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.

External link

• Photos
• Altar: Etymology
• Photographs of the Andes