Trek El Altar 3 days

Trek El Altar 3 days is a 3-day trekking expedition into Ecuador's Sangay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the central Andes known for its páramo highlands, pristine lakes, and dramatic volcanic scenery. Starting from Riobamba, the route heads into the remote highlands around El Altar, a spectacular extinct volcano, camping in the wilderness and circuiting a series of high-altitude lagoons. Supported by guides, cooks, porters, and carrying mules, it's an immersive backcountry adventure far from the usual tourist trails.

Over three days you'll trek through challenging, often muddy páramo terrain, camp at Campamento Italiano, and explore a circuit of lakes including Mandur, Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon, and Star Lake, all set among rugged volcanic landscapes. The park's rich biodiversity offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. The terrain is demanding, with a 4–5 hour trek in on day one, so a good level of fitness and comfort with multi-day camping at altitude is important.

The price includes a guide, all meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast, and snacks), transportation, cooks, carrying mules, porters, and camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, and mats). Guests need to bring their own suitable clothing, rubber boots, and a rain poncho, and should budget for international airfare to Ecuador, arranged separately. Optional add-ons include round-trip transport from Quito and a Quito extension.

Location: Riobamba, Ecuador (trek in Sangay National Park, around El Altar).

Duration: 3 days.

Activity Type: Multi-day supported camping trek through high-altitude páramo, with a guide, cooks, porters, and carrying mules. Terrain is challenging and often muddy, with a 4–5 hour trek in on day one and a lakes circuit on day two. A good level of physical fitness and comfort with multi-day trekking at altitude is required.

Accommodation: Camping at Campamento Italiano (Days 1–2), using provided tents, sleeping bags, and mats.

• Trip Price: $475 per person
• Transport from Quito (add-on): $65 per person — round-trip transportation
• Quito Extension (add-on): $90 per person — airport pick-up and 2 nights accommodation in Quito prior to the trek

Deposit: $150 per person to reserve.

Day 1 — Riobamba to Sangay National Park

Depart Riobamba at 7:00 a.m. for a scenic 1-hour drive to Sangay National Park, registering at the park entrance before starting the trek. The 4–5 hour hike through the páramo highlands is challenging and often muddy, ending at Campamento Italiano. Settle into pre-prepared tents while porters handle dinner and explore the surroundings. Camp overnight at Campamento Italiano.

Day 2 — Lakes and Lagoons

After breakfast at camp, set out on the circuit of the lakes, encountering Mandur, Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon, Star Lake, and others nestled in the páramo highlands. Return to the campsite in the afternoon to relax before dinner. Camp overnight at Campamento Italiano.

Day 3 — Exit Sangay

After breakfast, dismantle camp and begin the descent out of the park, aiming to reach the registration point around midday to early afternoon. Drive back to Riobamba, enjoying a farewell lunch en route.

• Guia
• Alimentacion
• Transporte
• Cocineros
• Mulas de carga
• Porteadores
• Equipos de Camping

• Ropa adecuada
• botas de caucho
• Poncho de agua