El Altar (5319 m. / 17.451 f.) is one of the most spectacular mountains of Ecuador. The Incas called it
Capac Urcu - sublime mountain. A long time ago, El Altar was the highest mountain of Ecuador, and some studies even say that it was the highest of the world. A huge eruption almost completely destroyed the cone, leaving 9 snow-capped summits in a horseshoe shape around an enormous crater lake. In the area surrounding El Altar there are many other beautiful glacial lakes, where you can do excellent trekking. This part of the Sangay National Park is home to condors, Andean gulls, white-tailed deers and foxes.
Day 1 At 9:30 a.m. we leave Riobamba. After a 1,5 hour drive we reach the small village of Boca Toma at 3500 m / 11.484 ft., starting point of our trek. We put the equiment on horses and start hiking on the paramo highlands. After about 5 - 6 hours we arrive at Las Puertas (4100 m. / 13.452 ft.) where we will pitch our tents.
Day 2 After breakfast we continue the trek. After about 3 hours we arrive at the turquoise colored Laguna de Mandur, at 4300 m. / 14.108 ft. From here we will hike up to the Yanacocha hill. With clear weather you will have excellent views of Laguna Amarilla, El Altar's crater lake. After 3 more hours we descend to Boca Toma, from where we drive back to Riobamba. Arrive at about 17:00 p.m.
DIFFICULTY: moderately difficult; a basic acclimatization is recommended
DEPARTURE: any day with minimum 2 persons
WE PROVIDE:
- guide
- transportation from / to Riobamba
- accommodation in tents
- meals (2 x box lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast) and purified drinking water
- pack horses for the equipment
- camping equipment
Day 1 At 9:30 a.m. we leave Riobamba. After a 1-hour drive we reach the Hacienda Releche, at 3200 m. altitude. We put our equipment on pack horses and start to hike up a steep hill. After 1 hour we reach the trail to El Altar and soon we will enjoy the first views of the extinct volcano and the valley of Collanes river. We continue hiking for about 5 hours until we reach the Collanes shelter at 3850 m., where we will spend the night.
Day 2 After breakfast we follow the Collanes Plain to El Altar’s crater lake. From the plateau at 4300 m., the highest point of this trek, we have marvellous views of the turquoise-green lake and the snow-capped peaks. Condors are still seen around here. In the afternoon we return to the refuge.
Day 3 In the morning we hike down from the refuge to Releche. From here we drive back to Riobamba. Arrival at about 2:00 p.m..
DIFFICULTY: intermediate; a basic acclimatization is recommended
