Location : 5 hours to the south of Quito.
Altitude : Ranges from 900 to 5,320 metres.
Weather : Ranges from 0 to 20 degree Celsius.
Area : 270.000 hectares
Creation date : 1983
Accessibility : Accessible by road from Quito.

Description of Sangay National Park

Sangay National Park is one of Ecuador’s wildest sites that is still fairly easy to access by road. Three volcanoes dominate Sangay National Park, namely Altar (5,320m), Tungurahua (5,016m), and the Sangay (5,230m). The last two volcanoes mentioned are among the most active volcanoes in the world.
Sangay National Park is the ideal place to observe various species of animals such as the puma, spectacle bear, or the tapir. Besides, this park is a great place to admire the Andes condor.

Activities in Sangay National Park

Trekking and hiking:

– Altar trek (2/3 days)

: Accessible to everyone

: Regular walker

: Regular athlete

Ascents in Sangay Park

Altar Volcano 17.449 ft (5,320m): The ascent of Altar volcano can be done on three of its different peaks. The three summits are difficult and very technical climbs for which a rigorous acclimatisation course and good physical condition are both necessary.
(grade IV/D+)

Sangay Volcano 17.154 ft (5,230m): This volcano ascent is extremely difficult due to its approach walk that lasts up to 3 days. The permanent activity of this volcano prevents many mountaineers from rubbing shoulders with this volcano. The more courageous can attempt a trek of 7 days over a particularly rough and extremely muddy course, which also often has a thick fog. It is, without a doubt, one of the most difficult treks in the world.

Equipment needed : Mountaineer’s clothing, crampon shoes, crampons, harness, ice axe, and helmet.
Guide: Essential. The guide must be very experienced.

: Difficult ascent

Other activities :

– Horseback riding