Altar Volcano Trek 5 Days Tour

After picking you up from your hotel in Quito, we head southbound on the Route of Volcanoes. Glimpse head-turning views of volcanoes such us Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui, Pasochoa, Illinizas, and Tungurahua as we drive the four hours towards Riobamba. Stopping for pictures and to dine on delicious Ecuadorian cuisine we will spend the rest of the afternoon preparing for our trek and strolling through the quant little town of La Candelaria at the foothills of the trail. Known as the portal to some of the toughest summits in the region, La Candelaria is the nation’s best-kept secret. Here is the starting point for adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiast alike due to its proximity to a variety of activities such as hiking, climbing, horseback riding and nature photography. Filled with charming homes, fertile farmland, and some of friendliest people you will ever meet this town will surely capture your heart.

Journey down a beaten horse-track though the Ecuadorian Paramo—a lush eco system under the snow line of high elevation peaks. Brimming with evergreens and a rainbow of blooming flowers this ecosystem hosts a variety of wildlife that, with some luck, we will spot on the trail! Along the way our guide will point out some of this colorful flora including the fiery-orange Chuquiraga, stunning pink Gentian, and the starry Plantago rigida that line the trail. This trek is demanding as much of the path is muddy and we will provide rain boots. Passing over glacial creeks and through towering walls of intertwined plants we are accompanied by the calming Andean breeze. Although this trek will take about five hours and is relatively tough you will be happy to know that you only need to bring water, your camera, and a smile! Horses and mules of the families in the area will follow us with our other belongings.

Greeted by the haze of the rising sun through the valley we head up through the rocky foot hills of El Altar to two equally stunning lagoons: Mandur and Azul. The first, although the smallest of the two, packs a real punch as, on a clear day, you can see the never-ending layers of mountains from this point that appear likes waves in the distance. On the way we will be on the lookout for white tail deer, Cara-caras, Andean lapwins, eagles, hawks and other species that are typical in the Paramo. Our second stop of the day is to the royal blue waters of the Blue lagoon where we will picnic while enjoying the landscape before heading back to the campsite.

The main attraction of the trek awaits us after a healthy breakfast. Directly upward from the Collanes valley we will trek into the crater of the Altar volcano to Laguna Amarilla. Named for the seven peaks that line it forming what appears to be an altar, this regal structure was formed by an eruption that caused the caldera to collapse. Stand and marvel at the beauty of the seven peaks: Los Frailes, El Canónigo, La Monja Mayor, La Monja Menor, El Tabernáculo, El Obispo y El Acólito. Standing each at over 17,000 feet. El Obispo is considered the most technical in the country and is a popular spot for professional rock and ice climbers to test their skills. If you are up for a real challenge, a refreshing dip into the chilly waters of the lagoon might be right up your ally. According to the locals, those who dare to enter the frigid waters are blessed by the volcano and the Pachamama. We will have lunch beside the lagoon; explore a bit more; and then head back to basecamp.

Today we will pack out before heading back down the trail and then drive back to Quito.