TOTORILLAS DAM
A historic dairy farm between the Coast and the Sierra
Due to its strategic location on the route that connects the Coast and the Sierra, El Tambo Totorillas (4,000 m) was a resting place for merchants and travelers. Before the construction and inauguration of the railroad in 1908, famous presidents, explorers, and eminent naturalists like Humboldt slept in this rest area, which offered a cabin with a communal bed, kitchen, and stables.
Hundreds of years later, Marco Cruz, the first Ecuadorian to climb El Altar in 1963, acquired the land where the rest area was located, inspired by his love of the mountains and by a black and white photograph that provided irrefutable evidence of the existence of the “tambo”. His intention was to protect the land and its immense historical value.
“My daughters thought I was crazy when I bought the land and invested in the exploration and excavation of the ancient ruins….. They were a little skeptical. But now they are proud of what I have done and I feel immensely proud of my loyalty to the history of Tambo”.
After the discovery of the ruins and the subsequent construction of a mountain lodge, Marco began working with the community to preserve and restore the paramo ecosystem.
More than a hotel, a mountaineering museum
A feeling of nostalgia arises when comparing the old black and white photographs of the dairy farm, taken by famous historical figures, with the lodge that now welcomes mountaineers and visitors from all over the world. It is inevitable to feel that a bridge has been created that intertwines the stories of intrepid adventurers of the past, with adventurers of the modern world, rescuing the voices of those who came before.
And in addition to being a mountain refuge, the Chimborazo Lodge is also a museum of mountains and mountaineering, which on its walls and through its decoration, tells the story of explorers and climbers who have stayed here in their search for make summit.
A climber fell so in love with this place that he left his boots as a souvenir. Now they are part of the decoration!
Inside the hostel you will find a warm and cozy space, which feels like a Swiss chalet. On its walls hang incredible photos and artifacts from the early days of exploring the mountain. Among them, there is a photo of another great North American mountaineer who stayed many years ago at Marco’s grandparents’ house and when he left, he left his picket. The picket was reverently guarded by Marco’s grandmother until she handed it over to Marco for her own mountain adventures.
A magical refuge at the foot of Chimborazo
This refuge is unique in Ecuador. On a clear night, the Chimborazo accompanies you, an imposing snow-capped mountain, with its snow resplendent under millions of stars. When the clouds come down, an almost mystical fog envelops you. On a clear day, Chimborazo adorns the landscape: you just have to look out the window.
Whatever the weather, the passion and warmth of its founder and host, Marco Cruz, will make you feel welcomed in this dream environment.
Furthermore, if you are looking for conscious destinations, you will be happy to know that the Chimborazo Lodge works to promote and contribute to the social and economic development of the province through quality service. The team and staff follow sustainable tourism practices; promoting the preservation of the Páramo ecosystem and encouraging its visitors to reflect on local history.
About Marco Cruz: the soul of the lodge
A mountaineer whose adventures span the globe, from the Himalayas in Asia to New Zealand, Patagonia and North America. His heart, however, belongs to the mountain of his life: Chimborazo. With more than 1,000 ascents, Marco has an intimate relationship with Chimborazo and has dedicated his life to the exploration and preservation of its ecosystem. One of the glaciers on the volcano is named after him.
Marco, an avid explorer, humble adventurer, devoted reader and curious soul, has written several books about mountains and Ecuador. His latest work is: Chimborazo, The Sacred Mountain of Ecuador.
“Thank you Taita Chimborazo, because by knowing you I have known the world.”
– Marco Cruz
Considerations
- Chimborazo Lodge is a sanctuary where you will not find signal or Wi-Fi service. On the grounds where the lodge is located, you have access to hikes, including the trail to Loma Chalata, 4,230 meters above sea level. In addition, from the lodge you can see wildlife such as deer, rabbits and birds.
- When you stay at the lodge, take your time to explore the surroundings. The Chimborazo refuge is just 40 minutes away, offering trails, shelters and the opportunity to explore the Andean wilderness.
- If you aspire to summit Chimborazo, you can stay here and prepare for the ascent. You will need a guide, thorough preparation, and acclimatization time.
- If you are already on the way to the summit attempt and need a place to rest before the effort, the lodge is ideal for your stay in the nights before the ascent.
- The Chimborazo Lodge is the only property within the Chimborazo Natural Reserve. It offers daily breakfast and dinner, heated rooms and free parking. You can also order lunch for an additional fee.
For more information visit their website here.
*This project does not intend to expand, but rather to remain small, respecting the harmony of the environment it protects.
If you know the Chimborazo Lodge and there is something you would like to add to the article, tell us. If you don’t know it, I hope it has served as inspiration and that you are encouraged to visit this magical refuge at the foot of Chimborazo.
