An amazing 6 days tour and trekking expedition on The Altar volcano in Ecuador, South America. This extinct volcano, reaching the height of  5320 m is situated in the Sangay National Park and is shaped like a horseshoe after an immense eruption. It is open on one side and has extremely sharp peaks on the other, offering a truly impressive scenery.

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An amazing 6 days tour and trekking expedition on The Altar volcano in Ecuador, South America. This extinct volcano, reaching the height of  5320 m is situated in the Sangay National Park and is shaped like a horseshoe after an immense eruption. It is open on one side and has extremely sharp peaks on the other, offering a truly impressive scenery.

The vertical walls of the volcano are covered with glaciers, while the wild and untouched nature around the Altar volcano forms one of the most interesting regions for trekking in Ecuador. The volcano is situated about 30 km east of Riobamba and approximately 170km south from Quito. The highest peak, El Obispo ("the bishop") was climbed the first time in 1963 by an Italian expedition led by Marino Tremonti. Due to its technically difficult ascent it was the last unclimbed 5000+ mountain in Ecuador and until today has been conquered only very few times.

For this reason, we kindly ask you to send us a list of the mountains you climbed in the last few years in order to make sure you are an experienced climber in rock as well as ice.

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Trip summary

  • Travel style Tailor-made travel
  • Departure Quito
  • End Quito
  • Countries
    • Ecuador
  • City
    • Riobamba
    • El Altar
    • Quito
  • Theme Adventure and trekking
  • Accommodation Standard
  • Flight Excluded
  • Guide Not Included
  • The tour has met our standards

Detailed itinerary

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  • 1
    Quito - Hacienda Releche
    Day 1

    Departure from Quito early in the morning and travel south along the Panamerican highway through the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” to Riobamba. Weather permitting, you can enjoy good views of the Altar massif along the way.

    After lunch the journey continues further southeast along a country road to the Hacienda Releche (3080 m). Accommodation and dinner at the Hacienda. Lunch and dinner included. 

    Visited places:
    • Quito
    • Riobamba
    Accommodation offered:
  • 2
    Hacienda Releche – base camp
    Day 2

    After a good breakfast the hike uphill to the Altar volcano begins, passing fields and different vegetation types of the paramo (Andean highlands) before reaching the Collanes-valley. You will cross the valley and the river climbing Gampala ridge.

    Descending the ridge you will reach Mandur Lagoon from where you will hike up Negra Paccha Ridge to the Italian Camp, where you will set up your base camp at ca. 4600m altitude. If you are lucky enough, you can see condors or hawks gliding through the sky on your way. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

    Visited places:
    • Riobamba
    • El Altar
  • 3
    Preparations – Altar climb
    Day 3-5

    During these days you will prepare yourself for the ascent and climb the Obispo Peak. You will either follow the Italian route or the Calvario route (Calvary route). It might be necessary to spend one day fixing ropes in the upper part of the glacier. The stunning beauty of the Altar volcano with its glittery ice top creating a wonderful contrast with the deep green surrounding area will be a well-deserved reward for all your efforts.

    The mountain is known for fast changing climate and a bivouac may be necessary – please bring the necessary equipment. During these days your porters will stay at the base camp, keeping contact with the climbers via radios and await you with a hot tea and a good meal when you come back to the camp. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. 

    Visited places:
    • El Altar
  • 4
    Base camp – Riobamba - Quito
    Day 6

    After breakfast you will break camp and start your hike back to the Hacienda which you will reach after ca. 6 – 7 hours. Transfer to Riobamba and on the Panamerican highway back north to Quito which you will reach in the night.

    If you prefer to stay this day in a place with hot thermal baths we can also bring you to Baños with no additional costs – hotel not included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. 

    Visited places:
    • El Altar
    • Quito

Photogallery

  • Ecuador El Altar volcano
  • Ecuador El Altar volcano view
  • Ecuador hike to the peak
  • Ecaudor hikers
  • Ecuador El Altar volcano in the distance

  • Prices and conditions
    Price includes
    • Private transportation
    • Qualified English speaking mountain guide(s)
    • Meals according to the itinerary
    • Collective camp equipment 1 or 2-pers. tents, foam pad, kitchen gear etc.
    • Cook
    • Porters
    • National park entrance fee
    • 1 night lodging in hacienda
    • Radios for communication between the climbers and the camp
    Price does not include
    • International flights
    • Accommodation and food supply in Quito
    • Personal equipment (Sleeping bag, sunglasses, sun block, rainwear, torch, hat, trekking shoes, warm clothing, canteen, camera and film, and complete personal climbing equipment including bivouac, ice screws and ice axe)
    • Tips
    • Travel insurance