Altar Volcano Trek: 3-Day Hike to Laguna Amarilla from Riobamba

Summary

Andean valleys, muddy boots and the wild silence of El Altar

You’ll trek muddy Andean trails from Riobamba up to Altar Volcano’s crater lake with a local guide and fellow travelers. Expect wet boots, simple nights at Collanes Refuge, hot meals after long hikes, and moments where even conversation stops at Laguna Amarilla’s edge. This is less about comfort than connection—to place, people, and yourself.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the mountain — it was the sound of horses snorting in the cold morning air outside the hacienda near Riobamba. Our guide, David, handed me a waterproof bag (“trust me, you’ll need this”) and grinned when I tried to pronounce “Collanes” with my accent. We loaded our gear onto the mules and started into Sangay’s wild green. The path was already soft and spongy underfoot — mud everywhere — but I didn’t mind. There was this smell of wet earth and eucalyptus that stuck with us as we climbed higher, and every so often you’d catch a glimpse of Altar Volcano through the mist like it was deciding whether or not to show itself.

I’ll be honest: six hours hiking sounds fine on paper until you’re actually doing it at over 3,000 meters. My socks were soaked before lunch. But there was something about walking in a group — swapping stories with Ana from Quito, listening to David point out tiny orchids hidden in the grass — that made it less about endurance and more about just being there. When we finally reached Collanes Refuge, I could feel my legs shaking but also this weird pride. Dinner tasted better than it probably was (hot soup after a day in Andean rain is magic). That night, I heard nothing but wind and someone’s quiet laughter drifting through the bunkroom.

The next morning started early — too early for my knees — but breakfast was strong coffee and bread still warm from somewhere nearby. The climb up to Laguna Amarilla is steep; sometimes you’re scrambling over slick rocks or sliding a bit on mud (I fell once, no shame). But when we reached that high platform at 4,300 meters and saw the yellow-green water filling Altar’s old crater… well, nobody said anything for a while. It just felt right to stand there quietly with everyone else, watching clouds move across the peaks. I still think about that view when I’m back home stuck in traffic.

Walking down on the last day felt lighter somehow — maybe because most of us were already talking about what we’d eat back in Riobamba or how many pairs of socks we’d ruined (answer: all of them). David kept making jokes about our “Andean spa treatment” courtesy of all that mud. By the time we got back to the hacienda for pickup, my boots looked like they’d aged ten years but my head felt clear. If you want a real Andean trekking tour — not just pretty pictures but actual weather and grit and laughter — this one’s worth every step.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Departure and hike to Altar Refuge

• Pickup from Riobamba hotel at 9:00 AM
• Drive one hour to hacienda in Sangay National Park
• Prepare equipment and mount horses
• Hike six hours to El Altar Refuge
• Dinner and overnight at Collanes Refuge

Day 2 — Hike to Laguna Amarilla viewpoint

• Breakfast at Collanes Refuge
• Walk through Collanes Valley to Laguna Amarilla
• Reach 4300 m viewpoint over lagoon
• Return to Collanes Refuge
• Dinner and overnight at Collanes Refuge

Day 3 — Return hike and drive to Riobamba

• Breakfast at Collanes Refuge
• Hike down to hacienda starting point
• Drive back to Riobamba
• Arrive in Riobamba around 2:00 PM

Top questions

How difficult is the Altar Volcano trek?

The trek is rated moderate to strenuous; expect 4–6 hours hiking daily over muddy trails and steep hills at high altitude.

Is accommodation included during the tour?

Yes, two nights are spent at Collanes Refuge in shared group accommodation.

Are meals provided on this trekking tour?

All meals are included—breakfasts, dinners at the refuge, plus filtered water, coffee and tea.

What should I pack for this hike?

Bring warm waterproof clothing, hiking boots, extra socks/pants (they’ll get wet), sunblock, sunglasses, water bottle & passport.

How high do you go on this trek?

The highest point is 4,300 meters above sea level at Laguna Amarilla.

Is hotel pickup included from Riobamba?

Yes—pickup from your accommodation in Riobamba is included each way by private transport.

Can beginners join this trek?

You need at least moderate fitness; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

Is this a private or group tour?

This is a shared group trekking tour; maximum group size is 12 people.

What’s included

Your three days include hotel pickup in Riobamba each morning by private transport out to Sangay park’s hacienda trailhead; bilingual trekking guide throughout; basic trekking equipment plus waterproof bags for mules; two nights’ stay at Collanes Refuge with all meals provided—breakfasts and dinners hot after long hikes—and plenty of filtered water or tea whenever you need it before returning to town mid-afternoon on day three.