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The Altar is a volcano whose collapsed caldera is formed by several peaks of rock and ice that makes a mountain circle 90 degrees around and how a very old Caldera cone opening to the West a large window with two my edges large, the right and left giving the formation of the valley called Collanes, forming one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes. During this hike and climbing will be the opportunity to enter into the valley Collanes where they cross rivers and a quirky and full plain beautiful scenery on all the way, continuing through the valley will continue up to find us with the famous yellow lagoon that is forming in the crater of the volcano now off and collapsed many years ago, from the edge of the lagoon you can be seen as the snowy peaks that give the viewer a wonder of nature in all its splendor with glaciers that hang from the bowels of emerging mountain appreciate the majestic peaks letting himself full of snow and ice.
The native name of this mountain is Capac-Urcu, means “Sublime Mountain,” and for good reason. You’ll see Andean valleys, rainforests, active volcanoes like Sangay and Tungurahua volcanos active peaks, and couples of shimmering lakes, including Laguna Amarilla, which is surrounded by the peaks of El Altar. We’ll climb to the highest peak, El Obispo with his summit is at (17,450 feet) via a variation of the classic Italian route. El Altar is the perfect climb for a mountaineer looking for a high-altitude alpine adventure in the legendary mountains of South America. EAI recommend acclimatizing on Ruco Pichicncha for the technical rock ride rote, Iliniza South for the optimal training to try to reach the high peak Obispo in the altar mountain.
Day 1: Riobamba- releche hacienda – Collanes camp.Start trekking to Valle of Collanes (6-7hours approx hiking up) we expect the mules or horses to take us heavy luggage to reach the shelter cabins located on one side of Collanes Valley. The luggage will be carried by carriers and mules. Dinner and sleep on a basic refuge. (B/BL/D).
Day 2: Collanes camp hike to Italian Camp.Today we can move around 9am to reach the base camp called Italian Camp. The first part is very steep until the ranges of a hill were can be the route to reach as the Italian camp. Approximately hike time is 7-8h to reach the Italian Camp. Setup the camp, rest and wait for dinner on the tents. (B/BL/D).
Day 3: Italian camp –Route recognizing and rest day.Prepare all the gear for the next heavy day climb. Tents. (B/BL/D).
Day 4: climbing day Obispo summit, back down Italian camp.Wake up at 2am equipment check-up, leave from the camp around 3am. If all goes well and with luck we reached the Obispo summit after 7-8h. On the flank we tahe for climbing the grads is around 60-70 on ice and rack to. Amassing climbing over the steeper route with mix snow, ice, rack make so different climbing experiences with the other mountains in Ecuador. It takes us for climbing around 12h up and down to. May more too…. Resting on Tents. (B/BL/D).
Day 5: Italian Camp hike down to collanes camp.We hike down for the same way we was reach the Italian Camp. Long day to reach the Collanes refuge, Tenst or refuge. (B/BL/D).
Day 6: Collanes camp, hike down to Hacienda Releche.Same way down to reach Hacienda R. were our car wait for as to drive back to Baños city or to Quito. Hotel Sierra madre. (B/BL)
Gore-Tex type jacket, Fleece thermals or worm fleece, Pair of light liner gloves, Balaclava or polypropylene cap, Wool or synthetic socks, Headlamp, Glacier glasses / dark sunglasses, Sleeping bag (20-30 degrees Fahrenheit), Backpack, Trekking Boots, Plastic climbing boots, crampons, gaiters, 3 pair outer socks, 3 pair liners, 2 pair long underwear, down jacket, Gore-Tex parka, worm pants, Gore-Tex pants or bib, worm gloves/mitts, Gore-Tex over mitts, cap/hat, helmet, ice axe w/leash, harness, 2 locking carabineers, some oval bineers, prussic slings/ascenders, ski poles, plastic garbage bags, compass, personal toilet/first-aid kit including drugs/sunscreen/chap stick, camera, and a two-liter poly bottle.