Trek El Altar

Trek El Altar – The Altar, is an extinct volcano.  within Sangay National Park, surrounded by multicolored lagoons, giant waterfalls, and glacial lakes.

It was once one of the tallest mountains on the planet until a giant eruption destroyed its summit over 500 years ago and created its famous cathedral altar shape of 9 peaks around a crater lake.

There are two treks you can do to El Altar – an overnight trek to the “yellow lagoon” crater lake in the middle of the extinct volcano, or the other spectacular 3-day hike that climbs the green valleys carved by glaciers into the mountainous terrain full of waterfalls and multi-colored glacial lagoons inside Sangay National Park.

The highest point in the trek reaches the 4,800-meter snowline below El Altars glacial peaks where we will see silver, orange, and blue lagoons as well as spectacular views of Chimborazo and Sangay in clear weather.

Trek El Altar Accommodation:

Mountain Refuges and Camping sites are used, depending on the request of the clients, for Yellow lake we suggest to always request refuge, as weather in Altar can be very unpredictable, as for the lagoons of altar we make this trip on request, this is an exclusive camping trip in the most remote areas of Sangay National Park, This last option is not for beginners, and needs experienced trekkers or outdoors people to be more enjoyable.

The lagoons of Altar: 

This is a spectacular 3-day hike that climbs the green valleys carved by glaciers into the mountainous terrain full of waterfalls and multi-colored glacial lagoons inside Sangay National Park, Star Lake, Green Lagoon, Mandur Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, End of the World Lake

Pricing:

• 2 Days $225 
• 3 days $375 
• 4 days $475

Once a month we run a special excursion at 50% off check confirmed dates here

This trek is als a great option for aclimatization prior climbing Cotopaxi or Chimborazo.