The Altar is an extinct volcano on the Western side of Sangay National Park in Ecuador, 170 km south of Quito. Altar was active about 2 million years ago and contains a boiler open towards the West, containing the Yellow Lake.
Travel program
Itinerary:
Day 1: Latacunga 2800 m – Hacienda Releche – Refuge Collanes 3900m
Day 2: Collanes (3900 m) – Laguna Amarilla (4480 m) – Latacunga 2800 m
Detailed Program
Day 1:Latacunga 2800 m – Hacienda Releche – refuge Collanes 3900m
We leave from Latacunga very early in the morning, about 4:30 am, and head south along the Panamerican highway through the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes. On a clear day will enjoy spectacular sunrise in the andes. We will pass by Ambato City and arrive to Penipe and finally to the Hacienda Releche, where we will have breakfast and get ready to begin our walk.
After breakfast, we pack our luggage, walk and provisions on the HP equipment with the help of the carriers. Once ready, we begin the ascent up to the Valley of Collanes, a walk that will take us approximately 5 to 7 hours on a bridle path that the Cowboys used to graze their cattle. We will stay in the Refuge de Collanes, under the boiler of the Volcano El Altar, from where we will enjoy spectacular views of snow-covered peaks. Dinner and lodging. Meals included: B:BL, D
Day 2:Collanes 3900 m – Laguna Amarilla 4480 m – Latacunga 2800 m
After breakfast at 4:30am, we will continue climbing a little more until we reach the Yellow Lake in the center of the crater, more than 4480m. From here we have a stunning view of the glacier walls of the Altar, as well as the Valley of Collanes and the surrounding mountains. This tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours. Along the way we will surely see the condors living in the rock walls enclosing the valley. The vegetation of the area is a little different, it varies between Andean forest populated bypolylepis and quishuar and laurel of wax; as well as the typical Andean paramo above. We will have lunch in the refuge again, enjoying a spectacular view. Return to the city of Latacunga. Meals included: B:BL
The group includes horses for transportation of Sleeping Bag and change clothes
Not included:
Personal equipment (warm clothes, sunglasses, backpack, etc.)
Any type of insurance.
Other expenses not specified
RECOMMENDATIONS:
WHAT TO BRING?
Comfortable backpack (take into account everything you have to load)
Warm and comfortable clothing
Warm hat and gloves
Sleeping bag
Extra gloves (recommended)
(Highly recommended) rubber boots
Replacement light shoes for living in refuge
Waterproof jacket or poncho of water
Walking sticks (help super well)
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Bottle or Camelbak hydration system
Headlamp
Warm clothes for the refuge (protected in plastic bags)
Grooming Kit
Clothes to leave on the bus
Prices & Dates
Dates & Prices: To be determined / Contact us! ✓ Country / Location: Ecuador
Mountain Guide: Fernando Iza
Other dates / additional info:Contact us! Legend Booking-information EZZ - Single room supplement On this trip, places are still available. On this trip, only a few places left. This trip is sold out / closed.
On this trip, places are still available.
On this trip, only a few places left.
This trip is sold out / closed.
