El Altar – 3 Day Trekking Tour

El Altar – 3 Day Trekking Tour Description

Hike Kapak Urku, El Altar or Mighty Mountain (in Quechua) and discover the hidden crystal lakes behind its peaks.

What to bring

1. Warm, comfortable and water-proof clothing
2. Change of clothes for three days 
3. Water-proof hiking shoes
4. Sunglasses
5. Sunscreen
6. Flashlight incl. batteries (there is no energy at the refuge)  
7. Energy bars

El Altar – 3 Day Trekking Tour Itinerary

Portions of El Altar are a technically challenging climb whose highest peak (5319 m/17451 f) was only summited once, in 1963, by an Italian expedition.

Day 1

1. Depart Baños for La Candelaria, the main entrance to the El Altar area of Sangay National Park.
2. Our walk will take us through the incredible valley of Collanes to the refuge of Hacienda Releche where we will set up camp and eat lunch before continuing our discovery of the natural beauty of the area.
3. In the evening relax in the peaceful surroundings as you enjoy a specially prepared dinner.

Day 2

1. Will begin with breakfast before packing up the gear and heading out on a two hour climb to El Pedregal.
2. We will set up camp, eat lunch and head out to explore the stunning crater lake, Laguna Amarilla, nestled among the ridges at an altitude of about 4200 meters (13808 feet).
3. This is one of the most picturesque climbs in all of Ecuador. 

Day 3

1. We'll eat a nice breakfast.
2. We will have one last opportunity to appreciate the beauty of El Altar on our descent back to the parks entrance.
3. Reminiscing about our experience on the ride back to Baños will be a great way to end a great trip.

Departure: 06:00 on Day 1 
Return: 15:00 on Day 3