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Ecuador

El Altar Trek

Visit the majestic Altar Nature Reserve with its impressive collapsed crater and yellow lake located within the most stunning paramo scenery in all of Ecuador. This little known and breathtaking trek will give you the opportunity to spot the evasive Andean Condor as we explore this mysterious region of the Andes.

DAY 1, DRIVE TO RIOBAMBA
We will drive south from Quito to Riobamba where we go off-road heading east to the Hacienda Releche, a dairy farm where we will enjoy lunch. Here we will be able to observe the locals working with their cattle and horses. Our trek begins at the hacienda taking us through cultivated fields of potato and lima beans surrounded by beautiful mountains in the Altar foothills. Today we reach our base camp. (L,D)

DAY 2, ALTAR VALLEY
After a wholesome breakfast, we will hike up the valley to 3,900 m. We will be able to observe the incredible changes in vegetation due to the increased altitude. Some of the more striking flowers we will find will be the Andean Orchid, the beautiful Chuquirahuas and Muyas that flowers only in grassy paramo fields. In the evening, we will organize our equipment, have dinner and then hear tales and legends from the local Indigenous people. (B,L,D)

DAY 3, LAGUNA AMARILLA
After breakfast, we will hike upwards for approximately 4 hours to 4,200 meters where we will reach the extinct crater known as Laguna Amarilla. Vertical walls and amazing glacier formations surround this incredible yellow lake. Later in the afternoon we will trek back to our camp. (B,L,D)

DAY 4, RETURN TO QUITO
Today we will use mules to help us carry our equipment from our camp to the Hacienda Releche. Our transportation will be waiting to drive us back to Quito. (B, L,)

Can start on any day.

2011 PRICE PER PERSON: 2 people = US$684, 3 = $529, 4 = $449, 5-9 = $398, 10+ = $339
2012 PRICE PER PERSON: 2 people = US$719, 3 = $555, 4 = $471, 5-9 = $417, 10+ = $357

INCLUDED: Private transportation, accommodations and camping equipment, bilingual certified guide, meals as specified.
NOT INCLUDED: Entrance to national parks, beverages in hotels, tips and extras.

IMPORTANT FACTS:
LEVEL: Moderate to Challenging
TRAVEL TIME: 4 hours to/from Riobamba.
TREKKING TIME: 4 to 7 hours each day
SEASON: All year, best during full moons
ALTITUDE: 3000 m. to 4500 m.
SUGGESTED: warm cloths, sun block, cap-gloves, flashlight, boots, rain and overnight gear.
Detailed packing list upon request.