Hacienda Releche has a monopoly over the trail to El Altar, and they act as such. The trail itself is a muddy mix of dirt, mule excrement, and human garbage. It seems they make no effort to take care of the trail.
They will also charge you in advance for what THEY feel is right. So for example, if they feel demand is high they will charge you for a two night stay in their refuge even if you are only planning to stay one night . The same is true for their mule service, they will charge you in advance and then decide which days the mules can make the trip to bring back your things. Personally, I had to bring back the things from the refuge that the mule took to the refuge because otherwise I would have had to leave my things in the refuge. In all, their behavior is ridiculous.
Having said this, El Altar is amazing. So I guess dealing with Releche's absurdities is worth it. Perhaps your best bet would be to take camping equipment yourself and camp away from the refuge.
Un lindo lugar para pasar con la naturaleza
Hermoso lugar y la atención de primera
Excelente lugar
Un lugar muy bonito y acogedor. La atención de sus propietarios es muy amable y personalizada. Importante escuchar sus recomendaciones basadas es la experiencia para disfrutar plenamente del Altar.
De aquà se parte hacia el conglomerado volcánico del Altar, al campamento base en el valle artesiforme de Collanes. La caminata es de 14 kilómetros por vÃa, se recomienda hacerla con tiempo seco.
Nice place
Clean
Muy hermoso lugar, difÃcil el ascenso pero los paisajes premian el sacrificio.