El Altar Volcano |Trekking | Yellow Lagoon | Full Day

El Altar Volcano, nestled in Ecuador’s Chimborazo province, beckons adventurous travelers with a full-day trekking experience. Embarking from Baños, hikers can explore the enchanting Yellow Lagoon, surrounded by breathtaking alpine landscapes and glacial wonders. With a moderate fitness level required, this guided tour promises an immersive encounter with the region’s diverse flora and fauna. What awaits those who dare to venture into this natural paradise?

Key Points

• A full-day trekking experience to El Altar Volcano, featuring a hike to the breathtaking Collanes Valley and a visit to the stunning Yellow Lagoon.
• The trek is moderately challenging, covering a distance of 12 km and requiring a moderate level of physical fitness.
• The package includes ground transportation, entrance to the Rey Leche farm, a certified guide, box lunches, and lodging at the El Altar refuge.
• Recommended gear includes warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and other essential items for the alpine environment.
• The meeting point is at Explorjungle Tours en Chiva & Laundry Service Nicole in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, with flexible cancellation policies available.

Location and Description

El Altar Volcano, located in Chimborazo province, Ecuador, is known for its stunning landscapes and biodiversity.

Known as Capac Urco in Kichwa, meaning "Sublime Mountain," it features magical lagoons formed by glaciers, including Laguna Amarilla (Yellow Lagoon), Azul, Verde, Pintada, and Mandur.

Towering at an impressive elevation, this dormant volcano offers hikers the chance to witness breathtaking alpine environments, diverse flora and fauna, and the unique geological formations carved by centuries of glacial activity.

Trekking through this region promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts seeking to enjoy Ecuador’s remarkable mountain landscapes.

Itinerary

The trekking experience begins with an early departure from Baños at 7:00 AM, arriving at the Hacienda Rey Leche farm by 9:30 AM.

Trekkers then start the 12 km hike to the Collanes Valley, reaching their destination by 1:00 PM for a box lunch.

By 5:00 PM, they’ll arrive at the El Altar refuge, where they’ll have dinner at 7:30 PM.

The next day starts with a refreshment at 5:00 AM before trekking to the Yellow Lagoon, arriving by 8:00 AM.

After visiting the lagoon, they’ll return to the refuge by 9:30 AM and depart for Hacienda Rey Leche by 1:00 PM, reaching Baños by 5:00 PM.

Cost and Inclusions

The cost for the El Altar Volcano trekking experience is $170 per person.

This includes ground transportation, entrance to the Rey Leche farm, a certified guide, photographs, and four box lunches. Lodging at the El Altar refuge is also covered.

Hikers should bring their own additional drinks and snacks, as these aren’t included in the package.

The tour operator emphasizes that a moderate level of physical fitness is required, and the trek isn’t suitable for infants, pets, or individuals with heart conditions.

The experience is also not wheelchair accessible.

Recommendations and Requirements

Recommended gear for the El Altar Volcano trekking experience includes warm, waterproof clothing, waterproof boots, a hat, gloves, extra socks, a backpack, a compass or GPS, a flashlight, a topographic map, plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a first aid kit, a whistle, trekking poles, and sunglasses. Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the trek is challenging. The activity is not suitable for infants, pets, or individuals with heart conditions, and it is not wheelchair accessible.

| Feature | Requirement |

| — | — |

| Physical Fitness | Moderate level |

| Age Limit | Not suitable for infants |

| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible |

| Medical Conditions | Not suitable for individuals with heart conditions |

Meeting and Pickup Information

Explorjungle Tours en Chiva & Laundry Service Nicole, located next to Hotel Le Petite in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, serves as the meeting point for the El Altar Volcano trekking experience.

Adventurers will gather here before embarking on their journey to explore the magnificent landscapes of El Altar. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, providing a convenient and reliable starting and ending location.

Confirmation of the booking is received prior to the tour, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience begins, offering flexibility for participants.

About El Altar Volcano

Located in Ecuador’s Chimborazo province, El Altar Volcano, also known as Capac Urco in Kichwa, meaning "Sublime Mountain," is renowned for its captivating landscapes and diverse wildlife. This dramatic peak features magical glacial-fed lagoons, including the striking Laguna Amarilla (Yellow Lagoon), Laguna Azul, Laguna Verde, Laguna Pintada, and Laguna Mandur. Visitors can marvel at the volcano’s unique geological formations and abundant flora and fauna during their trekking adventure.

| Feature | Description |

|——–|————|

| Location | Chimborazo Province, Ecuador |

| Elevation | 5,319 meters (17,451 feet) |

| Nickname | Capac Urco (Sublime Mountain) |

| Highlights | Glacial Lagoons (Yellow, Blue, Green, Painted, Mandur) |

Highlights of the Trek

Along the trekking route, adventurers can enjoy the serene beauty of the Collanes Valley, where they’ll be surrounded by towering peaks, lush meadows, and crystal-clear glacial lakes.

The highlight of the trek is undoubtedly the visit to the stunning Laguna Amarilla (Yellow Lagoon), which boasts a mesmerizing hue and is fed by glacial meltwater.

Other notable sights include:

• The Laguna Azul (Blue Lagoon), known for its vibrant azure color

• The Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon), a hidden gem nestled among the mountains

• The Laguna Pintada (Painted Lagoon), a picturesque body of water with a unique multi-colored appearance

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit El Altar Volcano?

The best time to visit El Altar Volcano is during the dry season, typically from June to September, when the weather is mild and the chances of clear views are highest.

Can I Extend the Trek to Explore More of the Area?

Yes, the trek can be extended to explore more of the area. Visitors can add an extra day to visit additional glacial lagoons like Azul, Verde, Pintada, and Mandur, allowing for a more comprehensive experience of El Altar Volcano’s stunning landscapes.

Are There Any Cultural or Historical Sites Along the Trek?

There are ancient Inca ruins and ceremonial sites along the trek to El Altar Volcano, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Hikers can explore these historical landmarks as part of the overall trekking experience.

Can I Rent Equipment On-Site or Do I Need to Bring My Own?

The tour doesn’t provide rental equipment, so hikers need to bring their own gear. This includes warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and other recommended items for the trek. Checking the gear list is essential to ensure a comfortable, safe experience.

Is It Possible to See Wildlife During the Trek?

Yes, it’s possible to spot wildlife during the trek. The El Altar volcano trek passes through diverse ecosystems, and trekkers may catch glimpses of Andean foxes, Andean condors, and camelids like alpacas or vicuñas in their natural habitats.

The Sum Up

The trek to El Altar Volcano and the Yellow Lagoon offers an unforgettable adventure in Ecuador’s stunning landscapes. Hikers can expect a scenic journey, guided support, and the chance to enjoy nature’s beauty. With moderate fitness required, this full-day excursion from Baños provides an opportunity to explore diverse flora and fauna amidst breathtaking alpine vistas and glacial lagoons.