El Altar is an extinct volcano in Sangay National Park surrounded by multicoloured lagoons, giant waterfalls and glacial lakes.
After a giant eruption approximately 500 years ago, the volcano cone completely collapsed and created its iconic cathedral-altar shape.
Today, nine peaks surround a beautiful green glacial crater lake. Before the eruption, it is said that the volcano was one of the world´s tallest peaks.
Includes:
- Professional Guide
- Private Transportation
- Meals (B=breakast/BL= box lunch/L=lunch/D=dinner)
- Camping Equipment (kitchen utensils, tents)
- Accomodation in double tent
- Horses
Excludes:
- Entrance fees
- Personal equipment (Boots, sleeping bags, gloves, waterproof jackets and pants, etc.)
- Tips
- Personal expenses and anything not specified above
Itinerary 4 Days
Morning drive south trought the Avenue of the Volcanoes until que reach the the city of Riobamba.
From here we will start ascending to the eastern Andes until we arrive to the town of Candelaria and the Releche Hacienda.
After dinner, we will spend the night here (-/BL/D)
We will pack and load the horses we will start our journey towards Collanes valley located at the foothill of Capac Urcu at 3,900m.
We walk up the valley that was created by a glacier millions of years ago.
The day will go on through trails for about 5 to 6 hours on a bridle path that the cowboys use the graze their cattle.
Dinner and overnight (B/BL/D)
After breakfast, hike upward toward our destination at 4,400m where the Laguna Verde Lake is located.
During our entertaining walk, we will enjoy the stunning views of the glacier walls of the Altar, as well as the Collanes Valley, the sourrounding mountains and the nine alpine summits from Altar shinning in the sky.
What an incredible feeling it is to stand up there.
Have lunch at front of the lake and return to the valley. (B/BL/D)
After breakfast we will pack and start to descend back to Releche farm, this will take us about 4-5hours. Return to Quito. (B/BL/-)
