ALTAR VOLCANO LAKES IN SANGAY NATIONAL PARK
Trekking 4 Days / 3 Nights


This hike traverses the southwestern foothills of the Altar Volcano inside the Sangay National Park until arriving at the Italiano, or Italian, campsite at 4.670 m /15.322 ft, the closest scenic overlook of the Altar peaks until we reach them. During the approach, we must cross a gorge in order to reach the Mandur mountain chain, where it opens itself up to a spectacular view of the mountain lakes: Estrellada, Verde, Negra and Mandur, which are surrounded by mountains such as Chimborazo, Carihuairazo, Sangay, Tunguragua, Quilimas and Cubillin, making this one of the most aesthetically beautiful hikes of Ecuador!


Technical Information:

Estimated Time of Route	4 days
Physical Level	( ) low ( ) low- average (x) average ( ) average-high ( ) high
Technical Level	(x) low ( ) low- average ( ) average ( ) average-high ( ) high
Maximum Elevation	4.670 m / 15.322 ft
Minimum Elevation	3.600 m / 11.812 ft
Departure	La Bocatoma
Arrival	La Bocatoma

Main Attractions:

• The Altar Volcano
• Mandar, Estrellada, Negra and Azul Lakes
• View of Chimborazo, Tungurahua, Carihuairazo, Sangay, Quilimas and Cubillin Mountains
• Typical flora and fauna of the Sangay National Park
  
  

Itinerary

Day 1
9:00 Departure from the Hotel
Travel passing the Volcano Avenue until we get to Riobamba
13:00 Welcome Lunch in Riobamba
14:00 Travel to Sangay National Park
17:00 Arrive to Bocatoma, one of the entrances to the National Park
Time to relax on a small house in the entrance on the National Park
19:00 Dinner time
(L/D)

Day 2
8:00 Breakfast time
Get ready before hiking
Prepare equipment and separate the gear that will be carried by the mules
10:00 Start of the hike
Walk for 4 to 5 hours until arriving at the Ventanas campsite
First stop will be in the river crossing, an ideal place to enjoy the landscapes created by the gorge and the beautiful rocky peaks
Next stop will be in a Polilepis Forest, to rest and eat a snack under the large branches
13:00 Arrival to Ventanas campsite
Serve ourselves a small snack
Set up camp/settle into cabins
Rest time
19:00 Dinner time
(B/BL/D)

Day 3
8:00 Breakfast time
Get ready before hiking
9:30 Start of the hike
Ascend to the Mandur mountain chain
Make stops along the entire hike to be able to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery that this day has to offer
12:30 Arrival to scenic overlook of the Italiano campsite
Enjoy the spectacular views and learn the names of the Altar peaks
Box Lunch
13:30 Start of return hike to campsite
16:00 Arrival to camp site
Rest time
19:00 Dinner time
(B/BL/D)

Day 4
7:00 Breakfast time
Take down camp and get ready for the journey of the day
Separate the gear that will be carried by the mules
8:30 Return hike to Bocatoma
12:30 Finish hiking
Get changed and ready for the return to Quito
13:00 Start return trip to Riobamba
15:30 Arrival to Riobamba
Eat a delicious lunch in this city
16:30 Return to Quito
20:00 Arrival to Quito
(B/BL/D)

ALTAR VOLCANO LAKES IN SANGAY NATIONAL PARK Trekking 4 Dias / 3 Noches

Booking

Price Includes:

• Private and safe round-trip transportation
• Specialized and bilingual guides trained in First Aid
• Entrance to Sangay National Park
• Porters and pack mules
• Personal camping equipment: tent, sleeping pad, plate, cup, and spoon
• Group camping equipment: camping stoves, cooking gear, etc
• Healthy and nutritious food : 3 breakfasts (B), 3 box lunch (BL), snacks and fruit for the days, 3 dinners (D) with hot drinks and 2 lunch (L) in Riobamba
• Supply of fresh, clean water in the campsite

Price does not include:

• Extra sports drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips
  

What to bring:

• A large 50-liter backpack and a small 20-liter backpack. In the backpack or large duffle bag, put all of the gear in plastic bags because it will be carried by the mules and will only be accessible once at the campsite. The small backpack is for carrying the gear that will be necessary to have while hiking.
• Comfortable, warm clothing
• Rubber boots (recommended) for the hikes and comfortable shoes for the campsite
• Change of clothes and shoes, taking into consideration three days of camping
• Thermal gloves and hat
• Rain jacket
• Sunglasses, hat with visor and sun screen
• Hygienic supplies
• Sleeping bag
• Headlamp
• 1 bottle or thermos to bring hot drinks on the hike
• Camera