This area was named by the Spanish because it reminded them of an alter.
Two weeks ago I tagged along with a group that Daniela put together to hike to El Altar. Edwin and Mateo went also. It is a 20 kilometer hike back to the camp spot and another 2 kilometer hike up to the lake.
Daniela had done the trek two years ago. There was supposed to be 2 Kilometers of mud but it was more like 10 Kilometers. I knew they would have had to shoot me like a lame horse if I walked it so I hired a pony to ride. That still kicked my behind and many times the pony was knee deep in mud while going up and down the mountains. The ride in was way more dangerous than walking the way out even tougher. I was thrown off once on a steep downhill portion when the Choco decided to make a 90 degree turn on the way down. Landed on my backpack not my head.
It was a very beautiful spot and the weather was great. NO Rain just a little sprinkle in the evening. Woke up with ice on the tent. Everyone hiked up to the lake but I only made it half way and wisely turned back. I needed much better shoes than the rubber boots I was wearing. Also above 13,000 ft. was getting to me. If I had better shoes and took my time I think it would be great to try again.
The ride back was very tiresome and yes I was saddle sore.
I would like to spend more time just laying around and doing some day hikes in areas like this. To me after taking the time to get there I want to hang out for a while. The pictures don’t do the majestic beauty justice. I could of easily spent many days there even in the rain which it does most of the time. Not far to the Amazon from here.
I found another trail that is mostly downhill (right on). It starts at over 13,000 ft. and goes down to around 4000ft. that I want to check out in the future.
“ya all take care now, ya hear”
