El Altar - 3 Day Trekking Tour

El Altar - 3 Day Trekking Tour Description

Trekking tour to el Altar is a tour you can't miss, since this extinct volcano makes up one of the most spectacular landscapes of Ecuador. Known by the Incas as Capac Urcu or sublime hill, it is located in the west side of Sangay National Park.

It is thought that about 500 years ago el Altar was one of the highest volcanoes in the world, but due to a great explosion that destroyed it, a crater with 9 picks of which the highest is the Obispo (5319 m), where the famous yellow lagoon craterlake was born.

On our 3 days trekking tour we'll take you to the stunning yellow lagoon crater lake, one of the most sought-after attractions by tourists visiting el Altar. In this tour you'll be able to enjoy the most amazing landscapes that seem out of a fairy tale, the unique flora and with a little bit of luck you'll see condors, coyotes and deer.

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

*Once you have booked your tour, send us an email at geotoursbanios@gmail.com , or write to our WhatsApp +593 99 543 3293 to have a Reconfirmation of your activity before starting this amazing adventure with Geotours.