El Altar Hiking: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You
4.7
(14 reviews)
El Altar volcano is one of the most beautiful and least known places in Ecuador. Be the first to explore it!
Just 1 hour from the city of Riobamba, in the central region of Ecuador, is the trail to El Altar, one of the most impressive mountain adventures due to its unreal landscape. Visit the Cordillera Oriental de los Andes and its beautiful green spaces and crown the adventure with a wonderful panoramic view of the Yellow Lagoon at 4300 meters high. Check out our top hiking trips in El Altar volcano and hire your next mountain guide from Explore-Share.com!
Top hiking trips | El Altar
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4.8
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FAQs: Hiking in El Altar
What should I know about Hiking El Altar?
The route to El Altar’s main attraction, the Yellow Lagoon, is at a height ranging from 3500 to 4300 meters. For this reason, you should acclimatize for at least one or two days in the city of Riobamba.
Why should I choose El Altar for my Hiking adventure?
Capac Urcu Hut
After about 6 and 8 hours of hiking you will find this mountain hut, with good infrastructure and comfort. It is recommended that you check availability beforehand. The refuge offers several services such as mules, cooking and meals.
Yellow Lagoon
Legend has it that El Altar was higher than Chimborazo and that after its last eruption in 1490, its crater became a yellow lagoon. This lagoon is at 4300 meters and is one of the biggest rewards after a hard ascent.
Sangay National Park
The volcano is protected by this national park that is a World Heritage Site. It has more than 300 lagoons, two volcanoes in addition to El Altar and many forests where a great diversity of species survives without threats.
How can I get to El Altar?
First, you must reach the city of Riobamba and from there, take a bus to the "La Candelaria". It is the only public transport that makes the journey to the beginning of the trail, which lasts 1:30 hours.
When is the best time to travel to El Altar for Hiking?
The best months are those that correspond to the dry season, which runs from June to November.
What people are saying about Hiking | El Altar
I was very happy with our guide, Benedikt Arnold, who did a great job. He was much more positive than many of my previous guides and was prepared to take an (entirely justifiable) view on the weather, with very balanced judgement. I would happily use him again.
Ettiene took us on a wonderful trip in the stunning Dolomites. First day was rain and snow, Ettiene planned an alternative program in the First World War tunnels so we didn’t have to walk in the rain all day. The huts were nice and good food. The trip was a bit too challenging for our mother (65) but Ettiene helped her a lot by carrying her bag and securing her with a rope on the steep parts. Via ferratas were super cool, wonderful views. A tip for others: just go because it is great, but expect some serieus walking up is inclusief to get to the via ferratas.
Mike
Enrico Geremia was an excellent guide for our 1 day Rock Climbing adventure in Dolomites. He chose an excellent location, set up 2 top ropes for our large group to climb while he did several multi-pitch routes with between 1 - 4 climbers. Amazing location, great guiding thanks to Explore Share and Enrico.
Myrla
Jordi was a great guide!!! Thanks for a wonderful hike.
Corneliu
Great Experience, Great people! Everything went smooth and enjoyable from the first contact until the end. Great people who accommodated all our various needs in order to provide a wonderful, safe, and insightful experience! Thanks, Gauthier and Daniel we are looking forward to sharing some other adventures! Until next time!
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