Camp on the shore of the Yellow Lagoon at 4,200 m.
The Yellow Lagoon (Laguna Amarilla) sits in the very heart of the crater of El Altar (Capac Urcu), an extinct volcano inside Sangay National Park, in the province of Chimborazo. It is a glacial lake whose striking yellow-green color comes from the minerals washing down from the crater walls. This is a fully guided high-altitude camping trip, run start to finish by PEAKS with certified mountain guides.
The trek starts at 3,000 m and climbs through the Collanes valley to a high camp at 4,200 m, right in front of the lagoon and at the foot of the amphitheater of peaks that crowns the crater. PEAKS is one of the very few operators that camps at the lagoon itself, which means waking up to a sunrise over the water that, in our view, has no rival in Ecuador. We use four-season tents, keep hot drinks flowing, and run a full briefing before you turn in.
It is the ideal trip for hikers in good physical condition who want a wild, high-altitude experience away from the glaciers. Pack mules carry the gear on the approach, and on day two, weather permitting, you can take a Wim Hof plunge in the lagoon before heading back down.
Good physical condition for high-altitude hiking, plus warm, waterproof clothing to guard against hypothermia at camp. Trekking poles are recommended, and we suggest using the pack mules to carry your gear on the approach. Attending the training sessions is mandatory.
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