This five-day trek is located in the stunning Sangay National Park - one of the best locations for high-altitude treks in the whole of South America. Named after the Sangay volcano, the National Park contains several other large peaks and some gorgeous glacial lakes - all within a few dozen miles of the city of Riobamba.
We will explore some of these glacial lakes as we head up from our base towards the skirts of the crater of the extinct Altar volcano. We will be rewarded with some breathtaking views across the crater and over to other nearby peaks in the "Avenue of the Volcanoes".
Quito to the Releche Hacienda
We will leave Quito early in the morning and travel by jeep south along the Panamerican highway to the town of Riobamba. From here we will head further southwest to the Hacienda Releche. We will be spending the night here and will be able to enjoy a traditional meal by the Hacienda's cozy fireplace
Collanes Valley
After breakfast we will have a series of gentle climbs uphill through fields and scrubland, until we reach the Collanes valley. Here we will set up our camp at 3.800m above sea level. The campsite has some fantastic views over towards the Altar mountain ridge and with a bit of luck we'll see gliding condors or hawks above us as we prepare our dinner
Yellow Lake
Today we will continue our climbing tour and travel to the beautiful Laguna Amarilla (yellow lake). First we will climb to the end of the valley so we are able to walk along the steep edges of the Altar crater for an unforgettable view down into the exploded crater. Then we will dip down to the Yellow Lake itself, with its waters given a distinctive colour due to the minerals carried down the slopes of the mountain. After we have had a nice long break at the shore of the lake we will continue our walk to the highest point (4.480 m), from where we have a breathtaking view over the extinct volcano. In the afternoon we will return to the camp in the Collanes valley.
Northern Altar crater
Today's cross-country trip will take us through the Andean vegetation of the moors of the northern part of the crater edge. From there will have an amazing view over the snow-covered peaks of Chimborazo, Sangay, and Quilimias. If we are lucky we might be able to see condors on their hunt. In the afternoon we will return to our camp.
Home sweet home!
This morning we will break camp and head back down the Collanes Valley on our way to the Hacienda Releche. We will have a lunch break at the Hacienda and then it's time to head back to Quito up the Pan-American Highway.