Volcán Altar: Ecuador's Sublime Mountain

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Hike to the stunning Laguna Amarilla at Volcán Altar in Sangay National Park for an unforgettable Andean adventure.

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Volcan Altar

Volcán Altar, an extinct volcano within Sangay National Park, is a breathtaking trekking destination in the Ecuadorian Andes. Its iconic cathedral-like shape, formed by nine peaks surrounding a crater lake, offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for hikers.

A brief summary to Volcan Altar

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Volcan Altar.

Hire a local guide, as the route to the trailhead can be tricky and the weather unpredictable.
Prepare for muddy conditions; rubber boots are highly recommended.
Acclimatize to the altitude before attempting the trek.
Pack warm and waterproof clothing due to the changing weather conditions.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the crater lake and surrounding peaks.

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Getting There

Walking

The final approach to Volcán Altar involves a multi-day trek. Starting from Riobamba, take a bus to Candelaria, the closest town to the park entrance. From Candelaria, check in at the Sangay National Park ranger station. The trek to the Hacienda Releche refuge, the usual base for exploring the volcano, takes approximately 4-7 hours through muddy terrain. It is highly recommended to hire a guide in Riobamba for transportation and navigation. Expect to pay around $200-$300 per person for a 3-day guided trek, including transportation, meals, accommodation at the refuge, and park entrance fees.

Discover more about Volcan Altar

Volcán Altar, also known as Capac Urcu (Sublime Mountain in Kichwa), is an extinct stratovolcano located in Sangay National Park, about 170 km south of Quito. Once one of the highest mountains on the planet, a massive eruption approximately 500 years ago destroyed its summit, creating the unique altar-like shape it sports today. Nine major peaks, all exceeding 5,000 meters, form a horseshoe around a central basin with a crater lake, Laguna Amarilla (Yellow Lagoon).The volcano's peaks have religious names given by a German explorer, resembling a bishop, nuns, and friars around an altar. The highest peak, El Obispo (The Bishop), stands at 5,319 meters and is a sought-after climb for experienced mountaineers. While summiting El Altar is technically challenging and requires expertise, the trek to Laguna Amarilla is achievable for any fit hiker. The area is known for its unpredictable weather, often shrouded in clouds and fog, adding to the adventure.The trek to Volcán Altar is a remote experience, offering solitude and disconnection from the world. The landscape features multicolored lagoons, towering waterfalls, and pristine glacial lakes. The challenging hike, often through muddy trails, rewards trekkers with stunning views of the crater lake and the majestic Altar peaks.