From Quito: Antisana and Condor Watching Guided Day Trip
Pichincha, Ecuador
Visit Antisana Volcano on this guided day trip. Watch and enjoy the majestic Andean Condor flying around you, and other exotic creatures in their natural habitats, and see unforgettable landscapes!
Antisana Volcano Ecological Reserve Tour from Quito
This private tour explores the Antisana Ecological Reserve near Quito, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and high-altitude hikers.
Highlights
- Explore an off-the-beaten-path reserve featuring Ecuador’s fourth highest volcano.
- Photograph diverse wildlife from private transportation.
- Observe Ecuador’s largest wild community of Andean Condors.
- Experience a comfortable high-altitude tour with a knowledgeable guide.
- Enjoy a picnic amid tranquil natural surroundings.
Description
Antisana is a stratovolcano in Ecuador’s northern Andes, standing at 5,753 meters (18,874 ft). Located 60 kilometers southeast of Quito, its volcanic cone includes two peaks, with the older one shaped by glacial erosion. Your guide will pick you up at 7:00 a.m. from your Quito hotel and drive through the eastern mountain range to the village of Pintag. From there, you will ascend to the Ecological Reserve at 3,810 meters (12,500 ft).
At this altitude, you can expect sightings of eagles, carunculated caracaras, white-tailed deer, foxes, and the Andean Condor—the largest flying bird in the world and one of the planet’s rarest species, believed to have survived since the era of extinct megafauna.
You will hike along the Andean slopes to Lake Mica (4,050 m / 13,287 ft), a glacial lake from the last ice age. From here, enjoy views of the volcano and local water birds such as Andean lapwings, Andean gulls, Andean coots, Andean ducks, and black-faced ibis—species unique to Patagonia and Antisana Volcano in Ecuador.
After the hike, the tour continues downhill to Isco Canyon, home to condor nesting cliffs. Observe these birds in their natural habitat before enjoying a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Return to your hotel around 4:00 p.m.
Includes
- Private transportation
- Naturalist-certified English-speaking guide
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
Excludes
- Drinks
Important Information
- The tour operates rain or shine.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, bring layered clothing, sun protection, and water. The tour involves moderate hiking at high altitude, so allow time to acclimate in Quito before departure. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during high season.
