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A two-day guided trek from Baños into the Collanes Valley and up to Laguna Amarilla (Yellow Lagoon). Expect high páramo, glacier-sculpted lagoons, and simple refuge accommodation — best for hikers comfortable with altitude and variable weather.
A two-day guided trek from Baños into the Collanes Valley and up to Laguna Amarilla (Yellow Lagoon). Expect high páramo, glacier-sculpted lagoons, and simple refuge accommodation — best for hikers comfortable with altitude and variable weather.
You step from the bus into thin, cold air and the broken teeth of El Altar fill the horizon — sculpted ridges, hanging glaciers and a bowl of glacial lagoons waiting below. The walk begins on cow-swept hacienda trails, climbs into high páramo, and finishes at Los Collanes refuge where the mountain’s walls dwarf the sky.
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Operated by Special holiday offer. Best of Ecuador | Tour Operator - Explorjungle · Riobamba, Chimborazo
You step from the bus into thin, cold air and the broken teeth of El Altar fill the horizon — sculpted ridges, hanging glaciers and a bowl of glacial lagoons waiting below. The walk begins on cow-swept hacienda trails, climbs into high páramo, and finishes at Los Collanes refuge where the mountain’s walls dwarf the sky.
Geologically El Altar is an eroded volcanic complex: summits collapsed long ago to leave a caldera ringed by exposed stratified rock and shelves of glacier-fed lagoons such as Laguna Amarilla (Yellow Lagoon). The Kichwa name Kapak Urku, “lord of the mountain,” hints at indigenous reverence; local haciendas and shepherds still shape the human landscape here.
Expect two days of hiking: roughly 12 km of trail on day one into Collanes Valley, an overnight at the refuge, and an early ascent to the Yellow Lagoon on day two for close glacier views. Terrain alternates between steep, grassy slopes and rocky scree; footing can be wet and wind-exposed. Weather shifts fast — sun can give way to wind-driven cloud and snow.
Practical guidance: acclimatize in Baños or Riobamba before you go, carry layered waterproof clothing, and use sturdy waterproof boots and poles for loose sections. Bring at least 2–3 liters of water, high-energy snacks, sun protection, and a basic first-aid kit. Guides manage logistics, refuge bunking, and box lunches; still, be ready for basic conditions at altitude and variable weather. The payoff is intimate glacier lagoons and a mountain that feels alive — demanding but deeply rewarding for prepared hikers.
challenging.
2 days.
Good cardiovascular fitness and experience with sustained uphill hiking at altitude (3,000–4,000 m) is recommended.
The main approach to Collanes Valley is about 12 km of trail on day one, with an early-morning ascent to Laguna Amarilla on day two; expect several hours each day depending on pace and conditions.
No technical climbing gear is required for the standard trekking route to the Yellow Lagoon, but hikers should be comfortable on steep, rocky, and potentially snowy terrain at altitude.
Yes — the itinerary includes an overnight at El Altar refuge in Los Collanes valley with basic sleeping facilities and meals provided by the operator.
Most groups depart Baños early by road; travel time to Hacienda Rey Leche is roughly 2–2.5 hours before the trailhead.
El Altar’s collapsed caldera and hanging glaciers reflect volcanic eruptions and glacial sculpting; local Kichwa communities have named and used the mountain landscape for centuries.
This high-altitude ecosystem is fragile; stick to trails, pack out waste, and follow refuge rules to minimize impact on peat bogs and glacial-fed streams.
Special holiday offer. Best of Ecuador | Tour Operator - Explorjungle operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step from the bus into thin, cold air and the broken teeth of El Altar fill the horizon — sculpted ridges, hanging glaciers and a bowl of glacial lagoons waiting below. The walk begins on cow-swept hacienda trails, climbs into high páramo, and finishes at Los Collanes refuge where the mountain’s walls dwarf the sky.
You step from the bus into thin, cold air and the broken teeth of El Altar fill the horizon — sculpted ridges, hanging glaciers and a bowl of glacial lagoons waiting below. The walk begins on cow-swept hacienda trails, climbs into high páramo, and finishes at Los Collanes refuge where the mountain’s walls dwarf the sky.
Geologically El Altar is an eroded volcanic complex: summits collapsed long ago to leave a caldera ringed by exposed stratified rock and shelves of glacier-fed lagoons such as Laguna Amarilla (Yellow Lagoon). The Kichwa name Kapak Urku, “lord of the mountain,” hints at indigenous reverence; local haciendas and shepherds still shape the human landscape here.
Expect two days of hiking: roughly 12 km of trail on day one into Collanes Valley, an overnight at the refuge, and an early ascent to the Yellow Lagoon on day two for close glacier views. Terrain alternates between steep, grassy slopes and rocky scree; footing can be wet and wind-exposed. Weather shifts fast — sun can give way to wind-driven cloud and snow.
Practical guidance: acclimatize in Baños or Riobamba before you go, carry layered waterproof clothing, and use sturdy waterproof boots and poles for loose sections. Bring at least 2–3 liters of water, high-energy snacks, sun protection, and a basic first-aid kit. Guides manage logistics, refuge bunking, and box lunches; still, be ready for basic conditions at altitude and variable weather. The payoff is intimate glacier lagoons and a mountain that feels alive — demanding but deeply rewarding for prepared hikers.