the viewing deck: Tungurahua Refuge (3,830masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

Monday, August 02, 2021

Tungurahua Refuge (3,830masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

41 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Ecuador March 24 to May 04, 2021

Chimborazo Refuge (5,200masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

South America Day 53 (Another Mga Kababayan Turn-up Moment): Self-guided Solo Budget DIY dayhike to Tungurahua Volcano Refuge Camp (3,830masl) with 23km back trail distance hiked at 11 hours and a whooping 2,010 METER ELEVATION GAIN, my highest elevation gain on a dayhike new record.

TUNGURAHUA VOLCANO, ECUADOR (Mar. 2021)

- Ecuador's 10th highest mountain at 5,016masl, 2-days summit hike is expensive and difficult

- DIY day-hike is way cheaper and easy from Baños, 22km return trail with 2,010m altitude gain

Day 53: Mar. 29, 2021 Mon / Baños 2

0600H ETD Baños (1,820masl); trek start

Trail 1st part; steep forest (3km); Trail 2nd part; smooth pave road open area (4km)

0900H Sangay Tourist Office (2,700masl) 2; Trail 3rd part; very muddy mossy forest (4km)

1200H Tungurahua Volcano Refuge (3,830masl)

1300H ETD Tungurahua Refuge

1700H ETA Baños; dinner 3; Transilvania Hostel

TOTAL: $5

1. One of South America's hardest dayhike with highest altitude gain, continuous drizzle, thick fog, steep and very muddy trail.

2. Download Maps.Me for the accurate guide from any location start in Baños going to Tungurahua Refuge

3. My main objective for this adventure is to train for endurance and stamina for my upcoming very high elevation mountain hike

4. A whooping 2,010 METER ALTITUDE GAIN, my highest elevation gain new record on a dayhike.

5. The 4km trail from Sangay Tourist Office (2,700masl) to Tungurahua Volcano Refuge (3,830masl) with 1,130m altitude gain is the most muddy trail I've encountered since I started mountain hiking. Expect to have mud bath.

6. Bring lots of water. I brought 1 liter of Powerade and 2.5 liters of water in bladder. All consumed before I reached back the trailhead.