Refugio

El Altar

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August 9th 2008
El Altar is an extinct volcano on the western side of the Sangay National Park, 170 km south of Quito. The Spanish named it as such as it resembled a huge cathedral to them. The indigenas call it Capac-Urcu, which means "Great Mountain" in Quechua. El Altar is one of the most challenging mountains in Ecuador and has a total of nine summits, all of which have church-related names. El Obispo ... read more

South America » Ecuador » Centre » Central Highlands

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The "Republic of the Equator" was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Colombia and Venezuela). Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A b... ... read more