Laguna Azul
A lake at the foot of the El Altar volcano, with one night of camping beside its waters.
Description
Laguna Azul is at the foot of the El Altar volcano, inside Sangay National Park. El Altar is widely visited for the lakes at its feet —Azul, Amarilla, Quindecocha, Estrellada, Verde, 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 from the Bocatoma to the camping area beside the lake, where camp is set up and you spend the night; on the second you begin the return. There is time to take photographs and videos of 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 in Riobamba at 6:30 am; we arrange the exact point with you. We head to the Bocatoma, in the province of Chimborazo, where the hike begins.
Hike to Laguna Azul
From the Bocatoma we hike to the camping area beside Laguna Azul. Horses and muleteers carry the camping equipment. The hike takes about 6 hours on average, depending on the group's pace.
Camp and safety briefing
On arrival we set up the tents and give a short talk on camping and safety techniques.
Time at the lake
Time to take photographs and videos of the waters of this beautiful lake. Then dinner is included, and rest.
Return hike
After breaking camp we begin the return hike to the Bocatoma. From there we go back by vehicle to Riobamba.
