El Altar volcano, Extinct volcano in Sangay National Park, Ecuador.
El Altar is an extinct volcano in Sangay National Park consisting of nine separate peaks that surround a central crater lake called Laguna Amarilla. The lake sits at approximately 5,319 meters elevation and is ringed by steep, snow-covered slopes.
The mountain's summit collapsed during a massive eruption more than 500 years ago, fundamentally transforming its original volcanic structure. This catastrophic event created the current multi-peaked configuration rather than a single cone.
The local Kichwa name Kapak Urku means Lord of the Mountains in their language. This peak holds deep cultural significance for regional communities as a sacred place.
Visitors should bring sleeping bags, sunglasses, sunscreen, trekking shoes, rain gear, and warm clothing due to rapidly changing weather conditions. The area is demanding in terms of altitude and variable climate, so proper preparation is essential.
The refuge at Hacienda El Releche provides basic shelter powered by solar energy and serves as a staging point for hikers. This remote guesthouse supplies water and meals to adventurers heading toward the crater lake.
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