Located on the western edge of Sangay National Park in Équateur, deep in the Andes 170 km south of Quito, Altar is an extinct stratovolcano. It is the highest mountain of Urku. Though imposing, this volcano remains little-known to tourists, promising you a trek in tranquility far from the crowds.

History

Mount Altar was first summited on July 7, 1963 by Marino Tremonti Ferdinando Gaspard and Claudio Zardini. At that time, these two explorers reached the peak of Obispo, Altar's southern summit. Discovered in 1972, Fraile Grande was the last crater to be climbed.

According to Inca legend, the volcano's summit collapsed around 1460 after 7 years of activity. The last tragedy occurred on October 13, 2000. More than 1.5 million cubic meters of volcanic rock from the Obispo summit collapsed at over 16,400 feet altitude and triggered a massive debris flow. This swept through the Collanes valley, killed nearly 13 people, and destroyed virtually all infrastructure in the valley.

Today

Altar volcano rises above 16,400 feet. It is a large stratovolcano (Ecuador's highest mountain) of Pliocene-Pleistocene age with a broken caldera to the west.

Altar is a name given by the Spanish because of its shape, which resembled two nuns and four friars listening to a bishop around a church altar. It comprises nine peaks ranging between 17,060 and 17,390 feet. The mountain features Obispo to the south, Monja Grande to the southeast, Monja Chica to the east-southeast, Tabernáculo to the east, and Fraile Beato to the east-northeast. On the northern side, the mountain includes Fraile Central, Fraile Grande, and Canónigo.

Weather in the Altar region is unpredictable and changes rapidly. The most favorable period to visit is between December and February. During these months, clouds are fewer and dissipate quickly. Trekkers can thus enjoy and admire the volcano without hindrance.

For indigenous peoples, the volcano mountain bears a different name. It is known as Capac-Urcu, meaning "sublime mountain." The mountain sits in a unique setting overlooking stunning Andean valleys, pristine forests, and active volcanoes. It is part of the Sangay National Park. At the summit lie several volcanic lakes, including the famous Laguna Amarilla, named for its emerald green color.

Climbing Altar

Climbing Altar is no easy feat and is reserved for experienced hikers and trekkers. The trail begins at the small village of Candelaria, located 15 km southeast of Penipe. You'll cross several muddy paths before reaching rocky trails, sometimes snow-covered.

The difficulty of the ascent is rewarded by the incredible panoramic views that unfold before your eyes at the summit.

Don't forget sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and trekking poles.

Altar volcano is approximately one hour by bus from Riobamba. From this city's eastern terminal, three to four buses depart each week, with two leaving on Saturdays for Candelaria.