

Chimborazo Day celebrates the highest point on Earth and it offers a chance to lace up the hiking boots and hit the closest trail.

Sometimes what is considered the greatest or the highest depends on one's perspective in life. That is the case with the mountain known as Chimborazo. Although its elevation is lower than Everest, it has the unique feature of being the highest point on Earth when measured from the Earth's core. Chimborazo Day honors and celebrates this highest (kind of) and its important cultural role in the Chimborazo province of Equador. So what's so special? Come to us and find out.

Something about Chimborazo

Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador. The mountain measures 20,000 feet. This is smaller than Mount Everest, which is over 29,000 feet tall. Technically, Chimborazo is not the tallest mountain in the world, but it is the highest point on earth. How is it possible? It all depends on how to measure the mountains. Chimborazo lies on the bulge of the Earth at the equator. Since this mountain is measured from the center of the Earth, rather than sea level, it is the closest point to the moon.

Here are some other interesting facts about Chimborazo:

• Located in the Andes, it is only the 39th highest peak in its range.
• It ranks as the 16th most prominent mountain in the world
• The mountain is an inactive volcano that last erupted 1,400 years ago.
• The upper elevations are covered by glaciers.
• The word Chimborazo means "snow woman" or "ice mountain."
• It contains four main summits.
• The mountain often has severe weather and avalanches, which makes it difficult to climb.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, many people made efforts to climb the mountain. An English climber named Edward Whymper gave his first successful consent in 1880. Today, when most people climb, they follow the El Castillo Road. This route rises 4,250 feet to the west. It takes you between 8 and 12 hours to climb up the mountain on this route and up to 5 hours to climb back down.

History of Chimborazo Day

For a long time, Chimborazo was believed to be the highest mountain in the world. And, like Everest, a number of climbers have attempted to conquer its summit. Although Chimborazo is no longer the tallest peak on Earth, the mountain still plays an important role in the planet's geography. It is one of two important points that help determine the actual shape of the Earth. A group of Laplanders working with the French Surveying Mission collected data from the mountain to determine that the Earth is not a sphere but a sphere.

For decades, climbers have been trying to climb to the top and have been challenged by the terrifying heights, steep slopes and altitude sickness. In 1880, Edward Whymper successfully shrunk the entire mountain, making him the first person to climb Chimborazo. Alexander von Humboldt climbed the 19,280-foot summit in 1802.

Chimborazo Day is celebrated to honor the important advances that man has made in the fields of geography and cartography. This day also celebrates the culmination of being an important part of Ecuador's identity. It's also a great day for adventure lovers to explore Chimborazo Day by hiking or climbing. Along with these, one can also celebrate the beauty of nature and wildlife on Chimborazo Day - it's truly a day of many celebrations!

How to celebrate Chimborazo Day

• Long walk

Not all of us enjoy climbing, but hiking is a fun activity that most of us can do. Lace up your hiking boots and go on a little adventure on Chimborazo Day.

• Visit Chimborazo

It's a long shot, but visiting Chimborazo on its special day makes for a memorable stay. The entire Chimborazo is a national park, which makes it a popular tourist destination.

• Visit the wildlife sanctuary

Since Chimborazo is also a national park, you may want to visit another national park or a wildlife sanctuary. It is also a day that celebrates nature and its beauty.