CHIMBORAZO | 29 MAY TO 8 JUNE 2027
The highest point from the centre of the earth
Ten days through the Andes: high plateaus, volcanoes and the summit of Chimborazo at 6,263 metres.
The story of this expedition
You fly from Brussels to Quito. From there we drive deeper into the mountains, along the Volcano Avenue, a line of active volcanoes crossing Ecuador from north to south. Nowhere else in the world do so many active volcanoes stand so close together. From that moment we move completely off-grid and at altitude, with the climb of Chimborazo as the highlight.
We start on the deserted high plateaus of the Andes, between 3,000 and 5,000 metres. You navigate terrain where trails do not exist and where the thin air cuts deep into your lungs.
The expedition builds towards the highlight: the climb of Chimborazo, measured from the centre of the earth the highest point on the planet. You climb technically over rock and ice, with crampons and ice axe.
Right below the icy summits you set up camp. The night is clear, the silence complete. These are the moments that stay with you for the rest of your life.
We deliberately choose late May: drier weather on the high plateaus and more stable conditions on the volcano.
The story of
this expedition
You fly from Brussels to Quito. From there we drive deeper into the mountains, along the Volcano Avenue, a line of active volcanoes crossing Ecuador from north to south. Nowhere else in the world do so many active volcanoes stand so close together. From that moment we move completely off-grid and at altitude, with the climb of Chimborazo as the highlight.
We start on the deserted high plateaus of the Andes, between 3,000 and 5,000 metres. You navigate terrain where trails do not exist and where the thin air cuts deep into your lungs.
The expedition builds towards the highlight: the climb of Chimborazo, measured from the centre of the earth the highest point on the planet. You climb technically over rock and ice, with crampons and ice axe.
Right below the icy summits you set up camp. The night is clear, the silence complete. These are the moments that stay with you for the rest of your life.
We deliberately choose late May: drier weather on the high plateaus and more stable conditions on the volcano.
Self-sufficient,
but never alone
Once we start, we are off-grid. We filter water from rivers, cook our freeze-dried expedition food and set up our camps in places where nature allows it.
You learn survival basics, energy management, navigation and outdoor decision-making under the guidance of an experienced X- Guide whom you meet well in advance during the preparation programme.
Veiligheid & begeleiding
Safety is the basis of every Element X expedition. Our X Guides are professionally trained, hold WFR certificates and have years of experience in extreme conditions. Exactly the calibre of guidance an expedition like this requires.
Every expedition has satellite phones, GPS tracking, safety procedures, an evacuation plan and local support in Ecuador.
Before departure we also carry out a thorough risk analysis and prepare everything down to the last detail.
Guided by real expedition leaders.
You step into nature, away from the
beaten track, but always with the certainty of experienced guidance
and safety first.
Veiligheid & begeleiding
Safety is the basis of every Element X expedition. Our X Guides are professionally trained, hold WFR certificates and have years of experience in extreme conditions. Exactly the calibre of guidance an expedition like this requires.
Every expedition has satellite phones, GPS tracking, clear safety procedures, a detailed evacuation plan and local support in Ecuador.
Before departure we also carry out a thorough risk analysis and prepare everything down to the last detail.
Self-sufficient,
but never alone
Once we start, we are
off-grid. We filter water from rivers, cook our freeze-dried expedition food and set up our camps in places where nature allows it.
You learn survival basics, energy management, navigation and outdoor decision-making under the guidance of an experienced X-Guide whom you meet well in advance during the preparation programme.
We let no one step into the unknown unprepared.
An expedition of this calibre starts months in advance. The preparation programme consists of an individual phase and a group phase.
Individual phase
Starts immediately after registration. You receive an inspiration pack with practical tips, insights and exercises to start moving like an expedition member. You gather your expedition gear using the packing list (do not buy anything yet: bring what you already have to the kick off). And you share your medical information, because the best preparation is a plan for when things go wrong.
Group phase
Starts 3 to 6 months before departure with the kick off: a full day on which you meet your team, taste the expedition atmosphere and take the first steps as a group. There we plan the follow-up moments together and the WhatsApp group starts. Training includes, among other things: getting to know the group and roles, physical screening and analysis, a personalised training schedule, technical and resilience training, gear, nutrition and sleep setup, and a final check.
Accredited service provider for the KMO-portefeuille
To help entrepreneurs and KMO leaders grow as much as possible, a leadership programme/training is linked to this expedition, which closely aligns with the adventure. This programme falls under the theme Business strategy and is eligible for subsidy via the KMO-portefeuille.
As an entrepreneur, you can receive up to 30% subsidy on the training costs of this programme. Important (!): only the training itself is eligible. Travel, accommodation, and expedition costs are not covered by the subsidy.
Accredited service provider for the KMO-portefeuille
To help entrepreneurs and KMO leaders grow as much as possible, a leadership programme/training is linked to this expedition, which closely aligns with the adventure. This programme falls under the theme Business strategy and is eligible for subsidy via the KMO-portefeuille.
As an entrepreneur, you can receive up to 30% subsidy on the training costs of this programme. Important (!): only the training itself is eligible. Travel, accommodation, and expedition costs are not covered by the subsidy.
As seen in
Imagine: bare high plateaus at 4,000 metres, volcanoes filling the horizon and a night so clear the Milky Way lights up your camp.
On this expedition in Ecuador you are immersed in the Andes: high plateaus without trails, the Volcano Avenue and the ice cap of Chimborazo. All off-grid, all under your own power.
Imagine: bare high plateaus at 4,000 metres, volcanoes filling the horizon and a night so clear the Milky Way lights up your camp.
On this expedition in Ecuador you are immersed in the Andes: high plateaus without trails, the Volcano Avenue and the ice cap of Chimborazo. All off-grid, all under your own power.
Frequently asked questions
No. You do not need to be an elite athlete, but you do need to be healthy and trained: we move day after day above 3,000 metres and climb technically on ice. Through our preparation programme (screening, training schedule and targeted training) we build your level up to expedition standard in 3 to 6 months.
Very safe. We work with WFR certified expedition leaders, satellite communication, GPS tracking, evacuation plans and a local partner in Ecuador. We build altitude gradually and decide every day whether conditions on the volcano are safe.
Almost everything is included: professional X Guides, technical climbing equipment such as crampons, ice axe and ropes, survival equipment and sleeping setup, all overnight stays and meals during the expedition, all local transport and tips. Flights to Quito, personal clothing and insurance are not.
Frequently asked questions
No. You do not need to be an elite athlete, but you do need to be healthy and trained: we move day after day above 3,000 metres and climb technically on ice. Through our preparation programme (screening, training schedule and targeted training) we build your level up to expedition standard in 3 to 6 months.
Very safe. We work with WFR certified expedition leaders, satellite communication, GPS tracking, evacuation plans and a local partner in Ecuador. We build altitude gradually and decide every day whether conditions on the volcano are safe.
Almost everything is included: professional X Guides, technical climbing equipment such as crampons, ice axe and ropes, survival equipment and sleeping setup, all overnight stays and meals during the expedition, all local transport and tips. Flights to Quito, personal clothing and insurance are not.
Ready for the summit of Chimborazo?
Taking an option is free and without obligation; your spot is only confirmed after the intake.
Koen De Leeuw
Chimborazo is a mountain you do not force. You build the altitude calmly, you read the weather and you set off in the middle of the night. Anyone who reaches the top knows it comes down to the preparation, not to luck.
Expedition leader - Element X
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