Of all the mountains in Ecuador, Chimborazo stands apart. This massive peak, a dormant volcano, is Ecuador's tallest mountain, 20,500 ft. over sea level. To put Chimborazo in perspective, the peak is taller than any mountain in North America, including Mt. McKinley. On clear days, Chimborazo can be seen from Ecuador's Pacific coast.

I wanted to spend a night near Chimborazo, and Metropolitan Touring (Signature's destination specialist in Ecuador who arranged my trip) was able to get me a room in Estrella del Chimborazo, a small lodge located next to the mountain's nature reserve, at an elevation of over 13,000 ft. over sea level. Estrella consists of 3 buildings: a main house that has a cozy living room, kitchen, and dining room, and two stand alone lodges, each offering 4 rooms, two on the lower level, and two above. There is a bathroom on each floor, which you share with the room opposite yours. Rooms are small, simple, and rustic, with two twin beds, a small shelf, and electric heater, which you need to plug in the minute the sun goes down, to warm up the room for the night. Meals are simple and hearty, and everyone eats at the same time. Although the lodge is rustic and basic, it is one of the most memorable and special places I have ever stayed at. You are in the middle of a vast expanse of wilderness, with Chimborazo right in front of you. You can go on a number of hikes of different levels of difficulty, and -if you are brave and fit - climb Mt Chimborazo with guides from the lodge, who provide all the equipment, The ascent is difficult. You typically leave the lodge at midnight, climb up with a headlamp, and reach the summit around 6-7AM.

Chimborazo, like all snow-capped volcanoes in Ecuador, is tricky. If the sun is out and the skies are clear, the views are breathtaking. Then again, if the mountain is covered in fog and clouds, you will not see a thing. You take a chance when you come here, but if you love the outdoors, it is a chance worth taking. The hiking is fantastic, and you climb up to 14 / 15 / 16,000 ft. over sea level, on various trails. The lodge can also arrange horseback riding. Do not miss visiting the herds of llamas and alpacas, who live on property and rule the roost. You need to bring warm clothing if you come here, as the wind whips down from the mountain and goes right through you. I highly recommend bringing thermal underwear, layers to keep the cold at bay, warm woolen hat, good gloves, and sunscreen.

Estrella del Chimborazo is owned and managed by Marco Cruz, a legend in the world of mountaineering. I was very fortunate to meet Mr. Cruz during my stay, and we had a great conversation. I am a huge fan of Mr. Cruz, so you can imagine how special it was to meet him in person. Mr. Cruz started mountain climbing at age 10. At 13, he summited Chimborazo. Since then, he has reached the top of the mountain over 600 times. In addition, Marco Cruz has climbed all the tall peaks of Ecuador, as well as the tallest mountain in every single continent.