Introduction:
Originally, Altar was higher than Cotopaxi until a gigantic ancient eruption destroyed the cone and the western wall. Today the crater lagoon is accessible and the remaining mountain consists of nine different peaks.

The semicircular shape of the Altar with the famous crater lake, Laguna Amarilla, in its center offers spectacular views while hiking. In the so-called Collanes plain, you will find untouched nature and, of course, an incredible view on the volcano itself, which continues to offer new routes to climb. 

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Itinerary:

DAY 1: Quito – Hacienda Releche
We will drive south from Quito , taking the Panamerican Highway , past the Avenue of Volcanoes . There will be a snack-break in the highlands, near the village of Mocha and then we will continue our journey towards the south until we reach the city of Riobamba In Riobamba , we will spend the night at the hostel, Hacienda de Releche , with an elevation of 3200 meters.

DAY 2: Hacienda Releche – Camp Collanes plain
After the breakfast we will hike approximately five hours along a marked path, which will lead us to the secluded Valley of Collanes at the foot of the Altar, where we will set up camp at 3900 meters.

DAY 3: Camp – Laguna Amarilla – Camp
We will climb to the rim of El Altar's interior crater (4200 m), from where we will see the Laguna Amarilla . In the afternoon, we will climb down to the lagoon and eat lunch before returning to camp.

DAY 4: Camp – Hacienda Releche – Quito
We will prepare our packs and start the four hour hike back to the Hacienda Releche , where the car will be waiting to take us back to Quito.

Optional Five Day Tour:
After the 3rd day: Camp – Laguna Mandur – Campamento Italiano - Camp From our camp we will hike to the exterior part of the crater, visiting the Laguna Mandur en route, and reaching the highest point of our trip, the Campamento Italiano , which is the base camp where climbers begin the ascents to the main peaks of the Altar. We will spend the night at camp and descend to the Hacienda Releche the following day.

Prices per person: By number of passengers   1 Pax 2 Pax 3 Pax 4 Pax 5 Pax 6 Pax 4 Day US$835 US$480 US$380 US$320 US$305 US$275 5 Day US$985 US$605 US$480 US$405 US$380 US$345

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