El Altar
From Freepedia
| El Altar | |
|---|---|
| Elevation: | 5,320 m (17,454 ft) |
| Coordinates: | 1°40′ S 78°25′ W |
| Location: | Ecuador |
| Range: | Andes |
| Type: | Stratovolcano |
| First ascent: | 1963 |
| Easiest route: | rock/ice climb |
El Altar is an extinct volcano on the western side of Sangay National Park in Ecuador, 170 km south of Quito. Spaniards named it as such as it resembled a huge cathedral to them. The Inca called it Capac-Urcu, which means King mountain.
A technically demanding climb, December through February are the best months to attempt an ascent.
