Capac Urco, or ‘Exalted Mountain’ in Kichwa, is the most stunning of all snow-topped peaks in Ecuador. It offers an ideal location for hiking enthusiasts who have a love for nature. The journey comprises of a 12 km trek till you reach the ‘Collanes Valley’ which boasts immense biodiversity making it one of the most diverse regions in the nation. The trek continues on the following day towards the Yellow Lagoon, an unparalleled location to appreciate the breath-taking view of the glaciers that spill from the El Altar cliff edges.

• El Altar, also known as Kapak Urku meaning ‘The Mighty or Sovereign of the Mountains’, is revered as one of the most picturesque snow-covered peaks in Ecuador.

• Nestled within the volcano, its glaciers shape captivating lagoons. Some of the most significant among them are the Yellow Lagoon or Caldera, Blue, Green, Painted, and Mandur, to name a few.

• El Altar is a volcano in Ecuador where you can practice trekking and climbing, an interesting route to visit the lagoons. Find here the information of this tourist place near Riobamba in the province of Chimborazo. Description of the Tour Capac Urco, name in Kichwa or “Sublime Mountain”, the most beautiful of the snow-capped mountains in Ecuador. Perfect place for hikers who like nature. The walk is 12 km. until reaching the “Collanes Valley”, one of the most biodiverse in the country, to continue the next day towards the yellow lagoon; perfect place to enjoy an impressive view of the glaciers that hang from the walls of El Altar.  El Altar or Kapak Urku, which means, “The powerful or the lord of the mountains”, is considered one of the most beautiful snow-capped mountains in Ecuador.  Inside the volcano, its glaciers form magical lagoons. Among the most important we have: Laguna Amarilla or Caldera, Azul, Verde, Pintada and Mandur, among others. ITINERARY First day Departure from Baños 07:00 am. Estimated travel time by car, two hours and thirty minutes. 09:30 am Arrival at Hacienda Rey Leche. 10:00 a.m. Start of the walk. 01:00 p.m. Box lunch. 05:00 p.m. Arrival at El Altar refuge, Los Collanes valley. 07:30 p.m. Dinner. Second day 05:00 a.m. Refreshment. 5:30 a.m. Start of the walk. 08:00 a.m. Visit yellow lagoon. 9:30 a.m. Return to El Altar refuge, Los Collanes valley. 12:00 pm. Box lunch. 01:00 p.m. Return to Hacienda Rey Leche. 05:00 p.m. Arrival and return to the city of Baños de Agua Santa. Cost 170 USD per person Includes tourist ground transportation. Entrance to the Rey Leche farm. Certified guide. Photographs of the activity. Box Lunch. (food 4 meals) Lodging, El Altar refuge. Does not include additional drinks and snacks during the tour. Trekking clothing. Recommendations for climbing a mountain Warm and waterproof clothing, waterproof boots, hat, gloves and socks; field backpack, compass or GPS, flashlight, topographic map, water, food, sunscreen, first aid kit, whistle, poles and glasses.
• Infant seats unavailable
• No public transportation nearby
• Not recommended for people with heart conditions
• Not stroller accessible
• Not suitable for pets
• Not wheelchair accessible