Altar Trekking from Releche y Collanes

Daily Tour

{:fr}Andes{:}{:es}Andes{:}{:gb}Andes{:} Tour Guide: Guide anglophone

Mini stay / English speaking guide
Region to visit : Andes

El Altar is located in Sangay National Park. It is an extinct horseshoe-shaped volcano, with a glacier whose vertiginous walls descend into the interior of the crater caldera.

Activities to do:
Hiking – Tourism and environmental discovery

Level Medium * From 570 $

Itinerary

El Altar is located in Sangay National Park. It is an extinct horseshoe-shaped volcano with a glacier whose sheer walls descend into the interior of the crater caldera. It is one of the most difficult mountains in Ecuador. The name Altar was given by the first Spaniards who explored it. Each summit also has its own name; from north to south they are: El Canónigo, Los Frailes, El Tabernáculo, La Monja Menor, La Monja Mayor, and El Obispo (5,320 m). From the Collanes Valley, the view of the volcano is spectacular and of great beauty.

This trek is carried out with mules and muleteers. No vehicle assistance will be available, so luggage must be limited to the strict minimum.
Excellent acclimatization to altitude is essential, as some nights will be spent between 4,000 and 4,100 meters.

Mules cannot carry excessive loads, so unnecessary weight should be avoided.

The daily snack will include a sandwich, sweet or savory crackers, fruit, a chocolate bar, and half a liter of energy drink.

Itinerary :

Day 1: BAÑOS – RELECHE – COLLANES VALLEY

From Baños we will head toward Penipe and the Releche hacienda, where the mules will be loaded. We will then begin the hike toward the Collanes Valley, crossing the páramo, small waterfalls, and rivers. Picnic during the day. Dinner and overnight stay in a mountain refuge.

Walking time: approximately 4 hours
Terrain type: high grass areas (páramo), dirt trails that may be muddy
Elevation gain: 800 meters

Day 2: AMARILLA LAGOON AND THE ALTAR CIRQUE

Breakfast. Hike toward Amarilla Lagoon and the Altar cirque. The scenery is spectacular: the lagoon’s waters change color depending on the sky, and the steep glacier walls create an almost unreal atmosphere in this mountain landscape. Picnic during the day. In the afternoon, return to camp. Dinner and overnight stay in a mountain refuge.

Walking time: approximately 5 hours
Terrain type: trails that may be muddy, sand and rocks inside the crater
Elevation gain: 600 meters

Day 3: COLLANES VALLEY – PENIPE – BAÑOS

Breakfast. Organization of gear and mules, then descent toward Penipe. Picnic and return to Baños.

Walking time: approximately 3 to 4 hours
Terrain type: dirt trails, possible mud
Elevation gain: 800 meters

Customize this trip :

Let us know your desire changes and suggestions and we´ll send you a proposal

Rates

Per person	570 $

The price includes :

Overnight stay in a mountain refuge, meals (bottled water)
English-speaking high-mountain guide
Transportation
Horses and muleteers on days 1 and 3

The price doesn't include :

Entrance to Releche hacienda – USD 10
Sleeping bag (rental USD 5 per day)
Rain poncho and waterproof pants
Personal equipment

Offers

Departures every day

Departures are confirmed with a minimum of 2 participants

Advices

This trek is carried out with mules and muleteers. No vehicle assistance will be available, so luggage must be strictly limited to essentials only.
In addition, excellent acclimatization to altitude is essential, as we will camp some nights at elevations between 4,000 and 4,100 meters.

Mules cannot carry excessive loads, so unnecessary weight should be avoided.

The daily snack will include a sandwich, sweet or savory crackers, fruit, a chocolate bar, and half a liter of energy drink.

Climate

The months of July, August, September, and January are recommended for this trek, although weather conditions cannot be fully relied upon due to current climate changes.

Required clothing

Gloves, hat, waterproof jacket and pants, thermal clothing, good trekking boots, and rubber boots.
Spare clothes for the evening (1 pair of pants, 1 fleece, socks, and dry T-shirts that will be carried on the mules during the day).
One extra pair of socks and one T-shirt per day (in case of frequent rain).
Rain poncho and waterproof pants in case of heavy rain.

Recommended personal equipment

Small backpack, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain poncho, and waterproof pants

Feedback

Download the technical file

Fiche technique du programme

Reservation

Altar Trekking from Releche y Collanes – 3 days