TREKKING

El Altar & the Yellow Lagoon

The sunrise with no rival in Ecuador.

1.6725° S, 78.4106° W — 4,200 M

TREKKING

El Altar & the Yellow LagoonGuided expedition · Ecuador

Trek to El Altar and camp beside the Yellow Lagoon at 4,200 m, in the crater of one of Ecuador's most spectacular extinct volcanoes. PEAKS is the only operator that camps right at the lagoon, giving you a sunrise over the water that, in our view, has no rival in the country.

The trek follows the Collanes valley to the amphitheatre of jagged peaks that ring the lagoon. We camp in 4-season tents with hot drinks and a full briefing, then wake for sunrise before trekking out on day two.

This guided El Altar trek suits hikers with good fitness who want a wild, high-altitude camping experience away from the glaciers. Horses are recommended to carry gear on the approach.

The details

Expedition facts

4,200 m / 13,780 ft

Altitude

1.6725° S, 78.4106° W

Coordinates

2 days / 1N

Duration

Grade B (trek) · Moderate

Grade

5–7 hrs trekking to camp

Daily activity

Best June–September (drier); year-round with proper gear

Season

Meeting point

Riobamba (pickup)

Starting from

Enquire for prices

Good hiking fitness and warm, waterproof clothing to prevent hypothermia at the camp. Trekking poles and knee support are recommended; horses are advised to carry gear on the approach.

Request a quote ›

The plan

Itinerary2 days / 1 night

Day 01

Hotel pickup in Riobamba
Drive to the El Altar trailhead near Candelaria (Releche).
Collanes valley trek
Trek up the valley (horses recommended, not included).
Yellow Lagoon camp (4,200 m)
Set up 4-season tents at the foot of El Altar.
Briefing and sunset
Hot drinks, briefing and sunset over the lagoon.

Day 02

Sunrise at the lagoon
Wake for the sunrise over the Yellow Lagoon.
Breakfast and viewpoint
Breakfast and an optional viewpoint walk.
Break camp
Pack up and begin the trek out.
Return to Riobamba
Trek to the trailhead and drive back to Riobamba.

Transparency

What's included

Included

Certified guides
Hotel pickup and transport from Riobamba
Permits
4-season tents and camping gear
Hot drinks
Photography
Training support

Not included

Meals
Horses on the approach (recommended)
Personal clothing and waterproofs
Sleeping bag and insulation mat (available from Peaks)
Travel insurance

Good to know

FAQ

What makes this trek unique?

PEAKS is the only operator that camps right at the Yellow Lagoon (4,200 m), so you experience sunrise over the water from inside the crater.

Do I need mountaineering experience?

No. This is a high-altitude trek, not a glacier climb, but you need good fitness and proper cold-weather gear.

Should I hire a horse?

We recommend it. Horses can carry gear on the approach, which makes the trek far more enjoyable at altitude.

How do I book and what does it cost?

Prices are quoted on request. Enquire on WhatsApp and confirm with a non-refundable deposit.