Laguna Amarilla
A lake of colorful waters at the foot of the El Altar volcano, with one night of camping in the Collantes valley.
Description
Laguna Amarilla is at the northern end of the El Altar volcano, inside Sangay National Park. El Altar is widely visited for the lakes at its feet —Amarilla, Quindecocha, Estrellada, Verde, Azul, Mandur, Pintada and others—; the color of many of them comes from the minerals in the volcanic walls.
It is done over two days: on the first you hike to the Collantes valley, where camp is set up and you spend the night; on the second you set out early for the lake. There you can take photographs and, if you like, bathe in its waters.
What's included
Essentials
What you need to bring.
You bring it; it is not included. We also do not include anything not detailed under “What's included”.
Itinerary
Approximate times. Hiking times depend on the group's pace.
Meeting in Riobamba
We meet the Greenstep team at 6:30 am. We arrange the meeting point with you. We head to the province of Chimborazo.
Releche hacienda and hike
We arrive at the Releche hacienda, where the hike to the camping area in the Collantes valley begins. The hike takes about 6 hours on average, depending on the group's pace.
Camp, briefing and dinner
On arriving at the Collantes valley we set up the tents and give a short talk on camping and safety techniques. Dinner included and rest.
Laguna Amarilla
We head to Laguna Amarilla, at the northern end of the El Altar volcano. Time for photographs and, for those who like, a swim in its waters.
Return to Riobamba
After visiting the lake we return to camp, break it down and hike back to the Releche hacienda, the same point where we started. Round trip, about 28 km are covered on foot. From the hacienda we return by vehicle to Riobamba.
