El Altar Trek Ecuador Best Hike
El Altar Trek Ecuador Best Hike near Riobamba. Come and visit the magical landscapes of the Ecuadorian highlands, hike on the Volcano El Altar with its 5’300 meters (17’389 ft) elevation. Located in the Sangay National Park, its Crater lake is called Laguna Amarilla (Yellow Lagoon), this mountain is part of the Avenue of the Volcanoes in Ecuador.
El Altar Volcano is open on one side and its very sharp 9 peaks reach high up into the sky, a truly amazing scenery. The vertical walls of the volcano are covered with glaciers falling into the crater-lagoon on a regular basis. The wild and untouched nature around El Altar Volcano is one of the most impressive regions of Ecuador.
The weather over there is very unpredictable and can change very fast. You can have beautiful sunny days, dry trails but also clouds that cover the area, rainy days and muddy trails. For that reason, El Altar Trek is one of the lesser known hiking routes in Ecuador, and the one that receives less tourists year around. But it worth the trip, and you will sleep in the Altar Refugee sheltered from the cold and wind. El Altar Trek Ecuador Best Hike is one of the best off the beaten path experience that you could live in Ecuador!
Know one of the most beautiful mountains of the center of Ecuador, with this El Altar Trek Ecuador Best Hike close to Riobamba. You will be stunned by the beauty of the landscapes, flora and fauna of the area. The native name for this mountain is Capac-Urcu, or “Sublime Mountain”, and for good reason. It is considered that El Altar was the world’s highest volcano, before its last eruption in 1490.
El Altar Trek Ecuador Best Hike near Riobamba
Riobamba to Releche
We leave at 8:00 am from the city of Riobamba with private transportation to the Candelaria parish located 33km from Riobamba and 3’070 meters above sea level, where we will start walking towards the Sangay National Park to the shelter in the Valley of the Collanes located at 3’830 meters.
Refuge to Yellow Lagoon
After breakfast, we will walk about 2 hours to reach the Yellow Lagoon located at 4’300 meters above sea level in the crater of the volcano. You will enjoy the breathtaking scenery and an exceptional view of the Valley of the Collanes. On the way we will observe the Andean flora and fauna.
At 3PM we start the walk back to the parish of La Candelaria and then transfer back to the city of Riobamba.
Prices:
From 2 people - US$ 315 /person
From 4 people - US$ 300 /person
Ask us for our special group prices.
Trek details:
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Range of Altitude: 3'070 to 4'300 m. / 10'072 to 14'108 ft.
Distance Covered: Approx. 27 km. / 17 miles
Hiking options:
Option 2 Days: We recommend this option if you want to see the yellow Lagoon.
Option 3-4 days: This is a longer trek with 2 nights under tents starting the trek from another part, and you could see other five lagoons (the star lagoon, the mandur lagoon, blue lagoon, black lagoon, and green lagoon). Ask us for the price.
Included:
Private Transportation Riobamba - Releche - Riobamba
Meals during the Trek (2 box lunches, dinner, and breakfast in the Hacienda)
Lodging in the Refuge, sleeping bag, rubber boots
Mules to transport equipment
Local Certified Guide
Not Included:
Lodging in Riobamba.
Snacks, Energy drinks, Personal equipment
Tips and Beverages
Enquire or Book now
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