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The Altar volcano (5.320 m) located in the Sangay National Park, is an extinct volcano shaped like a horseshoe after an immense eruption. The volcano is open on one side, its very sharp peaks reaching high up into the sky on the other-a truly amazing scene! The vertical walls of the volcano are covered with glaciers which hang from them.
These glaciers fall into the crater-lagoon on a regular basis. The wild and untouched nature around the Altar volcano is one of the most impressive regions for trekking in Ecuador. The volcano is situated about 30 km east of Riobamba.
Also located nearby is the Sangay volcano and many different colourful lakes.
From Quito it will take us about 5 hours by car to get to the Hacienda Releche.
We will put our luggage on to mules and after that we are ready to start our wonderful and unforgettable adventure! We will camp in the Collanes Valley and hike in the direction of the Lagoon Verde and Pinada which have been developed from the great amount of melted snow and ice of the mountain.
These two lagoons got their names based on the fact that they have various and strong colours from the different minerals in them.
The most beautiful lagoon is surely the yellow crater-lagoon, which is inside the volcano. Here you will find huge icebergs that have fallen down from the glaciers. The overwhelming beauty of the Altar volcano with its glittery ice top which gives a wonderful contrast to the deep green surrounding area is amazing for everyone!
Itinerary
Day 01: Quito-Hacienda-Releche
We will leave Quito early in the morning and travel by jeep south along the Panamerican highway to Riobamba. After that we head further southwest to the Hacienda Releche (3080 m). We spend the night here and will be able to enjoy our dinner and the cozy fireplace that the Hacienda has. -/L/D
Day 02: Hacienda Releche-Camping in the Collanes
After breakfast we will climb uphill and we will pass fields and varying vegetation until we reach the Collanes-valley. There we will set up our camp (3.800 m) and have a wonderful view towards the Altar mountain ridge. With some luck we can see gliding condors or hawks above. B/L/D
Day 03:Camp - Yellow Lagoon - Camp
We will continue our climbing tour and go to the beautiful yellow lagoon. After that we will climb to the end of the valley. This will give us an excellent opportunity to explore the Andean highlands with its Polylepis and Quishuar Trees, variety of bushes and typical flowers. During this climbing tour we will partly be walking along the steep edges of the crater (4.200 m) from which we will have a wonderful view inside. After we have had a nice long break at the shore of the lake we will continue our walk to the highest point (4.480 m). From there we will have a breathtaking view over the extinct volcano. In the afternoon we will return to the camp in the Collanes valley. B/L/D
Day 04: Camp- Northern part of the crater edge-Camp
A cross-country trip will take us through the Andean vegetation, moor region and rocky parts of the northern part of the crater edge. From there will have an amazing view over the snow-covered peak of Chimborazo, Sangay, Cubillin and Quilimias. If we are lucky we might be able to watch condors. In the afternoon we will return to our camp. B/L/D
Day 05: Camp - Hacienda Releche - Quito
On our way to the Hacienda Releche the luggage will be carried by mules. We will have a lunch break in between and in the afternoon we will return to Quito. B/L/-
Price 2007:
USD 760.- per person
Minimum 2 People.
In the price included:
Private transportation, English speaking guide, meals according to the itinerary, collective camp equipment such as dining tent, 1 or 2-people per tent, toilet tent, foam pad, tables, stools, kitchen gear etc., cook, pack animals, entrance National Park, lodging in hacienda.
Not included in the price:
International flight airport tax (USD 41.- per person), accommodation and food supply in Quito, personal equipment, tips, travel insurance.
What to bring with you:
Sleeping bag, sunglasses, sun block, rainwear, torch, hat, Trekking shoes, warm clothing, canteen, camera and film (100 ASA).
Note:
This program can also be made in 4 days, just cutting of the 5th day. The advantage of this trek is that there is a fixed campsite at 3800 m. and we provide all the necessary facilities; dining tent, and a comprehensive medical kit, a toilet tent, etc. just to make your stay a bit more comfortable. If people are tired they can stay at the campsite and do some alternative walks. If there are people showing signs of high altitude sickness, they can be easily and quickly brought back to Hacienda Releche.
If you need any additional information please write us:
Abraspungo Trekking - Antisana Trekking - El Angel Trekking - Piñan Trekking
Podocarpus National Park - The Inca Trail Tour - Trekking in the Cotopaxi & Illinizas National Park
Volcano Trekking - Volcano Multi Adventure - Cotopaxi Volcano Ride
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South America 
