Antisana Condor Sanctuary & Hummingbird Observatory day trip

Your pick up is from the hotel (As a recommendation, we suggest staying at Hacienda Jimenita or in nearby areas, as it is conveniently located along the route and will help you save travel time when heading to the reserve). We leave the busy city behind and enter a peaceful rural area where locals live from small-scale farming and traditional agriculture. As we continue along a scenic winding road, you’ll pass green pastures, barley fields, and grazing cattle, while Andean cowboys (chagras). The route offers spectacular views of the Eastern Andes, with snow-capped peaks and wide open valleys that define Ecuador’s highland beauty. Our destination, Antisana National Park, is a true paradise for birdwatchers, hikers, and nature photographers. The park protects unique Andean wildlife, including condors, caracaras, white-tailed deer, and many other species that thrive in this pristine ecosystem.

The Andean Condor is one of the most iconic birds and a national symbol of Ecuador. With an impressive wingspan that can reach 3.3 meters (10.8 feet), it is among the largest flying birds in the world. These majestic scavengers use air currents to glide effortlessly across the Andean mountains, often covering great distances without flapping their wings. Feeding mainly on carrion, they play a vital ecological role in keeping the environment clean. The Antisana National Park is one of the best places to observe the Andean condor in Ecuador, making it a true birdwatching hotspot and a must-visit destination for wildlife and nature lovers. To enjoy an even better experience on this Condor tour, we recommend bringing binoculars and a camera with a good telephoto lens. Don`t forget to bring an extra battery and memory card for your camera, otherwise you will miss the oportunity of capture spectacular Andean species.

Antisana National Park; Anden Ibis meadow and surrounding areas: During our stop at the Antisana Grassland, we may encounter one of the rarest birds, the Andean Ibis. Other species you may also see include the Cinereous Harrier (possibly observed along the way), Variable Hawk, Carunculated Caracara, Tawny Antpitta, Paramo Pipit, Ash-breasted Sierra Finch, Plain-capped Ground Tyrant, Chestnut-winged Cinclodes, Aplomado Falcon, and others. In this area is the Mica lagoon, which is a vital source of water for Quito. We suggest bringing warm clothing, as we will be in a high-altitude area with possible drizzle and wind typical of the Andes.

We will enjoy a panoramic view of the Antisana Volcano from the main road. This magnificent and historic place will remind us that it was once visited by renowned naturalists, explorers, and scientists centuries ago. The volcano was first visited by the naturalist explorer Alexander Von Humbolt in 1802. The volcano tops out 18,713 feet high being the fourth highest peak on the Middle of the World country. The last eruptive process occurred between 1590 to 1600. The area is dominated by the imposing Antisana Volcano, offering panoramic views and a dramatic backdrop to the Andes landscapes. The diverse ecosystems within the reserve, including páramos and glaciers, create a visually striking experience

On the way back, we can take a break to have lunch at Tambo Condor. This place has a viewpoint from where you can see the Andean Condor's nest. A great opportunity to observe condors once again from this location, as they return to rest after exploring the mountains in search of carrion. Also, there are feeders which are frequently visited by different species of hummingbirds such as the Shining Sunbeam, Giant Hummingbird or rarely the place is visited by the Black Tailed Trainbearer and the Andean-Tit spaintail. After this, we will return to Quito city.