El Altar Volcano Trekking!

Discover the Capac Urcu´s legend, which was the highest of all our mountains and enjoy one of the most incredible hikes in Ecuador.

For many of us, “El Altar” is the most beautiful among all the mountains in Ecuador, also called “Capac Urco”. Known by very few, for being considered one of the most technical. El Altar is a volcano, with an estimated last eruption in 1490. Its caldera, collapsed into several peaks arranged in a horseshoe shape, opens into the Collanes valley. In its crater we find the Laguna Amarilla, protected by a spectacular frozen mantle of hanging glaciers. The Incas called this volcano Capac Urcu, which means almighty mountain or majestic hill. The Altar has innumerable legends, one of this believed that it was higher than the Chimborazo and thanks to a natural phenomenon, it sank to its current shape. Dare to live one of the best natural experiences in all of Ecuador.

At a glance

What´s included?

• Private transportation,
• English-speaking guide
• Meals, as indicated in the itinerary
• Refuge accommodations or collective camping equipment (1 or 2-person tents, foam pads, kitchen gear, pack animals, etc.)
• Entrance fee to the national park
• One night of lodging at the hacienda
• Mules & porters (10 pounds each).
• Local taxes.

What to bring?

• Personal biosecurity Kit (mask, alcohol and antibacterial gel).
• Comfortable clothes for walking and warm for the night.
• Thermal hat and gloves.
• Rubber boots or trekking boots (if not wearing rubber ones).
• Light shoes for replacement at the refuge.
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
• Walking sticks or two cut-to-size broomsticks.
• Cap, glasses and sunscreen.
• Headlamp with extra batteries and mountain whistle.
• Personal hygiene kit and an extra change of clothes to leave on the bus.
• Sleeping bag or sleeping bag.

PAYMENT POLICY:

A deposit of 30% total invoiced for your trip is required to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance (70%) is required 30 days prior to the departure date. In cases of trips confirmed within 30 days of the departure date, payment in full is required for confirmation. You should receive confirmations with every payment you make.

CANCELATION POLICY:

• For cancelations of 30+ days before tour departure date, the full amount minus a cancelation fee of 10% will be refunded to the client.
• For cancelations between 21-30 days before tour departure date, a cancelation fee of 50% to the deposit paid will be charged.
• For cancelations less than 20 days prior to the tour departure date, full amount of the tour is charged with no refund.