Hiking at Chimborazo, Ecuador

At such high altitude, it is very hard to walk uphill, I managed to hike from 4000m to 4500m, in 2 hours, gasping all the time, very tiring. 

 

Chimborazo volcano

I want to hike up the slope a little bite to have a closer look at the snow capped mountain, the flora and fauna.

Vicuna at Chimborazo

There are a number of vicunas grazing, very nervous, will run away as they spot any movement. 

tussock grass, Chimborazo

The slope is covered with tussock grass, the same vegetation as in South Georgia near Antarctica. I have to keep reminding myself that Chimborazo is at the equator, just amazing similarity.

wild flower at Chimborazo

There are also small flowers and beautiful lichen. 

lichen at Chimborazo