Quito - Antisanilla - Antisana - Tambo Condor

Reserva Chakana- Hacienda Antisanilla - Begin your adventure with a hotel pick-up at 5:30 am. This journey will take you through the stunning landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes. Depart Quito early for a one-hour drive east to Hacienda Antisanilla – Chakana Reserve, a 7,000-acre conservation area managed by the Jocotoco Foundation to safeguard the most significant population of Andean Condors in Ecuador.

Accompanied by a specialized guide, explore this reserve in search of the magnificent Andean Condor and the elusive Spectacled Bear, the only bear species in South America. From a prime vantage point, you may witness condors soaring at eye level and bears foraging among the Andean flora. The altitudinal range spans from 10,000 to 12,000 ft asl. Spend the day immersed in breathtaking highland scenery, observing condors (which should be plentiful!) and other beautiful birds like the Ecuadorian Hillstar feeding on the Chuquiraga, known as “the flower of the Andes.”

Antisana Ecological Reserve - After exploring the Chakana Reserve, proceed to Antisana National Park, where you can admire Ecuador’s fourth-highest peak, topped by the largest ice cap in the country. This area is renowned for its vast, pristine landscapes and the peace of being surrounded by nature, away from crowded tourist spots.

Next, visit the stunning “La Mica” Lagoon, a tranquil highland lake reflecting the majesty of the surrounding volcanoes. With a good spotting scope, your guide will unveil some of the most iconic wildlife of this important reserve. Alongside condors and bears, you might also see Andean foxes, white-tailed deer, and other high-altitude species inhabiting these dramatic páramo ecosystems.

After a fulfilling morning, head to Tambo Condor for lunch. In addition to its delicious cuisine, the restaurant offers a privileged view of the condor cliffs and excellent opportunities to observe several species of hummingbirds right from the terrace.

Cayambe Coca National Park - Guango Reserve

Parque Nacional Cayambe-Coca - Today, journey toward Papallacta Pass to explore different sections of Cayambe-Coca National Park, a high-elevation páramo with tundra-like scenery. On clear days, the views of the surroundings and nearby volcanoes are breathtaking; a stop at the pass is one of the best spots to photograph the snow-capped Antisana Volcano towering over the mountains below. Andean bears are among the most iconic and elusive mammals of Ecuador’s highlands and cloud forests. It is in the páramo northeast of Quito where you can increase your chances of encountering bears and other Andean wildlife, sometimes close enough for wonderful views and photographs. The area to visit encompasses the surroundings of Cayambe-Coca National Park, a natural feeding site where the presence of bears is frequent all year round. The páramo is rich in food sources for the bears’ primarily herbivorous diet; Puya plants are abundant in this ecosystem, also covered with grasslands, small bushes, and elfin trees.

Guango Lodge - In the afternoon, drive to Guango Reserve and walk the trails around the lodge to experience the beauty of the Andean temperate forest. Colorful mixed flocks with species such as Lacrimose and Hooded Mountain Tanagers, Blue-backed Conebill, and Black-capped Hemispingus can often be seen nearby. This is also a good place to find rarer species like the Mountain Avocetbill, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Andean Guan, and Northern Mountain Cacique. Along the Papallacta River, look for one of the most fascinating residents of fast-flowing streams—the Torrent Duck. Enjoy lunch and dinner at the lodge and spend the night at this peaceful refuge in the montane forest.

Quijos Valley Andean Eastern Slopes

Sumaco Galeras National Park - Embark on an unforgettable journey through the contrasting ecosystems of Ecuador’s Andean eastern slopes, from the windswept highland páramo to the lush green montane rainforest below. Discover where crystal-clear streams are born, flowing down from the Andes to feed the mighty Amazon Basin. This spectacular region forms a vital wildlife corridor and shelters one of the highest concentrations of biodiversity on the planet.

A dazzling variety of hummingbirds makes this day truly special. Visit gardens filled with flowers and feeders that attract a breathtaking number of species, offering close encounters and wonderful photo opportunities. After lunch, return to Quito, where you’ll be dropped off at the hotel of your choice.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Gratitudes / Tips
• Alcoholic beverages
• Equipment (binoculars and cameras) / Binoculars available for rent $20 per day

With the guidance of our skilled naturalists, discover the concealed beauty and rich biodiversity of Ecuador’s Andean slopes. Their extensive understanding of the landscape and wildlife will assist you in identifying some of the area’s most iconic species as you journey through a breathtaking transition of ecosystems—from the breezy highland páramo to the vibrant green montane rainforest, sculpted by pristine rivers.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.