Add dates

Reserva Ecologica Antisana

Reserva Ecologica Antisana: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Quito: Antisana and Condor Watching Guided Day Trip

1. From Quito: Antisana and Condor Watching Guided Day Trip

Antisana is a stratovolcano of the northern Andes of Ecuador. It is the fourth highest volcano of the country (5.753 m - 18,874 ft), and is located 60 kilometers southeast from Quito. It is a perfect volcanic cone, compound by two volcanic cones; the oldest one was eroded by an old glacier. Your tour guide will pick you up at 7:00 a.m. from your hotel in Quito, and then we will drive you straight through the eastern mountain range, until the village of Pintag, where you start to drive uphill way to the Ecological Reserve! At 3.810 meters (12,500 ft), you have big opportunities to spot very interesting fauna, like eagles, carunculated caracaras, white tail deer, foxes, and of course the majestic Andean Condor, considered the biggest flying bird of the world and one of the rarest species that probably had survived since the age of the mega beasts (10.000 years approx.)! You will take a hike through the Andean slopes until the Mica Lake (4.050 m - 13,287 ft), product of the end of the last ice age; in order to have a better view of the volcano and to watch beautiful water birds like Andean lapwings, Andean gulls, Andean coots, Andean ducks, and black-faces ibis, that curiously live in Patagonia and only in the Antisana Volcano in Ecuador! After your fantastic experience in the best condor's territory in Ecuador, you will drive again back downhill way to the Isco canyon, where the cliffs where condors nest are! Enjoying more views of these spectacular birds, we will have a traditional and tasty lunch at a local restaurant. You will be back in your hotel approximately at 4:00 p.m.

Antisana Volcano Private Tour: Condors & Andean birds Wat

2. Antisana Volcano Private Tour: Condors & Andean birds Wat

Drive to visit the Antisana Volcano (19500 ft), the most impressive Andean mount near Quito and sanctuary of wild Andean condor and other birds. Drive along the foothills of the volcano in order to reach a small village. From there drive up to reach the entrance of Hacienda Antisana. On this part of the road you can visualize the magnificent basaltic gorge of the Antisana Volcano. Driving into the hacienda and visiting the wetlands, see some species of paramo (tundra plants at 12000 ft.) Here you stop to watch interesting Andean birds like the Caranculated Caracara and Black Headed Ibis.  You also have the chance to see Andean rabbits (Silvilagus Brasiliensis) and white tail deer (Oidecoileus Virginianus). You can hike there and see the glacier of Antisana. Then drive up to the Micacocha Lake where you have the chance to watch Andean gulls and speckled teals, typical birds of the Andean water systems.  Enjoy a little hike through the marvelous Andean areas to observe and recognize the Andean important flora species like the cushion plant, ranunculo plants, gentians, and others. If you are lucky, and if the weather conditions are good, you will see Andean Condor. In the afternoon, drive back to Quito.

From Quito: Antizana Day Trip

3. From Quito: Antizana Day Trip

Starting early in Quito, be stunned by local flora and fauna as you follow the itinerary all the way to Antizana, a haven for wildlife towering over a vast nature reserve in an ancient and mountainous setting. Stop at Antisanilla view point to look for a cave with a condor's nest. If possible, glimpse a real condor majestically spreading its wings and swooping between the boulders. Spot cara cara curiquingue, black-faced ibis, or black-chested buzzard eagle, if possible. Also see deer and rabbits along the route. Stop and admire a lake which provides water for Quito. There is a nice path to enjoy the nature walking from the lake to a view point

Quilotoa Lagoon Private Tour from Quito

4. Quilotoa Lagoon Private Tour from Quito

Pick up from your hotel in Quito. Your guide will drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes and pass through the towns of Latacunga and Pujilí. Stop to visit an indigenous local house from the “Paramos” to learn about their traditions and way of life. After that, a short visit town of Tigua, famous for its naive paintings. Continue up to the Quilotoa volcano, where you will be able to descend to the lake located inside the crater or just walk around the crater. You will also be able to enjoy an unforgettable experience by kayak in the lagoon. Enjoy lunch and stand in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the highlands and traditional indigenous villages. Note: on Thursdays, Saquisilí Indigenous Market is optional

Other Sightseeing Options in Reserva Ecologica Antisana

Want to discover all there is to do in Reserva Ecologica Antisana? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Reserva Ecologica Antisana

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 5 reviews

guide was knowledgeable, talkative, friendly and very informative. lunch was outstanding and local. The guide promised to send me a condor photo he took which I could not capture, but I have not received as yet.